Self-Expanding Stents for Tinnitus via Pressure Gradient Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies are inadequate in effectively mitigating tinnitus by modulating blood flow pressure, particularly in cases involving pulsatile and non-pulsatile forms, through existing stenting and flow diversion methods.
Innovation Solution
Development of novel mechanical self-expanding devices with multiple diameters and innovative coverings, such as PTFE and polyurethane, to alter blood flow dynamics by using stents and flow diverters strategically placed in blood vessels like the internal carotid, common carotid, and vertebral arteries, and in venous systems like the superior sagittal sinus, to create a pressure gradient change.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing stenting and flow diversion methods are used, then blood flow can be modulated to some extent, but tinnitus relief is insufficient particularly for pulsatile and non-pulsatile forms
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple stents with different diameters (first diameter for internal carotid, second diameter for common carotid, third diameter for vertebral arteries) that can be independently deployed and configured. Each stent segment can be optimized for specific vascular locations and tinnitus mechanisms, allowing differentiated blood flow modulation across different vascular territories to achieve comprehensive tinnitus relief.
Solution Approach 2:
Different stents with specific diameter characteristics are placed at different locations in the vascular system (internal carotid, common carotid, vertebral arteries, superior sagittal sinus) to create localized pressure gradients. The first stent has a first diameter optimized for internal carotid intervention, the second stent has a second diameter for common carotid, and the third stent has a third diameter for vertebral arteries, with each location receiving tailored intervention based on its specific contribution to tinnitus.
2Reliability
If multiple diameter stents are deployed in different vascular locations, then blood flow pressure can be effectively modulated, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device system is designed to address multiple tinnitus mechanisms and vascular locations through a unified approach. The same basic stent structure with varying diameters can be deployed across different vascular territories (internal carotid, common carotid, vertebral arteries, superior sagittal sinus) to modulate blood flow pressure gradients, making the device platform versatile for treating different causes of tinnitus including pulsatile and non-pulsatile forms.
Solution Approach 2:
The device architecture allows nested deployment where smaller diameter stents can be positioned within the framework of larger diameter stents, or multiple stents can be coordinated to work together as an integrated system. The first, second, and third stents with different diameters can be deployed in a coordinated manner to create complementary pressure gradients throughout the vascular system, reducing the need for completely separate device systems.
3Reliability
If stents are placed to create pressure gradients in specific vascular locations, then tinnitus symptoms show instantaneous resolution, but manufacturing and deployment precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The stents are pre-manufactured with specific diameter specifications (first diameter, second diameter, third diameter) and structural characteristics before deployment. The device system includes pre-configured stents with predetermined dimensions that can be rapidly deployed at target locations, reducing the need for complex intraoperative adjustments and ensuring consistent pressure gradient creation across different patients and vascular locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The device system utilizes controlled parameter variations in stent diameter (first diameter for internal carotid, second diameter for common carotid, third diameter for vertebral arteries) to create appropriate pressure gradients. By systematically varying the diameter parameter across different stent types and locations, the system achieves precise control over blood flow modulation while maintaining manufacturability through standardized parameter sets for each vascular territory.
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 solution provides relief from tinnitus by effectively altering blood flow pressure, offering instantaneous resolution of symptoms through optimized placement and delivery of braided stents and barrel stents, addressing issues like A-V malformations and stenoses, and enhancing baffle properties with materials like PTFE and metal braids.
Implementation Method 1
Development of novel mechanical self-expanding devices with multiple diameters and innovative coverings, such as PTFE and polyurethane, to alter blood flow dynamics by using stents and flow diverters strategically placed in blood vessels like the internal carotid, common carotid, and vertebral arteries, and in venous systems like the superior sagittal sinus, to create a pressure gradient change.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are methods of making barrel stents/flow diverters and braided stents, which artisans may use to resolve tinnitus, inter alia.