Sheet-Based IVC Filter with Elastic Anchoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing IVC filters have limitations in design and material usage, particularly in forming a sheet-based configuration that can efficiently expand and anchor within the inferior vena cava while allowing for controlled release of bio-active agents and easy retrieval.
Innovation Solution
The development of IVC filters formed from a sheet of material, featuring a longitudinal body with appendages that can be folded and connected to form a planar surface, allowing for expansion and anchoring within the blood vessel, and incorporating bio-active agents for controlled release, with secondary procedures to weaken and shape the material for optimal performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If IVC filters are configured for compression into a small size to facilitate delivery, then ease of delivery is improved, but structural complexity increases to achieve expansion and anchoring
Solution Approach 1:
The filter device is nested within a delivery catheter in a compressed state, allowing it to be delivered through blood vessels to the target site. Upon deployment, the filter expands from its nested configuration to its functional expanded state, transitioning from a compact deliverable form to a larger filtering structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter structure transitions dynamically between compressed and expanded states. The device is delivered in a compressed configuration and then expanded at the target site to achieve its filtering function, allowing the same structure to serve multiple purposes in different states.
2Ease of operation
If hooks or anchoring members are made more elastic to permit straightening during retrieval, then ease of retrieval is improved, but anchoring strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The material properties of the anchoring members are specifically designed with elastic characteristics that allow them to deform under retrieval forces. The anchoring members can straighten when pulled during retrieval while maintaining sufficient anchoring strength during the filtering phase through their elastic recovery capability.
3Reliability
If IVC filters are designed as permanent or retrievable devices with complex anchoring mechanisms, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter device is divided into distinct functional segments including filtering elements, anchoring members, and a delivery mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while simplifying the overall design and manufacturing process.
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 sheet-based IVC filter design enhances anchoring and expansion capabilities, facilitates easy retrieval, and enables controlled release of bio-active agents, improving the filter's effectiveness in preventing emboli and reducing material strength for safe engagement with the blood vessel wall.
Implementation Method 1
IVC filters are generally configured for compression into a small size to facilitate delivery into the inferior vena cava and subsequent expansion into contact with the inner wall thereof
Implementation Method 2
The hooks may be more elastic than the legs or frame members to permit the hooks to straighten in response to withdrawal forces, which facilitate withdrawal from the endothelium layer of the blood vessel without risk of significant injury to the vessel wall
Data Source
AI summary
A filter formed from a sheet is described herein. In one aspect of the invention, a filter is formed from a sheet of material and, following removal of portions of the sheet, the filter is folded into a shape for insertion into a blood vessel. In another aspect of the invention, features for a filter are formed from a sheet of material and incorporated into the filter.