Segmented Embolization Microcatheter for Distal Bead Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microcatheters face challenges in accessing peripheral blood vessels due to their large diameter and stiffness, leading to vessel spasm and non-target embolization, while also suffering from embolization material reflux, which damages healthy tissues and impairs treatment effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A microcatheter with a unique structure featuring a braid-covered polymer wall, a distal tip without braid, and a filter section with controlled openings, allowing for a small diameter, trackability, and unhindered delivery of embolization beads, minimizing reflux.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a microcatheter is designed to be flexible and navigable through tortuous vessels, then it can reach peripheral vessels, but it cannot provide sufficient support for delivering beads to distal locations
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is divided into multiple segments or sections with different properties. The proximal portion is more rigid for bead delivery, while the distal portion is more flexible for navigation through tortuous vessels. This segmentation allows each portion to optimize its function independently.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the catheter have different mechanical properties. The proximal end has higher rigidity to support bead delivery, while the distal end has higher flexibility to navigate tortuous anatomy. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between overall rigidity and overall flexibility.
2Reliability
If the microcatheter tip is made rigid to deliver beads, then bead delivery is improved, but the catheter cannot navigate tortuous vessels
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is segmented into a proximal rigid portion for reliable bead delivery and a distal flexible portion for navigation. The segmentation allows each segment to have optimized properties for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter transitions from a rigid state at the proximal end to a flexible state at the distal end, creating a dynamic property gradient along its length. This allows the catheter to be rigid where needed for bead delivery and flexible where needed for navigation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the microcatheter is designed for peripheral vessel access, then it can reach distal locations, but it lacks the strength to deliver beads reliably
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is divided into segments with different mechanical properties. The proximal segment provides strength for bead delivery, while the distal segment provides flexibility for peripheral vessel access. This segmentation enables both capabilities simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter has non-uniform mechanical properties along its length. The proximal portion has high strength for bead delivery, while the distal portion has high flexibility for navigating peripheral vessels. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 2D
AI summary
An embolization microcatheter for embolization of peripheral arteries including an elongated tubular member comprising a distal end having a length of 150-500 mm and an outer diameter of less than 0.8 mm, wherein the elongated tubular member comprises a multiplicity sections, each having a length of 5 mm -150 mm, wherein a wall of each of the multiplicity of sections comprises a braid, a polymer formed around the braid and an inner liner coating an inner surface thereof; wherein the polymer of the multiplicity sections differ; and a distal tip having a length of 1 mm - 3 mm and extending between a proximal end of a first radiopaque marker of the elongated tubular member and a distal end opening of the elongated tubular member; the wall of the distal tip is devoid of braid.