Tethered Filter Assemblies with Flexible Support for Vessel Wall Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tethered mesh filters for capturing occlusive material during vascular procedures face issues such as occlusive material buildup between the filter and the vessel wall, incomplete removal of captured material due to large particle size limitations, and procedural inefficiencies during filter retrieval, leading to risks of embolism and hematoma.
Innovation Solution
A tethered mesh filter assembly with a conically shaped mesh and support members that allow for multiple degrees of freedom, enabling secure contact with the vessel wall and adjustable diameters to prevent occlusive material buildup, along with a locking mechanism to maintain contact during filter movement and facilitate complete removal of captured material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the filter is sized to fit within the vessel with mesh contact against the vessel wall, then particle capture capability is improved, but occlusive material buildup occurs between the filter and vessel wall
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly incorporates a flexible support member that allows the filter to dynamically adjust its position and orientation within the vessel. The support member can bend and flex to accommodate vessel geometry, ensuring the filter remains in contact with the vessel wall while preventing material buildup through controlled movement
Solution Approach 2:
The support member is designed with an asymmetric configuration where the first portion has different flexibility characteristics than the second portion. This asymmetric design allows selective contact points with the vessel wall, creating gaps that prevent occlusive material buildup while maintaining particle capture effectiveness
2Productivity
If the filter is removed from the vessel, then the procedure is completed, but occlusive material buildup is released back into the bloodstream
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly is designed to preliminary capture and secure occlusive material against the vessel wall during the procedure. The support member maintains firm contact between the filter and vessel wall, pre-positioning the material in a secured state before filter removal, thereby preventing its release back into the bloodstream
Solution Approach 2:
The support member acts as an intermediary between the filter and the vessel wall, maintaining controlled contact that secures occlusive material during the procedure. This intermediary structure allows the filter to be removed while keeping the material trapped or secured against the vessel wall
3Stability of the object's composition
If the filter structure is rigid to maintain shape, then structural stability is improved, but the filter cannot adapt to vessel geometry and maintain contact
Solution Approach 1:
The support member transitions from a rigid structure to a dynamic, flexible structure that can adapt to various vessel geometries. The flexible support member bends and flexes to match the vessel's shape while maintaining the filter's structural integrity through controlled flexibility in specific portions
Solution Approach 2:
The support member is segmented into different portions with different flexibility characteristics. The first portion provides structural stability while the second portion provides adaptability, allowing the overall structure to maintain both rigidity where needed and flexibility where adaptation is required
4Ease of operation
If the filter allows abrupt pull on the wire, then retrieval is simplified, but the filter collapses and occlusive material bypasses the filter
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible support member allows the filter to dynamically respond to retrieval forces. When pulled, the support member flexes and bends rather than causing abrupt collapse, maintaining filter shape and vessel wall contact throughout the retrieval process, thereby preventing material bypass
Data Source
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AI summary
A filter assembly and methods of using the filter assembly are disclosed. The filter assembly includes a proximal portion including support members and a distal portion including a mesh. The filter assembly may also include additional portions including additional meshes or support members. The proximal portion of the filter has a first major diameter, and the distal portion of the filter has a second major diameter. In a first unconstrained state, the second major diameter of the filter is less than the first major diameter of the filter. According to certain aspects of the disclosure, the filter assembly further includes a filter wire and a tubular member that may be attached to a proximal or distal end of the filter.