Variable Diameter Embolic Coil Catheter Sticking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing embolic coils face challenges in delivering and deploying effectively due to sticking issues with the catheter wall and limited occlusive properties, which can lead to complications during vascular occlusions.

Innovation Solution

The design of an embolic coil with a primary shape featuring regions of varying outer diameters and attached fibers, allowing it to fit within a catheter lumen with a high effective column strength, reducing the likelihood of sticking and enhancing occlusive properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If embolic coils are delivered through a catheter, then the coils can reach the treatment site, but the coils may stick to the catheter wall causing delivery complications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedelivery reliabilityVSAvoidsticking to catheter wall

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The coil features a non-uniform cross-sectional design with a first outer diameter in a first region and a second outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter in a second region. This local variation in dimensions allows the coil to navigate the catheter lumen effectively while maintaining structural integrity, reducing sticking issues during delivery

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent specifies precise parameter ranges including outer diameter ratios between 1.05:1 and 1.5:1, and effective column strength between 0.005 to 0.05 pound. These parameter optimizations balance the coil's pushability through the catheter with its ability to deploy effectively at the treatment site

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If embolic coils have uniform outer diameter, then manufacturing is simpler, but occlusive properties are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveocclusive propertiesVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The coil incorporates regions with different outer diameters - a first region with a larger outer diameter for enhanced occlusive properties and a second region with a smaller outer diameter for improved deliverability. This local differentiation optimizes both performance characteristics without requiring complex multi-component assembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The coil is divided into distinct regions along its length, with each region having specific dimensional characteristics optimized for different functions. The transition between regions is controlled to maintain structural continuity while achieving varied occlusive performance along the coil's length

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If embolic coils have larger outer diameter, then occlusive properties are enhanced, but pushability through catheter is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveocclusive performanceVSAvoidpushability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The coil's first region with larger outer diameter provides enhanced occlusive performance at the treatment site, while the second region with smaller outer diameter maintains low profile for easy catheter navigation. This spatial differentiation of dimensions resolves the trade-off between occlusion effectiveness and deliverability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS8425550B2Embolic coils

Publication Date: 2013.04.23 BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED INC

AI summary

Embolic coils, as well as related methods, devices, and compositions, are disclosed.