Twisted Flat Embolic Braid for Stable Wide-Neck Aneurysm Occlusion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing embolic devices, particularly coils, tend to migrate out of aneurysm sacs, especially in wide-neck aneurysms, due to their design and material properties, which can lead to ineffective occlusion and increased risk of rupture.

Innovation Solution

An embolic device formed from an elongate flat member that transitions from a constrained configuration for delivery to a three-dimensional unconstrained configuration within the aneurysm, featuring a plurality of successive loops twisted about its longitudinal axis, ensuring the first side surface faces externally and the second side surface faces internally, thereby stabilizing the device within the aneurysm.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional embolic coils are used, then the device can be easily delivered through the catheter, but the device tends to migrate out of the aneurysm sac

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice stability in aneurysmVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The embolic device is divided into multiple discrete loops along its length, with each loop capable of independent engagement with the aneurysm wall. This segmentation allows the device to conform to the irregular geometry of the aneurysm sac while maintaining stable positioning, preventing migration without requiring a complex overall structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device incorporates loops with varying sizes, shapes, and engagement characteristics at different locations along its length. Each local segment can be optimized for specific engagement with the aneurysm wall, providing tailored stability in different regions while maintaining a relatively simple overall device architecture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If the embolic device is designed to engage the aneurysm wall, then migration is prevented, but the device may distend the aneurysm sac increasing rupture risk

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice stability in aneurysmVSAvoidaneurysm wall stress

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of designing the device to push outward against the aneurysm wall for engagement, the loops are configured to engage by wrapping around or hooking onto the aneurysm wall from the interior. This inverted engagement mechanism provides stable anchoring without exerting outward distending forces on the aneurysm sac, reducing rupture risk

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The device utilizes the natural geometry and curvature of the aneurysm wall to its advantage. The loops are designed to conform to and engage with the existing aneurysm wall structure, converting the potential harmful effect of wall irregularities into beneficial engagement points that stabilize the device without requiring additional outward force

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Ease of operation

If the embolic device uses self-expanding materials, then deployment is simplified, but control over final configuration is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeployment simplicityVSAvoidconfiguration control

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The embolic device is pre-formed with the desired loop configuration, size, and shape before delivery. The self-expanding material is pre-programmed with the specific geometric pattern needed for optimal aneurysm engagement. When deployed, the device automatically assumes this predetermined configuration, achieving both simple deployment and precise configuration control through the pre-set structural design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 device effectively occludes the aneurysm by engaging the internal walls without distending the sac, reducing the risk of rupture and providing a stable, efficient deployment mechanism that minimizes stress and friction during vascular navigation.

Implementation Method 1

The elongate flat member has an elongated constrained configuration for being deployed through a delivery catheter to targeted vascular site, and a three-dimensional unconstrained configuration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

Some embolic devices may be characterized as hybrid devices which have some characteristics of both self-expandable materials and non-self-expandable materials

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShape memory effect: Shape Memory Alloy

Data Source

PatentUS11819217B2Embolic devices and methods of manufacturing same

Publication Date: 2023.11.21 STRYKER CORP

AI summary

A flat embolic braid having a first side comprising a first side surface, and a second side comprising a second side surface facing in an opposite direction than the first side surface, the braid having an elongated constrained configuration for being deployed through a delivery catheter, and a three-dimensional unconstrained configuration, wherein in the three-dimensional unconstrained configuration, the braid assumes a plurality of successive loops in which the braid is at least partially twisted between successive loops of the plurality, so that the first side surface faces externally of each loop, and the second side surface faces an interior of each loop, respectively, regardless of a change in direction and/or orientation of the braid.