Multi-lumen Catheter with Vena Cava Filter for Embolic Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vascular filters for capturing embolic material in the blood flow do not effectively combine central venous access and embolic protection, particularly in situations where anticoagulation is contraindicated or ineffective, and there is a need for a device that can be safely placed in both infrarenal and suprarenal IVC locations.
Innovation Solution
A multi-lumen central venous access catheter integrated with a vena cava filter that has a proximal portion with larger interstitial openings for capturing thrombus or embolic material and a distal portion with smaller openings for retention, allowing for both central access and embolic protection, with optional features like thrombolytic agent infusion and retrieval mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional separate IVC filter is implanted, then embolic protection is provided, but central venous access capability is lost or requires additional catheter placement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the IVC filter function and central venous access catheter into a single integrated device. The filter structure includes a catheter body with lumens that extend through the filter, allowing both embolic capture and venous access functions to be performed through one implantation procedure, eliminating the need for separate catheter placement
2Reliability
If a permanent IVC filter is implanted, then embolic protection is maintained, but retrieval capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic retrieval mechanism where the catheter body can be selectively withdrawn from the filter structure. The filter remains implanted to provide continuous embolic protection, while the catheter can be removed if no longer needed for venous access, allowing the system to adapt to changing patient needs over time
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate devices are used (filter + catheter), then both functions are provided, but device complexity and procedural risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the filter and catheter into a single manufactured unit with shared structural components. The catheter body serves dual purposes as both the delivery vehicle for the filter and the access conduit for venous therapy, reducing the total number of separate components and simplifying the implantation procedure
Data Source
AI summary
A central access vena cava filter catheter having a multi-lumen catheter body with plural longitudinally extending parallel lumens within the single catheter body, a vena cava filter member disposed at a distal end of the catheter body and an outer sheath concentrically disposed about the multi-lumen catheter body and the vena cava filter member. The vena cava filter member may be removably coupled to the multi-lumen catheter for temporary placement and retrieval under recommended indications.