Shape Memory Polymer Basket for Vascular Occlusion Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical devices for removing vascular occlusions, such as blood clots, are limited in their ability to effectively address irregular or calcified occlusions and often require multiple devices and procedures, which can be costly and invasive, while existing thrombolytic treatments have time constraints and risks of hemorrhaging.
Innovation Solution
A shape memory polymer (SMP) device, including an expandable coil and basket, is used with a catheter to remove occlusions by transitioning from a collapsed to an expanded shape upon heating, allowing for the mechanical retrieval of occlusions without fragmenting them, thus avoiding the limitations of existing methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If balloon angioplasty is used to revascularize occluded vessels, then blood flow is restored, but the occluding matter is only displaced not removed, leading to potential recurrence
Solution Approach 1:
The SMP device is designed to physically extract and remove occluding matter from the vascular lumen. The expandable basket structure captures the occlusion material and pulls it out through the catheter, rather than merely displacing it as in balloon angioplasty. This extraction mechanism addresses the recurrence problem by eliminating the occluding material entirely.
Solution Approach 2:
The SMP material undergoes a phase transition when heated, changing from a rigid state during delivery to a compliant state for expansion. This parameter change allows the device to be delivered in a collapsed configuration and then expanded at the target site to capture and remove the occlusion, improving both delivery feasibility and removal effectiveness.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple devices and procedures are used to address irregular or calcified occlusions, then treatment coverage is improved, but device complexity and procedure invasiveness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The SMP device is designed as a universal tool that can handle various types of occlusions including irregular and calcified materials. The expandable basket structure can adapt to different occlusion shapes and sizes, and the SMP material's compliance allows it to engage with diverse occlusion types. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple specialized devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from a static collapsed state during delivery to a dynamic expanded state at the target site. This dynamic transformation allows the device to adapt its shape and size to match the occlusion being treated, providing versatility for different occlusion types without requiring multiple fixed-configuration devices.
3Productivity
If existing thrombolytic treatments are used to break up blood clots, then clot removal is achieved, but time constraints and hemorrhaging risks are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the chemical thrombolytic system with a mechanical removal system. Instead of using drugs to chemically break down clots over time with associated hemorrhaging risks, the SMP device mechanically captures and removes the clot intact. This substitution eliminates the time constraints and bleeding risks of pharmacological treatment while maintaining effective clot removal.
4Reliability
If a shape memory polymer device is heated to transition from collapsed to expanded shape, then occlusion retrieval effectiveness is improved, but additional energy input and control complexity are required
Solution Approach 1:
The SMP device utilizes a phase transition triggered by heating to change from a collapsed delivery configuration to an expanded retrieval configuration. This phase transition is reversible and controllable, allowing the device to be heated briefly for shape change, then cooled to return to the collapsed state for retrieval. The energy input is temporary and localized, minimizing overall energy requirements while ensuring reliable shape transformation for effective occlusion capture.
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 SMP device enables effective removal of vascular occlusions, including clots and plaque, with reduced risk of fragmentation and recurrence, offering a minimally invasive solution that can be tailored to various occlusion sizes and locations, improving treatment efficacy and patient safety.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting energy to the shape memory polymer material for moving the shape memory polymer material from a first shape to a second and different shape
Implementation Method 2
A heat transfer mechanism is operatively connected to the shape memory material and is adapted to transfer heat to the shape memory material to move the shape memory material from the first shape to the second shape
Data Source
AI summary
A system for removing matter from a conduit. The system includes the steps of passing a transport vehicle and a shape memory polymer material through the conduit, transmitting energy to the shape memory polymer material for moving the shape memory polymer material from a first shape to a second and different shape, and withdrawing the transport vehicle and the shape memory polymer material through the conduit carrying the matter.