Self-Expanding Occlusion Device with Nested Collars
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing occlusion devices for blood vessels either require additional time to achieve effective occlusion due to blood flow until an embolus forms or are bulky and rely on thrombosis for reliable occlusion, lacking in immediate and efficient blood flow cessation.
Innovation Solution
A self-expanding occlusion device with a tubular structure featuring radially expandable struts and collars, including a bulbous and conical portion, designed to rapidly occlude blood flow by expanding to a maximum diameter that is larger than the vessel, with optional radiopaque markers and an attachment mechanism for delivery, fabricated using laser-cutting techniques from materials like Nitinol or spring steel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If coil embolization devices are used to block blood flow, then occlusion is achieved, but additional time is required for embolus formation before effective occlusion occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The device is pre-formed into a compact delivery configuration that can be quickly deployed within the vessel. The self-expanding struts are pre-positioned to immediately contact the vessel wall upon deployment, eliminating the time required for embolus formation. The attachment mechanism allows for rapid release and expansion of the occlusion structure.
2Loss of time
If plug-style occlusion devices are used to provide physical barrier to blood flow, then blood flow stops more quickly, but the devices are bulky and require thrombosis for reliable occlusion
Solution Approach 1:
The occlusion device is designed with a nested structure where the struts can be collapsed into a compact configuration within the delivery catheter. The bulbous portion and conical portions are arranged to nest efficiently, allowing the device to be delivered through small vessels without requiring excessive bulk, yet expand to provide immediate occlusion.
3Reliability
If the occlusion device expands to a large diameter to ensure reliable occlusion, then occlusion effectiveness improves, but the device profile during delivery increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions from a static, bulky form during delivery to a dynamic, self-expanding structure upon deployment. The struts are designed to be flexible during delivery, allowing the device to be compressed to a small profile. Once deployed, the struts self-expand to their predetermined geometric configuration, achieving large diameter for reliable occlusion without requiring excessive delivery profile.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the struts are made rigid to maintain geometric configuration, then structural stability improves, but the device becomes difficult to deliver through vessels
Solution Approach 1:
The material properties of the struts are carefully selected to exhibit different mechanical behaviors at different scales and conditions. During delivery, the struts are flexible and compliant, allowing compression and navigation through vessels. Upon deployment, the struts maintain their geometric configuration through elastic recovery and self-expansion, providing structural stability without requiring excessive rigidity during delivery.
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 device provides faster occlusion than traditional coil embolization devices, maintains a low profile, and ensures reliable occlusion with a more even distribution of force against the vessel wall, reducing migration risks and facilitating precise deployment.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of radially expandable struts. The struts are biased to a radially expanded state.
Implementation Method 2
fabricated using laser-cutting techniques from materials like Nitinol or spring steel
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3c
Figure 3d~3e
AI summary
An occlusion device having a frame including a plurality of radially expandable struts formed from a plurality of cuts through a tubular wall of a tube. The frame includes a first collar at a proximal end and a second collar disposed in between the proximal and distal ends of the device. A bulbous portion extends between the first and second collars. The bulbous portion includes first and second conical portions joined at their respective bases. A third conical portion extends from the second collar to the distal end of the device. The second conical portion adjacent the second collar and the third conical portion are each defined by a set of cuts forming substantially the same pattern. The first conical portion is defined by a set of cuts forming a pattern that is different from that of the second and third conical portions. The bulbous portion and the third conical portion are configured to expand to approximately the same outer diameter.