Modular Vascular Device Assembly Using Segmented Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current intravascular devices for occlusion, shunting, and filtering require a wide range of sizes and types, leading to high inventory costs and delays in emergency medical procedures, as they need to be manufactured or shipped from stock, which is not feasible for immediate patient needs.
Innovation Solution
Collapsible therapeutic devices are assembled from discrete components, including braided tubular metal fabric, allowing for customization and interconnectability, enabling on-site assembly by physicians to fit specific anatomical requirements, reducing the need for pre-manufactured devices and inventory.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pre-manufactured devices of various sizes and types are maintained in inventory, then device availability and reliability are improved, but inventory costs and storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple discrete components (occlusion element, shunt element, filter element, connector elements) that can be independently selected and assembled. This segmentation allows a single set of components to be configured into multiple different device types and sizes, eliminating the need to maintain separate inventory for each device variation while ensuring immediate availability of appropriately sized devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a wide range of device sizes and types are manufactured in advance, then adaptability to different patient needs is improved, but manufacturing complexity and inventory management difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector elements are designed with universal interfacing capabilities that allow the same component to connect to various occlusion, shunt, and filter elements. This universality enables a standardized set of components to be assembled into multiple different device configurations, achieving high adaptability while simplifying inventory management through standardization rather than requiring separate inventory for each device type.
3Loss of time
If devices are manufactured or shipped from stock for emergency procedures, then treatment timeliness is improved, but logistics complexity and delivery time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The discrete components are pre-prepared and sterilized individually before the procedure, allowing rapid assembly at the point of use without requiring manufacturing or shipping during the emergency. This preliminary preparation eliminates logistics delays while ensuring device readiness, as components can be quickly assembled into the required configuration immediately before implantation.
4Ease of manufacture
If discrete components are used for on-site assembly, then device customization and ease of manufacture are improved, but assembly time and procedural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector elements incorporate dynamic features such as self-expanding mechanisms and snap-fit connections that enable rapid assembly without complex fastening procedures. These dynamic connection mechanisms allow components to be quickly joined together through simple actions like pushing or rotating, significantly reducing assembly time while maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized connector designs.
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 approach allows for rapid customization of medical devices during procedures, reducing inventory costs and enabling immediate treatment, as components can be easily replaced or adjusted to fit individual patient needs, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process and ensuring timely patient care.
Implementation Method 1
the woven metal fabric having a memory property whereby the medical device tends to return to an expanded preset configuration when unconstrained
Data Source
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AI summary
A vascular occlusion, flow restriction, shunt or filter device is disclosed comprising the assembly of at least two, of a number of selectable discrete interconnectable, interchangeable components, at least one component being of the type fabricated from metal strands braided into a tubular metal fabric having an expanded preset configuration and an elongated, collapsed reduced diameter configuration for delivery through a catheter to a treatment site and the device shaped to create an occlusion, flow restriction or shunt when placed in an opening in a body organ or vessel, the woven metal fabric having a memory property whereby the medical device tends to return to said expanded preset configuration when unconstrained.