Nested Embolic Filter Exchange via Multi-Lumen Sheath
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current embolic filter systems require frequent retrieval and exchange during vascular procedures, leading to increased procedure times and risks due to occluded filters, and often necessitate additional components and complex procedural steps, while also failing to completely aspirate emboli entrapped in filter pores.
Innovation Solution
The development of a rapid exchange embolic filter system utilizing a multiple lumen delivery and retrieval sheath allows for sequential retrieval and deployment of embolic filters without removing the sheath, enabling continuous guide wire access and minimizing the need for additional components, by collapsing and re-deploying filters through the same sheath, thereby reducing procedure time and risk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If embolic filters are frequently retrieved and exchanged during vascular procedures, then the risk of occluded filters is reduced, but procedure time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs nested delivery catheters where a second delivery catheter is inserted within the first delivery catheter. Each catheter contains an embolic filter that can be deployed sequentially. The nested configuration allows both filters to be delivered through the same access sheath without requiring removal of the first catheter, enabling rapid exchange while minimizing procedure time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-loads multiple embolic filters within nested delivery catheters before the procedure begins. The second filter is prepared and positioned within the first delivery catheter in advance, ready for immediate deployment once the first filter becomes occluded. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming repositioning or reaccess during filter exchange.
2Device complexity
If aspiration devices are used to remove emboli from filter sacs, then filter exchange may be avoided, but procedural complexity increases and emboli entrapment in pores cannot be completely resolved
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of attempting to aspirate emboli from within the filter pores (which is incomplete), the patent extracts the entire occluded filter from the vasculature by retrieving it within the delivery catheter. The filter is pulled back into the catheter shaft where it is contained, and the catheter is then withdrawn completely. This extraction method ensures 100% removal of emboli while avoiding the complexity of aspiration devices.
3Ease of operation
If guide wire access is lost during filter exchange, then additional access procedures are required, but maintaining continuous access requires complex multi-lumen systems
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery catheter system is designed with multi-functionality to serve multiple purposes: it delivers the embolic filter, retrieves the occluded filter, and maintains guide wire access throughout the procedure. The catheter incorporates a lumen that accommodates the guide wire, allowing the guide wire to remain in place during filter exchange operations, eliminating the need for additional access procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
Vascular embolic filtering systems, as well as methods for using the same, are provided. In general, the subject invention includes a system comprised of an embolic filter assembly and a multiple lumen delivery and retrieval sheath, where the embolic filter assembly includes a guide wire with an embolic filter operatively coupled to the distal end of the guide wire for capturing emboli created during interventional procedures within a target vessel. Features of the subject invention provide for the rapid exchange and deployment of embolic filters in a patient's vasculature.