Retractable Dual-Layer Braided Aneurysm Implant for Neck Occlusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current embolic implants for aneurysm treatment face challenges such as limited access, potential compression of brain tissue, incomplete occlusion, and difficulty in repositioning or retracting coils, leading to recanalization and poor treatment outcomes, especially for complex aneurysm morphologies like wide neck or bifurcation types.
Innovation Solution
A braided implant with a retractable dual proximal layer that can be shaped and deployed to securely occlude the aneurysm neck, using a tubular braid that self-expands to conform to the aneurysm geometry, providing additional coverage and thrombosis, and allowing for repositioning before final deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If embolic coils are delivered to the aneurysm neck to occlude blood flow, then the aneurysm neck is blocked and blood flow into the aneurysm is minimized, but blood flow into peripheral blood vessels may be impeded causing severe damage
Solution Approach 1:
The braid structure is designed with varying braid angles along its length, creating local quality differences. The proximal portion has a first braid angle optimized for neck occlusion, while the distal portion has a second braid angle optimized for maintaining peripheral vessel patency. This local differentiation allows the single device to simultaneously achieve both occlusion effectiveness and peripheral flow preservation.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant is segmented into distinct functional zones along its length. The proximal segment is designed for neck engagement and occlusion, while the distal segment is designed for peripheral vessel support. This segmentation allows each portion to independently optimize its function without compromising the other.
2Reliability
If multiple embolic coils are used to fill the aneurysm sac, then the aneurysm is occluded and protected from blood flow, but mass effect occurs causing compression on the brain and its nerves
Solution Approach 1:
The braid is constructed as a flexible, thin-walled tubular structure that can conform to the aneurysm geometry without requiring excessive volume. This flexible shell approach provides effective occlusion through the braid's structural properties rather than through mass effect, thereby avoiding compression of surrounding brain tissue.
3Reliability
If embolic coils are overpacked at the aneurysm entrance, then the neck is adequately occluded, but blood flow in the adjoining blood vessel is impeded
Solution Approach 1:
The braid angle is locally optimized in the proximal portion to provide effective neck occlusion while maintaining appropriate porosity for parent vessel flow. The specific braid angle configuration creates a balance between occlusion density and flow preservation, preventing both under-packing and over-packing complications.
4Device complexity
If tubular braided implants are pushed through microcatheter using simple delivery systems, then the delivery process is simplified, but the braid may invert or abrade
Solution Approach 1:
The braid is pre-formed into its final three-dimensional configuration before delivery, with the proximal and distal portions already positioned correctly. This preliminary shaping prevents inversion during delivery and eliminates the need for complex delivery systems that manipulate the braid during insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of pushing the braid through the microcatheter in its final configuration, the delivery system pushes the braid in a compressed, inverted state and then allows it to self-expand into the correct orientation upon deployment. This inversion approach simplifies the delivery mechanism while protecting the braid from abrasion.
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 braided implant effectively occludes the aneurysm neck, reduces recanalization risk, and promotes healing by increasing metal coverage and blood flow diversion, while being retractable for precise placement and repositioning, addressing the limitations of existing coil-based treatments.
Implementation Method 1
The implant can include a tubular braid that can be set into a predetermined shape, compressed for delivery through a microcatheter, and implanted in at least one implanted position that is based on the predetermined shape and the geometry of the aneurysm
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a braided implant with a retractable dual proximal layer and methods for administering the braided implant to treat aneurysms. The implant can include a tubular braid that can be set into a predetermined shape, compressed for delivery through a microcatheter, and implanted in at least one implanted position that is based on the predetermined shape and the geometry of the aneurysm in which the braid is implanted. The implant can also have a retractable dual layer at the proximal end of the device made of the same braid to provide additional coverage at the neck of the aneurysm. The dual layer can be pressed distally into a first implanted portion of the tubular braid, moving the first portion of the tubular braid towards the distal portion of an aneurysm wall so that the implant can partially or completely occlude an aneurysm neck.