Segmented Braided Aneurysm Implant for Neck Occlusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current embolic implants for aneurysm treatment face challenges such as incomplete occlusion, recanalization, and difficulty in treating complex aneurysm morphologies like wide necks and bifurcations, due to limitations in geometry, configuration, and delivery systems of existing tubular braided implants.
Innovation Solution
A braided implant with a tubular braid that can be set into a predetermined shape, compressed for delivery through a microcatheter, and implanted in various shapes based on aneurysm geometry, allowing for secure occlusion of the aneurysm neck and accommodating a range of aneurysm sizes, with features like a compaction-resistant column and distinct implanted shapes for taller and shorter aneurysms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If embolic coils are used to fill the aneurysm sac, then the aneurysm can be occluded, but the coils may impede blood flow in the adjoining blood vessel or fail to achieve complete occlusion
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is divided into multiple functional segments: a first portion for occluding the aneurysm neck, a second portion for filling the aneurysm sac, and a third portion extending into the parent vessel. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function optimally while preventing blood flow impediment in the parent vessel through the compliant braid structure that adapts to vessel geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant features varying braid densities and configurations in different sections. The first portion has a configuration optimized for neck occlusion, the second portion for sac filling, and the third portion for parent vessel compatibility. This local quality variation ensures effective occlusion at the aneurysm site while maintaining blood flow in the adjoining vessel.
2Reliability
If the aneurysm entrance is overpacked with embolic coils, then occlusion is improved, but blood flow in the adjoining blood vessel is impeded
Solution Approach 1:
The implant utilizes a compliant braid structure that can dynamically adapt to the geometry of the parent vessel and aneurysm neck. The braid sections can deform and conform to irregular surfaces, providing effective neck occlusion while automatically adjusting to prevent obstruction of the adjoining blood vessel flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant employs varying braid parameters (density, strand configuration, diameter) across different portions. The first portion has parameters optimized for neck occlusion, while the third portion has parameters that maintain compliance with parent vessel flow dynamics, preventing obstruction while achieving secure anchoring.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If embolic coils are insufficiently packed, then blood flow obstruction is reduced, but blood flow persists into the aneurysm
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented design ensures that the first portion provides sufficient packing density for reliable neck occlusion, the second portion fills the sac to prevent flow, and the third portion maintains vessel patency. This segmentation eliminates the need to compromise between adequate and excessive packing.
Solution Approach 2:
The single implant structure performs multiple functions simultaneously: occluding the neck, filling the sac, and maintaining parent vessel flow. This multi-functionality ensures that adequate occlusion is achieved without the need for additional devices or excessive packing that would impede flow.
4Ease of operation
If tubular braided implants are delivered through microcatheter, then minimally invasive delivery is achieved, but the braid may invert or abrade during delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is configured to nest within itself during delivery, with the braid sections arranged in a compact, protected configuration inside the microcatheter. This nesting prevents the braid from inverting or abrading during delivery while maintaining the integrity of the structure until deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant is pre-configured with a delivery-resistant structure that prevents inversion and abrasion before delivery. The braid sections are arranged and secured in a protective configuration that maintains integrity during the delivery process, eliminating the need for complex delivery systems.
5Reliability
If multiple embolic coils are used to treat complex aneurysm morphology, then coverage is improved, but device complexity and difficulty of repositioning increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single implant structure is designed to universally address complex aneurysm morphologies including wide necks and bifurcations through its segmented design. The varying braid configurations in different portions provide comprehensive coverage of the aneurysm while maintaining a single, manageable device that can be repositioned as a unified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The compliant braid structure dynamically adapts to complex aneurysm geometries, providing coverage of irregular surfaces and difficult-to-reach areas. The braid sections can deform and conform to the specific morphology of the aneurysm, achieving comprehensive coverage with a single flexible implant rather than multiple rigid coils.
6Reliability
If ancillary devices such as stents or balloons are used, then coil mass support is improved, but device complexity and procedure time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The implant integrates the support function into its own structure through the varying braid density and configuration across different portions. The first and third portions provide structural support for the second portion, eliminating the need for separate stents or balloons. This self-supporting design reduces procedure time and complexity while maintaining adequate support for the coil mass.
Solution Approach 2:
The support and occlusion functions are merged into a single implant structure. The braid sections that provide structural support are integrated with the sections that provide occlusion, eliminating the need for separate ancillary devices. This consolidation reduces the number of steps and devices required in the procedure.
Data Source
AI summary
A braided implant is provided that can secure within an aneurysm sac, occlude a majority of the aneurysm's neck, and at least partially fill the aneurysm sac. 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. In some examples, the tubular braid can be implanted in two distinct implanted shapes, allowing for treatment of a wide range of aneurysm sizes. In some examples, the implanted braid can include a compaction resistant column spanning the height of the aneurysm.