Shape Memory Polymer Aneurysm Liner for Wide Neck Occlusion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for aneurysms, such as endovascular occlusion and aneurysm liners, face challenges including difficulty in maintaining embolic materials within the aneurysmal sac, especially in wide neck aneurysms, and struggles with delivering and deploying devices that can conform to irregularly shaped aneurysms without causing pressure or rupture.
Innovation Solution
The development of an aneurysm treatment device featuring a shape memory polymer liner that unfolds to fill irregularly shaped aneurysm sacs and includes embolic material exit points, allowing embolic materials to fill the sac without escaping through the neck, and a neck bridge device using shape memory polymers to maintain embolic materials within the sac.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional aneurysm liner is used to occlude the aneurysm sac, then the liner can provide a barrier to prevent embolic material from entering the parent vessel, but the liner cannot adequately conform to irregularly shaped aneurysm sacs and leaves room for blood flow
Solution Approach 1:
The liner is divided into multiple expandable sections or zones that can independently expand to conform to the irregular geometry of the aneurysm sac. Each segment can be deployed at different expansion ratios to match the local contours of the aneurysm, enabling the liner to adapt to complex shapes while maintaining occlusion effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The liner employs dynamic expansion mechanisms that allow it to transition from a compressed delivery state to an expanded occlusion state. The liner can be deployed in stages with progressive expansion to match the aneurysm's irregular shape, providing both conformability and reliable occlusion.
2Reliability
If embolic material is introduced into the aneurysm sac to form a mass, then the aneurysm can be occluded, but there is a risk of overfilling the sac and consequent embolic agent migration into the parent vessel
Solution Approach 1:
The expandable liner serves as an intermediary barrier between the embolic material in the aneurysm sac and the parent vessel. The liner is positioned to seal against the aneurysm neck, preventing embolic agents from migrating into the parent vessel while allowing the embolic material to fill the irregular contours of the sac effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The liner is constructed as a flexible, conformable barrier that can adapt to the aneurysm's shape while maintaining a seal. This flexible shell structure prevents embolic material leakage into the parent vessel without restricting the embolic material's ability to conform to the aneurysm's irregular geometry.
3Strength
If a rigid structure is used to maintain the liner shape, then the liner can provide structural support, but the liner cannot deform to fit the contours of the aneurysm wall
Solution Approach 1:
The liner structure is segmented into multiple flexible zones that can independently deform to match the aneurysm wall contours. Each segment maintains sufficient structural support through its expandable framework while allowing local deformation to conform to the irregular shape of the aneurysm.
Solution Approach 2:
The liner employs materials and structures that can change their mechanical parameters (stiffness, flexibility) in response to deployment conditions. The liner is designed to be more flexible during delivery and then stiffen upon expansion to maintain shape, while still allowing conformability to the aneurysm contours through controlled deformation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the liner is made from elastic materials that can deform readily, then the liner can conform to the aneurysm shape, but the materials require too much force to deform and lack adequate memory to conform to the aneurysmal wall
Solution Approach 1:
The liner combines different material properties in a composite structure that integrates the conformability of flexible materials with the memory and shape-retention capabilities of more rigid materials. This composite construction allows the liner to deform adequately to fit the aneurysm shape while requiring less force and providing sufficient memory to maintain conformity to the aneurysmal wall.
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 solution effectively occludes aneurysms by allowing embolic materials to fill irregularly shaped areas while preventing escape into the parent vessel, providing a robust and conformable solution for various aneurysm sizes and shapes, including wide neck aneurysms.
Implementation Method 1
The development of an aneurysm treatment device featuring a shape memory polymer liner that unfolds to fill irregularly shaped aneurysm sacs
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a method for treating aneurysms of various shapes and sizes.