Jointless Wire Form Device for Vascular Obstruction Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical devices used for accessing remote body regions, such as the cerebral vasculature, face challenges in assuming a reduced profile for delivery due to joints and connection points, which hinder navigation and increase the risk of failure or embolization.
Innovation Solution
A 'joint-less' device constructed from diverging wires that form various shapes, allowing for a compact and smooth configuration, enabling delivery through small catheters and reducing the risk of breaking or embolization, with features like self-expanding capabilities and adjustable friction modes for obstruction removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If joints and connection points are used to form device shapes, then device structural integrity is improved, but device profile is increased and navigation capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple wire members that can be independently formed and then interconnected through looping. Each wire member can be formed into specific shapes (loops, arches, etc.) separately, then joined by passing through each other to create connection points without requiring traditional joints or welds, thus maintaining a compact profile while achieving structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The wire members are designed to nest within each other when in a low-profile configuration for delivery through catheters. Upon deployment, the wires expand outward to form the functional device shape. This nesting allows the device to assume a reduced profile for delivery while achieving a larger functional profile at the target site.
2Strength
If joints and connection points are used to form device shapes, then device structural integrity is improved, but device reliability is reduced due to potential failure locations
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses multiple separate wire members that are interconnected through simple looping rather than traditional joints. Each wire member remains largely continuous with minimal connection points, reducing potential failure locations. The looping connection method creates redundant pathways, so if one connection point fails, the device structure can still maintain integrity through alternative wire pathways.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional device construction with joints is used, then device functionality is achieved, but ease of delivery through microcatheters is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The wire members are designed to nest within each other or within a delivery catheter in a compressed, low-profile configuration. During delivery, the wires remain constrained within the catheter lumen. Upon deployment at the target site, the wires expand outward to assume their functional three-dimensional shapes, achieving full device functionality while maintaining ease of delivery through the microcatheter.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions dynamically between two states: a low-profile nested configuration for delivery and a expanded functional configuration for operation. The wire members are designed to be flexible and adaptable, allowing them to be compressed into the catheter for delivery and then expand to form the intended device shape at the target site, providing adaptability throughout the delivery and deployment process.
Data Source
AI summary
The devices and methods described herein relate to jointless construction of complex structures. Such devices have applicability in through-out the body, including clearing of blockages within body lumens, such as the vasculature, by addressing the frictional resistance on the obstruction prior to attempting to translate and/or mobilize the obstruction within the body lumen.