Tapered Flow Reducing Frame with Inversion Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for occluding flow through tubular structures in patients face challenges such as inaccurate deployment and positioning, residual flow, and lack of mechanisms for repositioning or removal.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising an elongate member forming a frame with a tapered distal portion and a flow reducing member that can be inverted for removal, allowing for precise positioning and obstruction of flow within a tubular structure, and featuring a self-expanding capability and bioabsorbable materials for controlled degradation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a stent is deployed to maintain patency in a tubular structure, then flow of fluid through the tubular structure is maintained, but the device cannot be repositioned or removed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow maintenanceVSAvoidrepositioning capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The frame is designed with a tapered distal portion that enables dynamic transformation between deployed and inverted configurations. When inverted, the distal portion moves within and toward the middle portion, allowing the frame to be removed from the lumen. This dynamic design resolves the contradiction by enabling both flow maintenance during deployment and easy removal when inverted.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a flow occluding device is deployed within a tubular structure, then flow obstruction is achieved, but accurate deployment and positioning is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow obstructionVSAvoiddeployment accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The device utilizes inversion as its primary deployment and positioning mechanism. By inverting the frame so that the distal portion moves within and toward the middle portion, the device achieves accurate positioning within the lumen. This inversion-based approach resolves the positioning accuracy problem by providing a clear directional mechanism for correct placement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Reliability

If a flow occluding device is deployed within a tubular structure, then flow obstruction is achieved, but residual flow continues to occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow obstructionVSAvoidresidual flow

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The flow reducing member is designed as a flexible structure that can conform to the lumen walls when the frame is deployed. This flexible design allows the member to completely seal the lumen and eliminate residual flow paths. The flexibility enables the member to adapt to the cylindrical geometry of the lumen, ensuring complete flow obstruction without leaving any gaps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUS9451965B2Reducing flow through a tubular structure

Publication Date: 2016.09.27 ARTVENTIVE MEDICAL GROUP INC

AI summary

A method for reducing or stopping flow through a tubular structure of a patient can include positioning an elongate member within a lumen of the tubular structure. The elongate member can be arranged to form a frame having a distal opening and a proximal opening. The elongate member can substantially reduce or totally obstruct, with a flow reducing member coupled to the frame, flow of at least one of emboli and fluid flowing through the lumen. The flow reducing member can comprise a one-way valve that moves in response to fluid flow to substantially prevent distal flow through the distal opening and to allow proximal flow through the distal opening.