Serial Vein Occluder Delivery for Minimally Invasive Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for varicose veins, such as sclerotherapy, venous ablation, and open surgery, suffer from disadvantages including high recurrence rates, tissue damage, and the need for hospitalization or general anesthesia, with open surgery being the 'gold standard' but still requiring recovery time and potential complications.
Innovation Solution
A novel occluder device configured for minimally-invasive percutaneous or endoluminal deployment using ultrasound visualization, which can occlude veins by compressing or depositing a mass within the vein to restrict blood flow, thereby treating varicose veins with minimal local anesthetic and no post-operative care.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If open surgery is performed to treat varicose veins, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but recovery time and surgical risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical open surgery with a minimally invasive occluder device that can be deployed percutaneously or endoluminally. The occluder mechanically occludes the vein lumen without requiring open surgical incisions, thereby maintaining treatment effectiveness while dramatically reducing recovery time and surgical risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The occluder device is divided into multiple components including a delivery catheter, the occluder element itself, and deployment mechanisms. This segmentation allows the device to be delivered through a minimally invasive pathway and deployed precisely at the target site without requiring open surgery.
2Reliability
If traditional surgical methods are used, then complete vein occlusion is achieved, but tissue damage and anesthesia requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The occluder device is designed to occlude only the specific target vein segment where varicose veins are present, while preserving surrounding healthy tissue and the saphenous vein. The localized action of the occluder achieves complete occlusion of the diseased segment without causing unnecessary tissue damage to adjacent structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The occluder device acts as an intermediary element that is inserted into the vein lumen to achieve occlusion. This intermediary approach allows complete occlusion of the target vein while avoiding direct tissue damage that would result from open surgical excision or ligation.
3Loss of time
If minimally-invasive approach is used, then recovery time is reduced, but procedural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The occluder device is designed with multi-functionality to handle various deployment scenarios (percutaneous or endoluminal access, different vein locations). The device integrates delivery, deployment, and occlusion functions in a single system, reducing procedural complexity despite the minimally invasive approach.
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 occluder effectively treats varicose veins with minimal invasiveness, allowing procedures to be performed in a doctor's office with rapid recovery and reduced risk of complications, while preserving the saphenous vein for future use.
Implementation Method 1
The occluder is configured to occlude the vein by compressing the vein and closing down its lumen
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for occluding a hollow structure, the system comprising: a plurality of occluders; and an applicator for storing the plurality of occluders and serially delivering the occluders so as to occlude the hollow structure.