Occluding Device Delivery System for Aneurysm Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for treating cerebral aneurysms, such as stenting, face challenges in effectively occluding aneurysms and maintaining occlusion material within the aneurysm, as they lack precise control over the deployment and expansion of occluding devices within the vasculature.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for deploying an occluding device within a vessel, utilizing an introducer sheath and guidewire assembly that allows for adjustable deployment and expansion of the occluding device, enabling it to form a barrier that retains occlusion material and can be repositioned based on pressure input, with features like curling guidewires for enhanced positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional stenting methods are used to treat cerebral aneurysms, then the procedure can be performed with existing equipment, but the occluding device cannot be precisely controlled during deployment and expansion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeployment control precisionVSAvoiddelivery system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The delivery system is segmented into distinct functional components: an introducer sheath for initial access, a catheter for positioning, and a guidewire assembly with retaining members for precise device control. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall system precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A guidewire assembly acts as an intermediary between the operator and the occluding device. The guidewire with retaining members provides mechanical coupling and control, enabling precise deployment and expansion control without requiring direct manipulation of the occluding device itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the occluding device is deployed to occlude the aneurysm, then the aneurysm can be sealed off from circulation, but the occlusion material may escape from within the aneurysm

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveocclusion reliabilityVSAvoidmaterial escape risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The occluding device is deployed in a compressed state through the catheter before expansion. This preliminary compressed state allows the device to be positioned correctly within the aneurysm before it expands to its full occlusive configuration, ensuring proper placement and preventing material escape.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The occluding device transitions from a compressed delivery state to an expanded deployed state. This dynamic transformation allows the device to fit through the catheter in a compact form and then expand within the aneurysm to create an effective barrier, maintaining reliability while preventing material escape.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the occluding device is expanded within the vessel, then the device can form an effective barrier, but the device length and position cannot be adjusted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebarrier effectivenessVSAvoidposition adjustment capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The occluding device maintains adaptability during deployment through its transition from compressed to expanded state. The device can be adjusted in position and configuration during this dynamic process, allowing the operator to optimize placement while ensuring effective barrier formation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The delivery system provides mechanical feedback through the guidewire assembly and retaining members, allowing the operator to sense and adjust device position and expansion. This feedback mechanism enables real-time adjustments to ensure optimal barrier effectiveness while maintaining position control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Productivity

If the guidewire assembly is advanced through the catheter, then the occluding device can be delivered to the target site, but friction between the device and catheter inner surface creates deployment resistance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice delivery efficiencyVSAvoidfriction force
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The occluding device is extracted from the catheter in a controlled manner during deployment. The device is pushed or pulled through the catheter opening, separating it from the catheter structure. This extraction process minimizes friction by reducing contact area and duration between the device and catheter inner surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The catheter and device structures utilize flexible materials that allow smooth passage through each other. The flexible catheter inner surface and device outer surface reduce friction through conformal contact and material properties, enabling efficient device delivery to the target site.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentEP2421469B1System for delivering and deploying an occluding device within a vessel
Publication Date: 2017.11.22 COVIDIEN LP
  • EP2421469B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2421469B1 patent drawingFigure 2~9
  • EP2421469B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Systems, assemblies, and methods for deploying an occluding device that can be used to remodel an aneurysm within the vessel by, for example, neck reconstruction or balloon remodeling. The system can comprise an introducer sheath and an assembly for carrying the occluding device. The assembly can include an elongated flexible member having an occluding device retaining member for receiving a first end of the occluding device, a proximally positioned retaining member for engaging a second end of the occluding device and a support surrounding a portion of the elongated flexible member over which the occluding device can be positioned. The elongated flexible member can form a coil portion.