Occlusive Member Deformation for Stable Intracranial Aneurysm Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current treatments for intracranial aneurysms, such as platinum coil placement and flow diverters, face challenges with long-term recanalization and the need for antiplatelet therapy, which can be risky, especially after aneurysm rupture, highlighting the need for innovative solutions to promptly and effectively treat and prevent re-rupture.

Innovation Solution

A method involving an expandable occlusive member positioned within the aneurysm cavity, where an embolic element is delivered to transform the occlusive member from a first expanded state to a second state, forming a stable seal at the aneurysm neck, using a mesh or braid structure that self-expands and deforms to provide structural support and divert blood flow, while the embolic element fills the aneurysm cavity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If platinum coil is disposed within the aneurysm to induce thrombus formation, then the aneurysm neck closes and blood bypasses the aneurysm, but long-term recanalization occurs especially for wide-necked and large-volume aneurysms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaneurysm occlusion stabilityVSAvoidthrombus formation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The flow diverter is deployed in advance to establish immediate blood flow redirection away from the aneurysm sac, creating preliminary conditions for thrombus formation without waiting for natural clotting processes. This preliminary flow diversion prevents recanalization by maintaining occlusion stability over the long term.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The treatment approach segments the occlusion function into two parts: the flow diverter stent provides structural support and flow redirection at the neck, while embolic material fills the aneurysm sac to induce thrombus. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its function independently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If flow diverter is deployed to cause blood to preferentially flow along the main channel, then aneurysmal thrombus forms, but it takes weeks or months for full effect and antiplatelet therapy is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaneurysm occlusion stabilityVSAvoidtime to thrombus formation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The flow diverter and embolic material are combined in a single treatment procedure, merging the flow redirection function with immediate thrombus induction. This combination achieves both flow diversion and rapid occlusion in one intervention, reducing the time to full effect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If flow diverter is used to treat the aneurysm, then blood flow is diverted from the aneurysm, but antiplatelet therapy is contraindicated after initial rupture due to high re-rupture risk

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaneurysm occlusion stabilityVSAvoidre-rupture risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The need for antiplatelet therapy is extracted from the treatment protocol by using embolic material that induces thrombus formation directly within the aneurysm sac. This extraction eliminates the harmful side effect of requiring antiplatelet therapy that would increase re-rupture risk after aneurysm rupture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

This approach reduces the risk of recanalization and re-rupture by forming a stable seal and promoting tissue remodeling, allowing for immediate and effective treatment with reduced reliance on antiplatelet therapy, and provides visual confirmation of complete filling during deployment.

Implementation Method 1

releasing an occlusive member from the elongated shaft while the distal end of the elongated shaft is positioned within the aneurysm cavity such that the occlusive member self-expands to assume a first expanded state

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic recovery: Elastic Recovery

Implementation Method 2

delivering an embolic element between the occlusive member and the aneurysm wall to transform the occlusive member into a second expanded state in which the occlusive member defines a second interior volume less than the first interior volume

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical compression: Compression

Data Source

PatentUS20230373040A1Devices, systems, and methods for treatment of intracranial aneurysms

Publication Date: 2023.11.23 COVIDIEN LP

AI summary

Systems and methods for treating an aneurysm in accordance with embodiments of the present technology include intravascularly delivering an occlusive member to an aneurysm cavity and deforming a shape of the occlusive member via introduction of an embolic element to a space between the occlusive member and an inner surface of the aneurysm wall.