Segmented Endovascular Filter for Embolization Protection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current endovascular protection devices for retrograde interventions either fail to protect against systemic embolization or pose a risk of thrombus material mobilization due to their complexity and design, particularly during placement and removal.

Innovation Solution

A reversibly implantable endovascular protection device featuring a self-expandable support element with a filter element, designed to be flexible and adaptable, which can be compressed for delivery and expanded for deployment, ensuring thorough protection of the arterial pathway without additional risk of embolization, and equipped with a closure mechanism to prevent material escape during retrieval.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a large and complex protection device is used to cover the entire aortic arch, then systemic and cerebral vessel protection is improved, but the risk of thrombus mobilization increases due to large contact area

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection coverageVSAvoidthrombus mobilization risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The protection device is divided into multiple filter elements distributed along the aortic arch, each covering specific vessel territories. This segmentation allows comprehensive protection without requiring a single large contact area, thereby reducing thrombus mobilization risk while maintaining systemic and cerebral protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different filter elements are positioned at specific locations along the aortic arch to protect different vascular territories (cerebral, systemic). Each filter element has optimized local characteristics matching its position, providing targeted protection with minimal contact area required for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If a complex protection device with large contact area is used, then embolization protection is improved, but device complexity and difficulty of removal increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveembolization protectionVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device consists of multiple independent filter elements that can be individually manipulated during placement and removal. This modular segmentation simplifies the overall device structure compared to a single complex unit, while maintaining comprehensive embolization protection across all vascular territories.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If the proximal opening is designed for instrument access, then usability of other instruments is improved, but the filter element stability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstrument compatibilityVSAvoidfilter element stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The proximal opening is segmented into a stable support structure and a controlled access region. This allows instruments to pass through the proximal opening while the filter element maintains its structural integrity and stability, achieving both instrument compatibility and filter stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If brain-supplying vessels are targeted specifically, then cerebral protection is improved, but systemic embolization protection is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecerebral protectionVSAvoidsystemic protection coverage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple filter elements are distributed along the aortic arch, with specific elements positioned to protect brain-supplying vessels and others positioned to protect systemic vessels. This segmented approach simultaneously achieves both cerebral and systemic embolization protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The protection device is designed with multi-functional filter elements that can protect different vascular territories depending on their position. The same basic filter element design serves multiple protective functions when deployed at different locations along the aortic arch.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 reduces the risk of systemic and cerebral embolization during retrograde interventions by capturing thromboembolic material and allowing safe retrieval without additional risk of thrombus mobilization, enhancing the safety and versatility of the protection system.

Implementation Method 1

a self-expanding support element (2) and a filter element (3) arranged on the support element (2)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic memory: Elastic Recovery

Data Source

PatentEP4344672A1Endovascular protection device

Publication Date: 2024.04.03 UNIVSKLINIKUM JENA

Figure 1~2

AI summary

The invention relates to an endovascular protection device with a protection element comprising a self-expanding support element (2) and a filter element (3) arranged on the support element (2), as well as with a feed element (5) arranged distally on the support element (2), wherein the protection element is reversibly convertible from an expanded to a compressed state, wherein the filter element (3) is open at its distal end and closed at its proximal end, at least in the expanded state.