Micrograft Delivery System for Intracranial Aneurysm Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices for treating intracranial aneurysms face challenges in achieving high packing densities, rapid clotting, and tissue ingrowth while maintaining flexibility and ease of delivery, with existing solutions often compromising on one objective at the expense of others, and lacking effective retrieval and repositioning capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A vascular micrograft with a non-expandable, absorbent polymeric structure featuring a textile construction with a series of peaks and valleys, capable of capillary action, and a delivery system that allows for secure advancement and retrieval, utilizing a crimped braid design for enhanced flexibility and thrombogenicity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If polymeric resins or injectable materials are used to fill the aneurysm sac, then the aneurysm can be filled and thrombosis can be achieved, but the materials are difficult to control in dispersion and cannot be retrieved if improperly or excessively delivered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the discarding and recovering principle by designing a micrograft that can be deliberately discarded (left in place to provide permanent occlusion) or recovered (retrieved via the delivery system) based on procedural needs. The micrograft's engagement structure with the delivery system allows for controlled retrieval if improper placement occurs, while also enabling permanent implantation when appropriate, thus providing flexibility in the discarding/recovering decision process.
2Reliability
If mechanical vaso-occlusive devices like balloons are used to fill the aneurysm, then effective filling of the aneurysm sac can be achieved, but the device is difficult to retrieve, cannot be visualized unless filled with contrast, has the possibility of rupture, and does not conform to varying aneurysm shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The micrograft is constructed with a flexible polymeric structure that can conform to varying aneurysm shapes and sizes. The flexible material allows the device to adapt to the irregular geometry of different aneurysms while maintaining structural integrity, eliminating the rupture risk associated with balloons and the visualization limitations of non-contrast-filled devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The micrograft design enables both permanent implantation and retrieval depending on procedural requirements. The engagement structure with the delivery system allows for controlled retrieval if improper placement occurs, providing versatility that balloons lack.
3Reliability
If fibered coils are used to fill the aneurysm, then thrombosis can be promoted, but the coils are difficult to introduce into tortuous vessel sites less than 3 mm in diameter due to stiffness and high coefficient of friction
Solution Approach 1:
The micrograft employs parameter changes by transitioning from a compressed, low-profile state during delivery to an expanded, high-surface-area state upon deployment. This parameter transformation allows the device to navigate tortuous vessels in a compact form while providing sufficient thrombogenic surface area when deployed, solving both the deliverability and thrombosis promotion requirements.
4Ease of operation
If non-expandable braided structures are used, then the device can be delivered through catheters, but the structures are stiff and difficult to track via catheter or risk injury to the vasculature
Solution Approach 1:
The micrograft utilizes a flexible polymeric construction that can be advanced through catheters in a low-profile state while minimizing vascular injury risk. The flexibility of the material allows smooth navigation through the vasculature without the stiffness-associated hazards of metal braided structures, yet maintains deliverability through standard catheter systems.
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 micrograft achieves high packing densities, rapid clotting, and tissue ingrowth while maintaining flexibility, allowing for secure delivery and retrieval, effectively treating intracranial aneurysms without damaging surrounding tissue.
Implementation Method 1
A vascular micrograft with a non-expandable, absorbent polymeric structure featuring a textile construction with a series of peaks and valleys, capable of capillary action
Data Source
AI summary
A system for delivering a vascular implant into a body lumen including a vascular implant having a first engagement portion at a proximal portion and an elongated delivery member having a second engagement portion at a distal portion releasably engageable with the first engagement portion. An elongated member extends through the delivery member wherein in the extended position the elongated member extends into at least a portion of the implant to prevent release of the implant from the delivery member and in the retracted position the elongated member enables release of the implant from the delivery member.