Optically Cleaved Catheter Coiling for User-Defined Coil Detachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing catheter-based implant procedures, particularly coil embolization for aneurysms, face challenges with fixed detachment zones on coils, leading to improper sizing and increased risks of aneurysm rupture or coil herniation, as well as the need for user-defined detachment mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A modified catheter assembly incorporating an optical fiber connected to a laser source, with a notch or cut at the distal end, allows for user-defined detachment of implants by emitting a laser through the notch/cut to selectively cut objects or materials within the catheter.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If fixed detachment zones are used on coils, then the detachment mechanism is simplified, but the coil sizing becomes improper and risks of aneurysm rupture or coil herniation increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetachment mechanism complexityVSAvoidcoil placement reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical detachment mechanism (fixed detachment zones on coils) with an optical/energy-based system. A laser fiber integrated into the catheter delivers laser energy to selectively cut the coil at user-defined positions, eliminating the need for pre-designed detachment zones on the coil itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic control over detachment positioning. Instead of fixed detachment zones, the system allows real-time adjustment of where the coil will be cut by controlling laser delivery through the catheter, enabling user-defined detachment points based on procedural needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of manufacture

If fixed detachment zones are used on coils, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the adaptability to different patient needs is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoil manufacturing simplicityVSAvoidcoil sizing adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system transforms static, fixed detachment zones into dynamic, user-controlled detachment points. The laser fiber integrated into the catheter allows real-time adjustment of detachment position during the procedure, enabling adaptation to different patient needs and aneurysm geometries.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables segmentation of the coil at user-defined positions rather than using pre-fixed detachment zones. The laser can cut the coil at any point along its length, allowing flexible segmentation to match specific procedural requirements and patient anatomy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If traditional surgical treatments are used, then the treatment effectiveness is established, but the invasiveness increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaneurysm treatment effectivenessVSAvoidprocedure invasiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional invasive surgical approaches with a minimally invasive catheter-based system. The laser fiber integrated into the catheter delivers energy through the vessel wall to cut the coil, eliminating the need for open surgical exposure and reducing procedural invasiveness while maintaining treatment effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables user-defined detachment of coil segments during procedures like coil embolization, improving coil structural integrity and reducing risks associated with fixed detachment zones, such as improper sizing and aneurysm rupture.

Implementation Method 1

an optical fiber connected to a laser source... the optical fiber is notched or cut at the distal end such that the laser from the laser source emits through the notch or cut for the purpose of selectively cutting an object or material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 2

the laser is activated such that the laser is emitted through the notch or cut at the distal end of the optical fiber and used to cause detachment of the implant

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Data Source

PatentUS12357317B2Optically cleaved catheter coiling system

Publication Date: 2025.07.15 IGNIS NEUROVASCULAR

AI summary

Provided herein are catheter assemblies with detachment means for delivering implants. A method for coil embolization using a catheter includes: inserting a catheter into a patient intravenously or intraarterially; navigating the catheter to an aneurysm, the catheter defining an outer wall; placing a tip of the catheter at an opening of the aneurysm; delivering into the aneurysm, via pusher wire, through a lumen of the catheter, a coil; determining a user defined detachment point at which a distal coil segment of the coil should be detached from the coil; aligning the user defined detachment point of the coil with a designated detachment zone at the tip of the catheter; and toggling a laser source connected to the embedded optical fiber, thereby detaching the distal coil segment from the coil via an embedded laser beam emitted from the optical fiber at the designated detachment zone at the tip of the catheter.