Flexible Membrane Implant for Cerebral Aneurysm Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endovascular treatments for cerebral artery aneurysms at the craniocebral base are hindered by the lack of flexible, non-permeable stents, as available covered stents are not flexible enough for navigation and non-covered stents, while permeable, cannot disconnect aneurysms from blood circulation effectively.
Innovation Solution
A biocompatible plastic membrane implant, shaped like a cylinder or cylinder segment, is developed to be deployed with non-covered stents, featuring flexible modules and self-erecting clasps for stabilization, allowing it to bridge and disconnect the aneurysm from the bloodstream.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If covered stents are used to disconnect aneurysms from blood circulation, then the aneurysm isolation function is achieved, but the flexibility and ease of navigation into diseased vessel segments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The covered stent is divided into two separate components: a non-covered stent for navigation and delivery, and a membrane implant for aneurysm isolation. The membrane is folded and introduced through the non-covered stent, then deployed to create the barrier while the stent remains in place for structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane implant is nested within the non-covered stent during delivery. The folded membrane is introduced through the stent structure, allowing both components to be delivered through a single catheter system while maintaining flexibility during navigation.
2Ease of operation
If non-covered stents are used to improve flexibility and navigation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the ability to disconnect aneurysms from blood circulation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The non-covered stent and membrane implant are combined into a single delivery system. The stent provides the flexible delivery platform and structural support, while the membrane provides the isolation function. Both components work together to achieve complete aneurysm disconnection.
Solution Approach 2:
The non-covered stent acts as an intermediary device that facilitates the delivery of the membrane implant. It provides the flexible delivery platform needed for navigation, then serves as a scaffold for membrane deployment and eventual permanent fixation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the membrane implant is made rigid to maintain cylinder shape, then the structural stability is improved, but the flexibility for endovascular delivery deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane implant transitions from a flexible, folded state during delivery to a rigid, self-supporting cylinder after deployment. The membrane is introduced in a flexible folded configuration through the catheter, then expands to form a stable cylindrical structure that maintains its shape in the deployed position.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane is formed into a cylindrical shape with inherent curvature that provides structural stability. The circular cross-section and curved surface of the cylinder create a self-supporting structure that maintains its form without requiring rigid materials, allowing flexible delivery.
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
The membrane implant effectively bridges and disconnects the aneurysm from the bloodstream, providing the functionality of a covered stent while avoiding the inflexibility issues, ensuring secure placement and blood stream isolation.
Implementation Method 1
Such a clasp may be made of a material having shape-memory properties, e.g. nitinol
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a membrane implant (1) for treatment of cerebral artery aneurysms (10), wherein the implant can be implanted endovascularly into vessel segments (2) at the craniocerebral base of pathological (aneurysmatic) dilation (10) and, in combination with a stent, bridges the diseased vessel segment (2) from inside and disconnects it from the blood stream, wherein the membrane implant (1) comprises a biocompatible plastic membrane in the shape of a cylinder or a segment of a cylinder.