Micro Vascular Plug for Scalp Arteriovenous Fistula Occlusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for scalp arteriovenous fistula (AVF) are invasive, time-consuming, and associated with risks and complications, necessitating a more effective and less invasive solution.
Innovation Solution
The use of a Micro Vascular Plug (MVP) for percutaneous insertion into the fistula under fluoroscopic guidance to occlude the abnormal connection between arteries and veins, employing a self-expanding nitinol mesh that can be deployed through a microcatheter to block blood flow, combined with additional procedures like contrast-enhanced MRI and use of pediatric sheaths and coils for secure placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional surgical excision or ligation is used to treat scalp AVF, then the fistula can be effectively treated, but the procedure becomes invasive and time-consuming with higher risk of complications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs embolic agents as intermediary substances that are delivered through a catheter to the fistula site. These agents (coils, particles, or liquid embolics) act as mediators to occlude the abnormal vascular connection without requiring direct surgical intervention, thus resolving the contradiction between effective treatment and minimally invasive approach
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical surgical system (scalpels, sutures, clamps) with a percutaneous catheter-based system. The embolization procedure substitutes direct mechanical surgical manipulation with controlled delivery of embolic materials through flexible catheters, reducing invasiveness while maintaining treatment effectiveness
2Reliability
If traditional surgical methods are used for scalp AVF treatment, then the fistula can be occluded, but the procedural time is extended and recovery is slower
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the occlusion function from complex surgical procedures and concentrates it in a single percutaneous embolization step. By removing the need for extensive surgical dissection, suturing, and postoperative recovery, the procedure achieves vascular occlusion through direct catheter-based delivery of embolic agents, significantly reducing procedural and recovery time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the treatment into a minimally invasive percutaneous approach rather than a single prolonged surgical procedure. The embolization can be performed in stages if needed, allowing for controlled occlusion while minimizing overall procedural time and patient downtime
3Reliability
If conventional embolization materials are used, then the fistula can be treated, but the ability to navigate tortuous anatomy is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes highly flexible catheters with thin-walled constructions that can navigate complex and tortuous vascular anatomy. The catheter's flexibility allows it to conform to the vessel's natural curves and angles, enabling delivery of embolic agents to difficult-to-reach fistula locations while maintaining procedural reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic, adaptable catheter systems that can change their configuration to match the vascular anatomy. The catheters are designed with dynamic flexibility, allowing them to bend, curve, and navigate through tortuous vessels, thereby enhancing adaptability to various anatomical presentations while achieving reliable fistula occlusion
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 method provides a minimally invasive, safer, and faster treatment option with permanent vascular occlusion, reducing procedural time and complications, and is particularly effective in tortuous anatomy, offering a promising tool for critically ill patients with complete occlusion of the fistula as demonstrated by follow-up angiography.
Implementation Method 1
The Micro Vascular Plug is composed of a self-expanding nitinol mesh that can be deployed through a microcatheter to the targeted vessel. Once in place, the device expands to fill the vessel, effectively blocking the flow of blood.
Implementation Method 2
The method involves percutaneous insertion of the MVP into the fistula using a microcatheter under fluoroscopic guidance.
Implementation Method 3
the method may further comprise conducting contrast-enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging (''MRI'') of a brain to evaluate a scalp mass
Data Source
AI summary
A method of treating scalp arteriovenous fistula may include introducing a micro-vascular plug into an affected blood vessel, positioning the micro-vascular plug at a site of a fistula, and securing the micro-vascular plug to occlude blood flow through the fistula. Such a method may also include conducting contrast-enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging of a brain to evaluate a scalp mass.