Vascular Device with Localized Apertures for Perforator Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional occluding devices for aneurysms restrict blood flow to both the aneurysm and perforator vessels, increasing the risk of ischemia and complicating treatment by occluding small arteries or vessel branches, which can lead to rupture and serious health consequences.
Innovation Solution
A vascular device with an expandable structure featuring enlarged apertures near the aneurysm neck to reduce haemodynamic flow into the aneurysm while maintaining blood flow to perforator vessels, utilizing a braided lattice-like design with shape memory materials and adjustable porosity to accommodate varying aneurysm sizes and vessel configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional occluding devices are used to restrict blood flow into the aneurysm, then the risk of aneurysm rupture is reduced, but blood flow to perforator vessels is also restricted, increasing the risk of ischemia
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates different aperture sizes at different locations: smaller apertures in the main body to restrict flow into the aneurysm, and one or more enlarged apertures positioned to allow blood flow into perforator vessels. This local differentiation of aperture quality resolves the contradiction by simultaneously protecting the aneurysm and maintaining perfusion to critical vessels.
Solution Approach 2:
The device segments the flow control function into distinct aperture zones: a first region with smaller apertures for aneurysm occlusion and a second region with enlarged apertures for perforator vessel perfusion. This segmentation allows independent optimization of flow restriction for the aneurysm while preserving flow pathways to vulnerable vessels.
2Reliability
If the device porosity is reduced to limit blood flow into the aneurysm, then hemodynamic flow into the aneurysm is reduced, but blood flow to perforator vessels may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The device applies different porosity characteristics to different regions: the main body has lower porosity with smaller apertures to restrict aneurysm flow, while specific localized regions contain enlarged apertures with higher effective porosity to ensure adequate blood flow to perforator vessels. This resolves the contradiction between overall flow restriction and localized perfusion requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the device structure is made more complex with varying aperture sizes, then the ability to treat varying aneurysm sizes and vessel configurations is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device maintains a relatively simple overall structure while incorporating localized variations in aperture size. The enlarged apertures are positioned at specific locations to address different vessel configurations, providing adaptability without requiring complete structural redesign. This balances versatility with manufacturability and deployment simplicity.
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 reduces the risk of aneurysm rupture by limiting blood flow into the aneurysm while ensuring sufficient perfusion to perforator vessels, promoting endothelialization and preventing ischemia, thus facilitating healing and minimizing the risk of rupture.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a braided lattice-like design with shape memory materials and adjustable porosity
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 1D~1F
Figure 2~3
AI summary
A vascular device (100) includes a body (110) having a first, collapsed configuration and a second, expanded configuration. The body includes a plurality of heat-set strands (112) that are braided such that when the body is in the second configuration, the strands form a plurality of pores (120) and one or more apertures (130) between the strands. The apertures are generally disposed at a longitudinal center region of the body. When the body is in the second configuration, the pores at proximal and distal portions of the body are generally uniform in size and smaller in size than the apertures. The pores and the apertures are substantially the same size when the body is in the first configuration.