Scoring Device for Controlled Vessel Lesion Dissection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current balloon dilation methods for treating stenotic vessels are inadequate for extended lesions, large vessel diameters, heart valves, and bifurcations, as they fail to provide effective and sustained relief, leading to vessel re-occlusion.

Innovation Solution

A scoring device with multiple longitudinally arranged wires, which can be configured to expand radially with a balloon catheter, is used to perform controlled longitudinal incisions within the vessel, allowing for enhanced maneuverability and treatment options, including cutting, scoring, fracturing, or pulverizing lesions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional balloon dilation is used to treat stenotic vessels, then the luminal dimensions are temporarily increased, but the plaque and vessel walls redistribute to an unfavorable configuration leading to re-occlusion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevessel patencyVSAvoidduration of luminal opening
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The scoring device divides the vessel wall into multiple segments by creating multiple longitudinal scores at different locations around the circumference. This segmentation prevents plaque redistribution by creating discrete, controlled injuries that stabilize the vessel wall configuration, thereby maintaining luminal patency longer than conventional single-site balloon dilation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device applies localized scoring actions at specific locations around the vessel circumference rather than uniform dilation. The scoring elements create controlled injuries at predetermined positions, concentrating the mechanical action to stabilize plaque and vessel wall configuration locally, which prevents re-occlusion while maintaining overall vessel patency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If scoring elements are added to angioplasty balloons to address extended lesions, then cutting capability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to treat extended lesionsVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The scoring device integrates multiple functions into a single apparatus: the balloon provides dilation while the scoring elements provide controlled cutting and scoring. This multi-functional design allows the device to treat extended lesions through combined dilation and scoring actions, improving adaptability without requiring multiple separate devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The scoring elements are nested within the balloon structure, with the scoring elements positioned inside or integrated with the balloon membrane. This nested configuration allows the cutting and scoring functionality to be contained within the existing balloon framework, minimizing additional complexity while adding the capability to treat extended lesions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 improved vessel treatment by allowing for localized, controlled scoring of lesions, maintaining vessel patency and reducing the likelihood of re-occlusion, and can be adapted for use with various balloon catheter sizes and configurations.

Implementation Method 1

the balloon is inflated which causes radial pressure to be applied to the inner wall of the vessel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadial expansion:

Implementation Method 2

manipulating the scoring device to score the material inside the body lumen

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical cutting:

Data Source

PatentEP3801306B1Scoring devices and catheter systems for controlled vessel lesion dissection
Publication Date: 2024.01.10 SURMODICS INC
  • EP3801306B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3801306B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3801306B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Systems, devices and methods for treating a stenosed vessel or heart valve are disclosed. In some embodiments, a cutting/scoring assembly/device for treating a stenosed vessel/heart valve is provided and includes a main, elongated element (e.g., wires) with multiple longitude wires arranged at a distal end. A distal end of the elongated element is proximal to the multiple longitude wires which, when used in conjunction with a balloon catheter, is used to for, according to some embodiments, localized controlled longitudinal vessel incision.