Thermal Shape-Memory Detachment for Vascular Implant Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The detachment of implants from pusher members in endovascular procedures is unreliable, leading to potential injury or rupture of vessels due to unintended removal, and existing methods like electrolytic and mechanical detachment have drawbacks such as protrusion risks and mechanical dislodgment.
Innovation Solution
A thermally activated detachment mechanism using shape memory materials in the pusher device, which transitions between configurations based on temperature changes to securely release the implant from the delivery system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical detachment systems are used to sever the implant from the delivery system, then reliable severance can be achieved, but mechanical energy transmission may cause the implant to be dislodged out of the correct position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical detachment systems with a thermal activation system. The pusher member includes a heating element that heats shape memory material in the implant, causing it to transition from a compressed state (during delivery) to an expanded state (for detachment). This thermal mechanism achieves reliable severance without transmitting mechanical energy that could dislodge the implant from its correct position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in temperature to trigger the shape memory material to change its physical state. When the heating element raises the temperature of the shape memory material above its transition temperature, the material expands and releases the implant from the compressed configuration, enabling detachment without mechanical force transmission.
2Productivity
If electrolytic detachment is used to release the implant, then rapid severance can be achieved, but delivery wire protrusion and debris generation pose risks to surrounding anatomy and MRI imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrolytic detachment with a thermal activation mechanism. The heating element provides controlled thermal energy to the shape memory material, causing it to expand and release the implant. This method achieves rapid severance without the harmful effects of electrolysis, such as wire protrusion and debris generation that interfere with MRI imaging and pose risks to surrounding anatomy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses temperature as the activation parameter to trigger the shape memory material to change its configuration. By controlling the temperature increase through the heating element, the system achieves rapid and clean detachment without generating the harmful byproducts associated with electrolytic methods.
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
Ensures reliable, rapid, and precise detachment of implants without mechanical energy transmission, minimizing protrusion risks and debris, thereby ensuring safe and accurate placement.
Implementation Method 1
A thermally activated detachment mechanism using shape memory materials in the pusher device, which transitions between configurations based on temperature changes to securely release the implant from the delivery system
Implementation Method 2
A heating element can be provided in thermal connection with the pusher device and the coil. The heating element can increase a temperature of the pusher device and the coil when electrical current is applied.
Data Source
AI summary
Treatment of an aneurysm or other vascular defect can be facilitated or enhanced by an implant delivered with a thermally activated detachment system. A delivery system can include an implant with a proximal portion that defines a port. A pusher device can include arms extending distally from a junction of the pusher device and through the port, with distal sections of the arms disposed within the implant. The arms can, at a certain temperature, transition from engagement with the implant to a shape that facilitates release of the implant. Additionally or alternatively, a coil can engage an outer surface of the implant at the proximal portion and transition to a shape that facilitates release of the implant.