Twisted Flat Embolic Braid for Wide-Neck Aneurysm Stability
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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 securely engaging the aneurysm wall without distending it.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional embolic coils are used, then the device can be deployed in aneurysm treatment, but the device tends to migrate out of wide-neck aneurysm sacs
Solution Approach 1:
The embolic device is divided into multiple segments or sections along its length, with each section capable of independent deformation and engagement with the aneurysm wall. This segmentation allows the device to better adapt to the complex geometry of wide-neck aneurysms and prevents migration by creating multiple anchoring points throughout the device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from a two-dimensional compressed state during delivery to a three-dimensional expanded configuration within the aneurysm. This dimensional transformation enables the device to achieve stable engagement with the aneurysm wall in multiple spatial dimensions, preventing migration while maintaining deliverability through narrow vascular paths.
2Reliability
If the embolic device is designed to engage the aneurysm wall securely, then migration is prevented, but the device may distend the aneurysm sac
Solution Approach 1:
Different sections of the embolic device possess different mechanical properties and engagement characteristics. proximal sections are designed with higher rigidity for stable anchoring against the aneurysm neck, while distal sections have lower rigidity to conform to the aneurysm sac without causing distension. This local differentiation allows secure engagement while minimizing harmful effects on the aneurysm wall.
Solution Approach 2:
The embolic device incorporates flexible, thin-walled structures that can deform and conform to the aneurysm cavity geometry. These flexible components engage the aneurysm wall through gentle compression and friction rather than rigid anchoring, preventing migration while avoiding wall distension or damage.
3Reliability
If the embolic device has a complex three-dimensional configuration, then it engages the aneurysm wall effectively, but it increases friction and stress during delivery through tortuous vascular paths
Solution Approach 1:
The embolic device employs dynamic, shape-memory materials that remain in a compressed, low-friction configuration during delivery and automatically transform to the final three-dimensional engaged configuration upon deployment. This dynamic transformation allows the device to navigate tortuous vascular paths easily while achieving effective aneurysm engagement without requiring excessive force or causing vascular damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex three-dimensional structure of the embolic device is nested within a delivery catheter in a compact, linear configuration. The device is compressed and stored in a space-efficient manner that minimizes its profile during delivery, allowing it to pass through narrow and tortuous vascular paths with minimal friction and stress, then expand to its functional configuration upon deployment.
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, reduces the risk of rupture, and allows for efficient deployment through tortuous vascular paths with minimal stress and friction, enhancing the stability and efficacy of embolic treatment.
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
Implementation Method 2
the first side surface faces externally of each loop, and the second side surface faces an interior of each loop, respectively
Data Source
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.