Stent with Expandable Foam for Vascular Occlusion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current endovascular treatments for vascular anomalies such as aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations face challenges with recanalization, thromboembolic events, and the difficulty in effectively occluding wide-neck and fusiform aneurysms.
Innovation Solution
A shape memory polymer (SMP) foam device is used, which can be delivered endovascularly and actuated to expand within the vascular anomaly, providing reliable and self-deploying occlusion by altering blood flow parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional endovascular treatments are used for vascular anomalies, then the treatment can be performed with established methods, but recanalization and thromboembolic events occur reducing treatment reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite structure consisting of a shape memory polymer foam core combined with a metallic stent framework. The foam provides conformal occlusion of the vascular anomaly while the stent provides structural support and radial force, creating a composite device that overcomes the limitations of single-material approaches and reduces recanalization risk
Solution Approach 2:
The shape memory polymer foam undergoes a phase transition from a compressed low-volume state during delivery to an expanded high-volume state at the treatment site. This parameter change in volume and density allows the device to adapt to the vascular anomaly geometry, providing reliable occlusion while simplifying the deployment process through self-expansion
2Manufacturing precision
If shape memory polymer foam is used for occlusion, then reliable and controlled expansion is achieved, but the device requires complex actuation mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical actuation systems with a thermal field-based activation mechanism. The shape memory polymer foam is actuated by thermal energy (body temperature or externally applied heat), which triggers the phase transition and expansion. This substitution of mechanical actuation with thermal field control simplifies the device structure while maintaining precise expansion control
Solution Approach 2:
The shape memory polymer foam is designed to self-expand upon thermal activation without requiring complex external mechanical actuation systems. The material's inherent shape memory properties enable it to automatically transition from its compressed delivery state to its expanded functional state, reducing the need for complex actuation mechanisms
3Productivity
If the foam expands rapidly to occlude the anomaly, then effective occlusion is achieved, but the delivery system must accommodate the expansion within the catheter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested configuration where the shape memory polymer foam is contained within a compressible delivery catheter in a low-volume state. The foam is nested inside the catheter lumen, allowing it to be delivered through narrow vascular access. Upon thermal activation at the target site, the foam expands from its nested compressed state to its functional expanded state, achieving rapid occlusion while accommodating the volume change through the nested delivery design
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 foam device effectively occludes vascular anomalies with rapid and controlled expansion, reducing the risk of recanalization and thromboembolic events, and can be used for various types of vascular disorders, including wide-neck and fusiform aneurysms.
Implementation Method 1
a shape memory polymer (SMP) foam device which can be delivered endovascularly and actuated to expand within the vascular anomaly
Implementation Method 2
The SMP foam device is actuated expanding it inside the vascular anomaly and occluding the vascular anomaly
Data Source
AI summary
A stent for treating a physical anomaly. The stent includes a skeletal support structure for expanding in the physical anomaly and a shape memory material coupled to the skeletal support structure.