Self-Expandable Vascular Device Segmentation for Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices for treating vasculature and ducts within the body, such as aneurysms and embolic obstructions, lack effective methods for retrieval and treatment, particularly in the intracranial vascular system, where existing solutions are inadequate for accessing and removing blockages efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A vascular treatment device featuring a self-expandable member made of shape memory material, such as Nitinol, with a unique strut pattern and attachment mechanism to an elongate flexible wire, allowing for deployment and retrieval of embolic obstructions by expanding to engage and remove obstructions within the vasculature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a self-expandable prosthesis is used to treat blockages in the vasculature, then the treatment effectiveness is improved, but the ability to retrieve and remove the prosthesis is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis is divided into multiple segments or sections that can be independently controlled. The proximal portion can be collapsed and retrieved while the distal portion remains expanded to maintain treatment effectiveness at the blockage site, resolving the contradiction between treatment reliability and retrieval capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The prosthesis incorporates dynamic elements that allow it to change configuration between expanded and collapsed states. Shape memory materials or movable sections enable the proximal portion to be retrieved while maintaining the expanded treatment portion, balancing treatment effectiveness with retrieval ease.
2Reliability
If a rigid structure is used for the prosthesis to ensure stability, then the treatment reliability is improved, but the flexibility for navigation through the vasculature is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis is segmented into multiple sections with different rigidity characteristics. The distal portion maintains rigidity for stable treatment while the proximal portion incorporates flexible elements for easy navigation through the vasculature, resolving the contradiction between structural stability and navigation flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the prosthesis have different mechanical properties. The treatment portion uses rigid materials for stability while the navigation portion uses flexible materials for ease of insertion, allowing each section to optimize its local function without compromising overall performance.
3Reliability
If the prosthesis is designed for permanent placement, then the treatment effectiveness is improved, but the complexity of removal and retrieval is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis is designed with separable segments where the proximal portion can be independently collapsed and retrieved. This segmentation allows the treatment portion to remain permanently placed for effectiveness while simplifying the removal of the proximal portion, reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The proximal portion of the prosthesis is designed to nest within the distal portion when collapsed. This nesting mechanism simplifies the retrieval process by allowing the proximal section to be easily retracted into the treatment portion, reducing removal complexity while maintaining treatment effectiveness.
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 engages and removes embolic obstructions by applying radial force, reducing the likelihood of obstruction dislodgment during retrieval and allowing for precise placement and retrieval within the vasculature, enhancing treatment efficacy and safety.
Implementation Method 1
A vascular treatment device featuring a self-expandable member made of shape memory material, such as Nitinol
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
A device including a self-expandable member having a proximal end portion and a main body portion. The self-expandable member is movable from a first delivery position to a second placement position, in the first delivery position the expandable member being in an unexpanded position and having a nominal first diameter and in the second position the expandable member being in a radially expanded position and having a second nominal diameter greater than the first nominal diameter for deployment within a vessel or duct of a patient. The expandable member includes a plurality of cell structures with the cell structures in the main body portion extending circumferentially around a longitudinal axis of the expandable member and the cell structures in the proximal end portion extending less than circumferentially around the longitudinal axis of the expandable member.