Intravascular Filter Delivery Apparatus with IVUS Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current intravascular filter delivery methods for the inferior vena cava (IVC) are cumbersome, requiring fluoroscopic guidance and multiple procedural steps, which can be time-consuming and risky, especially for trauma patients, and lack efficient retrieval mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A delivery apparatus incorporating an intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) transducer for real-time guidance during filter placement and retrieval, allowing for bedside procedures and reducing the need for fluoroscopic suites, featuring a sheath, IVUS transducer, guide wire cannula, and dilator for precise filter deployment and verification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fluoroscopic guidance is used for filter delivery, then placement accuracy is improved, but procedural complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fluoroscopic guidance (mechanical/radiological system) with ultrasound imaging guidance (acoustic system). The ultrasound transducer provides real-time imaging during filter delivery, eliminating the need for fluoroscopy while maintaining placement accuracy through direct visualization of the filter and IVC anatomy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an ultrasound transducer as an intermediary device that facilitates filter delivery by providing real-time imaging. This intermediary enables the operator to visualize the filter position and IVC anatomy without requiring complex fluoroscopic equipment or multiple procedural steps.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If fluoroscopic suite is required for filter delivery, then imaging capability is improved, but accessibility and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes fluoroscopic imaging with portable ultrasound imaging. This replacement allows the procedure to be performed at the patient's bedside using standard ultrasound equipment already present in most clinical settings, eliminating the need to transport patients to specialized fluoroscopy suites.
3Measurement precision
If multiple procedural steps are used for filter delivery, then placement precision is improved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous real-time visualization throughout the entire filter delivery process using ultrasound imaging. This continuous feedback allows the operator to perform all necessary steps (catheter insertion, filter deployment, position verification) in a single continuous action without requiring patient repositioning or multiple imaging modalities, thereby reducing procedural time while maintaining precision.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables safer, more efficient, and cost-effective placement and retrieval of IVC filters with improved visualization and reduced procedural complexity, allowing for bedside procedures and higher confidence in filter positioning.
Implementation Method 1
the use of an intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) transducer
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 3~5A
Figure 6
AI summary
A delivery apparatus for introducing an intravascular filter into a body vessel of a patient includes a sheath defining a lumen, an intravascular filter positioned in the lumen, an ultrasound transducer positioned to the application side of the intravascular filter, a guide wire cannula and a tip located at an application side end of the delivery apparatus.