Permeable Shell Embolic Device for Aneurysm Occlusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for cerebral aneurysms, such as stents and vaso-occlusive devices, face challenges in effectively blocking blood flow without causing inadvertent rupture or deformation, especially in wide-necked aneurysms and large diameters, due to limitations in flexibility and delivery through tortuous blood vessels.
Innovation Solution
The development of an embolic device comprising multiple permeable shells connected by helical coils, which can expand within the aneurysm to occlude blood flow, utilizing hydrogel to enhance occlusion and featuring a woven mesh structure for flexibility and stability, allowing for deployment through microcatheters and conforming to irregular shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If stents or vaso-occlusive devices are used to block blood flow in cerebral aneurysms, then occlusion effectiveness is improved, but the risk of inadvertent rupture or deformation increases due to limited flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible membrane that can conform to the irregular inner surface of the aneurysm sac. This membrane is designed to be compliant and adaptable, allowing it to follow the contours of the aneurysm without causing stress concentration or deformation of the vessel wall, thereby reducing the risk of inadvertent rupture while maintaining effective occlusion
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes shape memory alloy wires embedded in the membrane that can change their mechanical properties in response to temperature changes. When deployed, these wires transition from a constrained state to an expanded state, allowing the membrane to adapt its shape and size to match the specific geometry of the aneurysm, improving occlusion effectiveness while maintaining flexibility
2Adaptability or versatility
If the device structure is made more complex to treat wide-necked and large aneurysms, then treatment versatility is improved, but delivery through tortuous blood vessels becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the occlusion device into multiple segments or modules that can be independently delivered and then assembled or expanded at the target site. This segmentation allows each component to be small and flexible enough to navigate tortuous blood vessels, while the combined structure provides the versatility needed to treat various aneurysm types including wide-necked and large aneurysms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested configuration where the flexible membrane and shape memory wires are contained within a delivery catheter in a compressed state. The device is delivered in a nested, space-efficient form that can navigate tortuous vessels, then deployed and expanded at the target site to achieve the complex three-dimensional structure needed for versatile aneurysm treatment
3Ease of operation
If the device is made more flexible to navigate tortuous vessels, then ease of delivery is improved, but structural stability for maintaining occlusion may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite structure combining a flexible membrane material with embedded shape memory alloy wires. The membrane provides flexibility and conformability for easy delivery and adaptation to the aneurysm shape, while the shape memory wires provide structural stability and mechanical strength to maintain occlusion. The combination of these materials with different properties achieves both ease of delivery and structural stability
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 effectively blocks blood flow into cerebral aneurysms, reducing the risk of rupture and deformation, and can treat wide-necked and large aneurysms by providing a stable, flexible, and conformable occlusive solution that promotes thrombosis and clotting.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing hydrogel to enhance occlusion
Implementation Method 2
featuring a woven mesh structure for flexibility and stability
Implementation Method 3
promotes thrombosis and clotting
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and methods for treatment of a patient's vasculature are described. Embodiments may include a device that includes a plurality of permeable shells connected by a plurality of coils, each coil connecting at least one pair of permeable shells. The plurality of coils may include an inert hydrogel core that absorbs water.