Self-Cleaning Blood Vessel Filter for Stroke Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current filtering devices for preventing embolic material from entering carotid arteries are complex, prone to clogging, and require periodic cleaning or replacement, which is not suitable for permanent implantation and does not effectively address proximal embolic sources leading to stroke.
Innovation Solution
A self-cleaning device with a flexible filter and frame configured to reside at a junction of blood vessels, capable of temporarily trapping embolic material and expelling it back into a larger vessel using a release force, preventing emboli from entering smaller arteries and suitable for permanent implantation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If filtering devices are introduced into blood vessels to prevent embolic material from entering carotid arteries, then stroke prevention is improved, but the devices become complex and prone to clogging requiring periodic cleaning or replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The filtering device is divided into multiple segments or struts that can independently flex and move. This segmentation allows the device to maintain structural integrity while enabling self-cleaning motion, reducing complexity compared to a monolithic filtering structure
Solution Approach 2:
The filtering device incorporates flexible struts capable of dynamic motion in response to blood flow. This dynamic behavior enables the device to automatically expel trapped embolic material without requiring external intervention or complex mechanical actuation systems
2Reliability
If filtering devices are introduced into blood vessels to prevent embolic material from entering carotid arteries, then stroke prevention is improved, but the devices require periodic cleaning or replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The filtering device is designed to clean itself automatically through the motion of its flexible struts in response to normal blood flow. The device expels trapped embolic material without requiring external cleaning procedures or replacement, eliminating periodic maintenance requirements
3Productivity
If endarterectomy, angioplasty and carotid stenting are used to open occluded arteries, then localized artery patency is improved, but proximal embolic sources remain untreated leading to recurrent stroke
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible filtering device acts as an intermediary placed at the carotid artery to intercept embolic material originating from proximal sources in the aorta. This intermediary structure prevents emboli from reaching the brain while allowing blood flow to continue, addressing both local and proximal problems
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 self-cleaning device effectively prevents embolic material from entering carotid arteries, reducing the risk of stroke by permanently implanting a filter that automatically expels trapped emboli, eliminating the need for periodic maintenance and addressing proximal embolic sources.
Implementation Method 1
temporarily trapping at least some of the embolic material flowing about the junction of the at least one branch blood vessel and the other blood vessel as a result of blood inflow through the filter
Data Source
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AI summary
The application relates to medical devices and systems for preventing the embolic material flowing about a junction of at least one branch blood vessel and another blood vessel from entering the other blood vessel. The device includes a self cleaning flexible filter (100) and a frame (180). The external surface of the filter (152) is configured to temporarily trap at least some of the embolic material flowing about the junction as a result of the blood inflow though the filter. The filter is also configured to expel the trapped embolic material into the other blood vessel.