Soft Embolic Implant With Nested Coils for Aneurysm Occlusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing embolic implants for occluding aneurysms and blood vessels lack optimal configurations for efficient blood flow occlusion and aneurysm reinforcement, leading to potential rupture risks and incomplete filling of the aneurysm cavity.
Innovation Solution
The development of an embolic implant with a complex secondary configuration, featuring a combination of primary and inner coils, shape wires, and a fiber system that allows the implant to conform to the aneurysm cavity, thereby optimizing blood flow occlusion and reinforcement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple coil configuration is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to conformally fill the aneurysm cavity and optimize blood flow occlusion deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The embolic implant is divided into multiple functional segments: an outer coil structure and an inner coil structure, each serving distinct purposes. The outer coil provides the primary framework for aneurysm filling, while the inner coil enhances conformity to the aneurysm cavity geometry, collectively improving occlusion effectiveness without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The inner coil is nested within the outer coil structure, creating a hierarchical configuration where the inner coil occupies the central lumen space while the outer coil provides peripheral support. This nested arrangement maximizes space utilization within the aneurysm cavity and improves conformal filling capability
2Ease of manufacture
If the implant structure is simplified, then ease of manufacture is improved, but the ability to reinforce the aneurysm wall against rupture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The embolic implant employs a composite structure combining outer coil and inner coil elements made from different material properties. The outer coil may use softer materials for compliance, while the inner coil uses stiffer materials for structural support, creating a composite system that reinforces the aneurysm wall effectively while remaining manufacturable
Solution Approach 2:
Different segments of the implant exhibit locally optimized properties: the inner coil provides concentrated structural support at critical reinforcement zones, while the outer coil provides distributed compliance and sealing. This local quality differentiation enhances overall reinforcement capability without requiring uniform complexity throughout the entire device
3Manufacturing precision
If a complex secondary configuration with multiple coils is used, then the completeness of aneurysm cavity filling is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is designed with dynamic deployment characteristics where the inner coil and outer coil expand at different rates and sequences during delivery. The inner coil deploys first to establish central support, followed by the outer coil that conforms to the aneurysm cavity shape, achieving complete filling through controlled dynamic expansion rather than static complex configuration
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 embolic implant effectively blocks blood flow into the aneurysm, reinforces the aneurysm wall against rupture, and ensures complete filling of the aneurysm cavity, enhancing the safety and efficacy of the treatment.
Implementation Method 1
a shape memory alloy wire, which imparts a complex secondary configuration to the embolic implant. The complex secondary configuration is conferred upon the embolic implant by the shape memory alloy wire
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Soft embolic implants exhibiting secondary shapes are disclosed. Some of the embolic implants exhibit progressively increasing softness from the distal end to the proximal end of the coil. The embolic implants have a primary coil, an optional second coil, a shape wire, and a stretch resistant fiber disposed in the lumen of the primary coil. An optional distal support wire is also disclosed. The embolic implants include a proximal constraint assembly configured to be releaseably retained by a delivery device. Disposed near each end of some of the implants are elliptical hole washers through which the shape wire and the stretch resistant fiber are threaded. The embolic implants have a primary, linear configuration for delivery through an implant tool, and a secondary configuration after deployment from the implant tool. The secondary shape can be J-shaped, helical, spherical, complex, or a combination of shapes.