Non-planar Heating Chamber Detachment Mechanism for Vaso-occluding Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional detachment mechanisms for vascular occluding devices in minimally invasive procedures, such as embolic coils, face challenges with accuracy of placement, risk of dislodging previously deployed devices, and inefficiencies in detachment processes, including large stiff regions and inconsistent detachment.
Innovation Solution
An improved electrically heated detachment system featuring a non-planar heating chamber with a polymeric detachment fiber, where heating elements on the interior surface produce heat to melt and release the fiber, allowing precise detachment of the occluding device from the delivery system, particularly suited for small target sites like the brain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional detachment mechanisms are used, then the occluding device can be detached from the delivery system, but the detachment is inconsistent and may cause the device to overshoot or dislodge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detachment mechanism from mechanical force to thermal energy, using a heating element that melts a polymeric detachment fiber. This parameter change from mechanical to thermal detachment provides consistent, controlled separation without the variability of manual pushing forces, ensuring the occluding device detaches at the precise intended location without overshooting
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the phase transition of the polymeric detachment fiber from solid to liquid/melted state through controlled heating. The heating element raises the temperature of the polymer above its melting point, causing it to lose structural integrity and release the occluding device. This phase transition provides a reliable and consistent detachment mechanism that eliminates the inconsistency of conventional mechanical detachment methods
2Productivity
If mechanical force is used to eject the occlusion device, then the device is deployed from the catheter, but the force may cause the device to overshoot or dislodge previously deployed devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical ejection system with a thermal detachment system. Instead of using mechanical force to push the occluding device out of the catheter, the system uses a heating element to melt a polymeric detachment fiber that secures the device. This substitution eliminates the risk of mechanical force causing overshooting or dislodging, while maintaining efficient deployment through controlled thermal energy application
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a polymeric detachment fiber as an intermediary between the occluding device and the delivery system. This fiber acts as a controlled-release mechanism that can be selectively melted by the heating element. The intermediary allows the device to be securely held during navigation and then cleanly released without direct mechanical force, preventing overshooting and dislodging of previously deployed devices
3Reliability
If conventional heating detachment is used, then the detachment can be achieved, but large stiff regions and extended detachment duration are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the heating function in a small, focused heating chamber rather than requiring large stiff heating regions. The heating element is positioned within a compact chamber that locally generates thermal energy only where needed to melt the detachment fiber. This localized approach reduces the overall size and stiffness requirements while maintaining effective detachment, and the focused heating reduces the time required for the detachment process
4Volume of moving object
If the delivery system is designed for small target sites like the brain, then the system size is reduced, but the detachment mechanism must be even more precise and energy-efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detachment mechanism to thermal energy application, which can be precisely controlled and delivered in small amounts suitable for miniaturized systems. The heating element generates localized thermal energy that melts the polymeric fiber without requiring large mechanical components. This parameter change enables the detachment mechanism to be scaled down for use in small target sites like the brain while maintaining high precision and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the phase transition of the polymeric detachment fiber, which occurs at a specific temperature threshold. This phase transition provides a binary, all-or-nothing detachment mechanism that is highly reliable and precise. The heating element only needs to raise the temperature above the polymer's melting point, making the system energy-efficient and suitable for miniaturization in small target sites while ensuring complete and consistent detachment
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 system ensures accurate placement and minimizes energy expenditure for detachment, reducing risk to surrounding tissue and maintaining the occluding device at the target site, while allowing for efficient retrieval of the delivery system without exposing the patient to additional risk.
Implementation Method 1
At least one heating element is disposed on the interior surface of the non-planar heating chamber to produce heat for releasing the detachment fiber
Implementation Method 2
the non-planar heating chamber has an interior surface facing away from the distal end of the advancing member... heating elements on the interior surface produce heat to melt and release the fiber
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A delivery system for an implantable vaso-occluding device. A non-planar heating chamber is disposed proximate to a distal end of an advancing member. Protruding from an interior surface of the non-planar heating chamber is a detachment fiber made from a polymeric material and having a closed distal end. At least one heating element is disposed on the interior surface of the non-planar heating chamber to produce sufficient heat to sever the detachment fiber. An articulation point is established between the vaso-occluding device and the delivery system. The vaso-occluding device remains at all times substantially self-centered while being advanced.