Slitted Embolization Microcatheter Head for Backflow Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reflux and backflow during embolization procedures can lead to non-targeted delivery of embolic agents, causing potential side effects and complications by allowing embolic particles to flow into healthy surrounding tissue.
Innovation Solution
An embolization microcatheter with a microcatheter head featuring a proximal section with laterally opened through-holes that allow suspension fluid to pass while blocking embolic particles, and a distal section with a frontal opening for controlled delivery, designed to prevent backflow by creating a fluid flow barrier.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the microcatheter uses a conventional single opening design, then the structure is simple, but embolic particles may flow back into healthy surrounding tissue causing non-targeted delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The microcatheter head is segmented into two distinct sections: a proximal section with multiple through-holes for fluid-only delivery and a distal section with a single frontal opening for particle delivery. This segmentation allows differentiated control over fluid and particle flow paths, ensuring particles are delivered only through the intended opening while fluid can exit through both sections, thereby preventing backflow of particles into healthy tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the microcatheter head are given different functional properties: the proximal head section has multiple through-holes with dimensions that allow fluid passage but block particles, while the distal head section has a single frontal opening that allows both fluid and particle passage. This local differentiation of structural properties ensures that particles are delivered only through the distal opening while fluid flows through both sections, achieving targeted delivery with enhanced reliability.
2Productivity
If the microcatheter allows free flow of suspension, then the delivery is efficient, but reflux and backflow occur causing non-targeted embolization
Solution Approach 1:
The outflow path is segmented into two functional zones: the proximal section with multiple through-holes that permits efficient fluid flow while blocking particles, and the distal section with a single frontal opening for controlled particle delivery. This segmentation maintains high delivery efficiency through adequate fluid flow while preventing harmful backflow of particles into healthy tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
The proximal head section with its multiple through-holes acts as an intermediary structure between the suspension reservoir and the distal delivery opening. It mediates the flow by allowing suspension fluid to pass through while blocking embolic particles, thereby preventing particles from refluxing back into the vessel while maintaining efficient fluid flow to drive particle delivery through the distal opening.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the through-holes are large to allow fluid flow, then the fluid dynamics are good, but embolic particles may pass through causing non-targeted delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The through-holes in the proximal head section are designed with specific local dimensions that are optimized to allow adequate suspension fluid flow while being sufficiently small to block embolic particles. This local dimensional control ensures that fluid dynamics are maintained for efficient delivery while particle delivery precision is preserved by preventing particle passage through the proximal holes.
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 microcatheter effectively reduces the risk of non-targeted embolization by ensuring that embolic particles are delivered only through the intended suspension delivery opening, minimizing complications and side effects by maintaining a fluid flow barrier that prevents backflow.
Implementation Method 1
The proximal head section includes a proximal section lumen opened laterally with a plurality of through-holes allowing outflow of the suspension fluid... each said side through-hole is shaped and/or sized to allow passage therethrough of the suspension fluid while blocking passage of the embolization particles
Data Source
AI summary
An embolization microcatheter having an elongated microcatheter body configured for passing therein a suspension of particles suspended in a suspension fluid; and a microcatheter head connected to a distal end of said microcatheter body and comprising a proximal head section and a distal head section, wherein the proximal head section includes a proximal wall forming a proximal section lumen, the proximal wall having a plurality of through-holes, wherein the distal head section includes a distal wall forming a distal section lumen, and a suspension delivery opening at a distal end of the distal end section; wherein the distal section is devoid of through-holes, and wherein each of the plurality of through-holes are shaped and/or sized to allow passage therethrough of the suspension fluid while blocking passage of the particles suspended therein.