Single-Lumen Microcatheter Side Holes Plug Formation Reflux
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current catheter designs for treating brain arteriovenous malformations face challenges such as difficulty in forming a proximal plug, reflux of embolic agents, and prolonged procedural times, leading to suboptimal treatment and increased radiation exposure.
Innovation Solution
A single-lumen micro-catheter with side holes or a hydrogel coating near the distal end, combined with valve technology, allows for targeted delivery and formation of a plug proximal to the embolic agent, preventing reflux and enabling effective distal penetration of the lesion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single-lumen micro-catheter is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to simultaneously execute multiple tasks (such as delivering embolic agent and forming plug) is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The single-lumen catheter is segmented into distinct functional zones: a delivery zone with side holes for embolic agent delivery and plug formation, and a distal zone for final embolic delivery. This segmentation allows one catheter to perform multiple tasks sequentially, resolving the contradiction between simplified structure and procedural efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter enables preliminary plug formation at the delivery site before final embolic delivery. The side holes allow embolic material to be delivered and form a plug proximal to the distal tip, preparing the site for subsequent definitive treatment. This preliminary action maintains efficiency while using a simpler single-lumen design.
2Reliability
If embolic agent is delivered distally, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but reflux of embolic agent along the catheter occurs
Solution Approach 1:
A plug formed from embolic material delivered through side holes acts as an intermediary barrier. This plug is positioned proximal to the distal tip and prevents reflux of subsequently delivered embolic agent while allowing the agent to reach the distal treatment site effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug is formed in advance before final embolic delivery. By delivering embolic material through side holes first to create a plug, the system prepares a barrier that prevents harmful reflux during subsequent distal embolic delivery, resolving the contradiction between treatment effectiveness and reflux prevention.
3Ease of operation
If traditional catheter designs are used, then procedural simplicity is maintained, but procedural time is prolonged and radiation exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single-lumen catheter is designed with multi-functionality, combining embolic delivery, plug formation, and reflux prevention in one device. The side holes enable the catheter to perform multiple functions that traditionally required separate devices or steps, reducing procedural time and radiation exposure while maintaining ease of operation.
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
This design facilitates faster plug formation, reduces procedural time, and minimizes X-ray radiation exposure, resulting in more effective and safer embolic agent delivery.
Implementation Method 1
it has a thin layer of hydrogel adhered along the entire circumference of the catheter. The hydrogel can be such that it expands after a certain amount of time exposed to blood, or with a certain electrical magnetic signal, or with infusion of a certain triggering liquid
Implementation Method 2
Liquid embolic agents are the preferred embolic material in endovascular treatment of pial and brain arteriovenous malformations and dural arteriovenous fistulas
Data Source
AI summary
A nonlimiting method for injecting embolics utilizing an optimized “plug and push” technique, using a device having side holes which creates a plug upstream of the distal-most portion of said micro-catheters and thereby ameliorates the suboptimal outcomes associated with creating a plug upstream of a distal end hole via injecting embolics only at the distal-most portion of said catheters.