Multi-layer folding flow diverter for aneurysm occlusion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current embolic implants for aneurysm therapy face challenges in delivering effective flow diverters through microcatheters due to their stiffness and porosity, which can lead to difficulties in positioning and the risk of occluding side branching vessels, while also struggling with recanalization and inadequate blood flow inhibition.

Innovation Solution

A vascular flow diverter design featuring a three-layer structure with high porosity in the delivery configuration that folds into a lower porosity configuration upon implantation, utilizing braided meshes with varying braid angles and thicknesses, and optionally incorporating laser cut stents and anti-thrombogenic coatings to facilitate easy deployment and effective occlusion of aneurysms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single-layer braid with 70% porosity is used to treat aneurysms, then the aneurysm can be effectively occluded, but the device becomes difficult to deliver through microcatheters in tortuous anatomy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaneurysm occlusion effectivenessVSAvoiddeliverability through microcatheter

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The braid is divided into multiple layers (first layer, second layer, third layer) with different porosity characteristics. The first and third layers have lower porosity (higher density) while the second layer has higher porosity (lower density), allowing the device to be delivered through microcatheters while maintaining effective occlusion when deployed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different sections of the braid have different porosity properties tailored to specific functions: the first and third layers provide structural support and lower porosity for effective flow diversion, while the second layer provides higher porosity for easier delivery and flexibility in tortuous anatomy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If the braid porosity is increased to improve deliverability, then the device can be easily delivered through microcatheters, but the ability to occlude the aneurysm is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeliverability through microcatheterVSAvoidaneurysm occlusion effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The braid is segmented into multiple layers with different porosity levels. The second layer has higher porosity (80-95%) for easy delivery through microcatheters, while the first and third layers have lower porosity (50-70%) to ensure effective aneurysm occlusion when the device is deployed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device uses a composite multi-layer braid structure combining materials with different porosity characteristics. This composite structure allows the device to exhibit both high deliverability (due to the higher porosity second layer) and effective occlusion capability (due to the lower porosity first and third layers)

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If embolic coils are used to treat the aneurysm neck, then blood flow into the aneurysm can be inhibited, but side branching vessels may be occluded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblood flow inhibition into aneurysmVSAvoidocclusion of side branching vessels

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The braid is configured with specific porosity gradients and structural variations at different locations. The device provides effective flow diversion into the aneurysm while maintaining appropriate porosity in regions adjacent to side branching vessels to prevent their occlusion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Strength

If the braid is made stiffer to maintain structural integrity, then the device can maintain its shape, but it becomes more difficult to deliver through tortuous anatomy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoiddeliverability through tortuous anatomy

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The braid is divided into multiple layers with different mechanical properties. The second layer has higher porosity and lower stiffness for flexibility and easy delivery through tortuous anatomy, while the first and third layers have lower porosity and higher stiffness to maintain structural integrity and shape when deployed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device utilizes variations in porosity parameters across different layers to achieve different mechanical properties. The higher porosity second layer provides flexibility for navigation through tortuous vessels, while the lower porosity first and third layers provide structural support and shape maintenance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11911259B2Multi-layer folding flow diverters

Publication Date: 2024.02.27 DEPUY SYNTHES PROD INC

AI summary

A tubular, folding flow diverter is provided. The flow diverter includes a plurality of sections, including a first section, a second section, and a third section. The flow diverter is shapeable to an elongated cylindrical shape and is movable to an implanted configuration. In the implanted configuration, the second section and at least a portion of the first and third sections overlap to form a three-layer shape. This three-layer shape can be positioned proximate an aneurysm neck when implanted in a patient. The overall porosity of the implant can be higher than legacy implants, because the overlapping portion of the three sections can decrease the porosity proximate the aneurysm neck.