Multi-layer Embolic Filter with Graduated Porosity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filter devices for capturing embolic particles in blood vessels are prone to clogging and restrict blood flow, and there is a need for a device that can provide distal protection without obstructing vessel flow, especially when deployed from the proximal side of a stenosed region.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layer filter device assembly with filter members of varying porosity levels, allowing blood to flow while capturing emboli, and configured to transition between expanded and collapsed states for deployment and retrieval, ensuring minimal resistance to blood flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a filter device is deployed to capture embolic particles, then embolic protection is improved, but blood flow restriction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter device is divided into multiple filter members (first filter member, second filter member, and N additional filter members) arranged in series, each with different porosity levels. This segmentation allows the device to capture embolic particles of various sizes while maintaining adequate blood flow through the graduated porosity structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the filter device have different porosity characteristics - the first filter member has higher porosity (P1 ≥ 7.5 micrometers) while the second filter member has lower porosity (P2 ≤ 50 micrometers), with intermediate filter members having porosity between P1 and P2. This local quality variation enables selective particle capture while preserving blood flow.
2Ease of operation
If the filter device profile is reduced for proximal deployment, then ease of deployment is improved, but filtering capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The filter device is designed to transition between a collapsed low-profile state for delivery through the catheter and an expanded high-capacity state for filtering. The device expands from a contracted configuration during delivery to a deployed configuration at the treatment site, providing both ease of deployment and effective filtering capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter device can be nested within the delivery catheter in a collapsed state, allowing it to pass through the catheter lumen. Upon deployment, the device expands outward from the catheter to provide the full filtering surface area needed for effective embolic particle capture.
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 device effectively captures embolic particles of varying sizes while maintaining unobstructed blood flow, reducing the risk of clot formation and improving circulation, especially in renal arteries, by allowing blood cells to pass through while trapping larger particles.
Implementation Method 1
The first filter member exhibits a first porosity, P1, the second filter member exhibits a second porosity, P2, and each additional filter member exhibits a porosity, P3-P(2+N), where P1>[P3>...>P(2+N)]>P2
Implementation Method 2
The filter portions are configured in the expanded state to allow blood to flow there through and to capture emboli
Data Source
AI summary
A filter device assembly and a method of using such a device to capture and remove embolic material from a body lumen or blood vessel are provided. The filter device assembly generally includes a structure having a collapsed state and an expanded state with first, second, and optionally N additional filter members circumferentially attached thereto. Each filter member forms an annulus chamber with the first filter member having porosity P1; the second filter member circumferentially having porosity P2; and the N additional filter members each having porosity [P3 . . . P(2+N)]. The magnitude of the porosity for the first, second, and N additional filter members follows the relationship P1>[P3>. . . >P(2+N)]>P2. The first, second, and N additional filter portions are configured in the expanded state to allow blood to flow there through and to capture emboli in the annulus chambers.