Wire-Free Vascular Filter Membrane for Perfusion-Preserving Debris Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing deployable filtration devices for vascular procedures often rely on shape memory wire frames that can obstruct perfusion and are complex in design, leading to potential embolic complications and difficulties in deployment.
Innovation Solution
A vascular filtering device comprising an elongate member with apertures and a membranous member, including a bag portion and extensions, which deploys without a wire frame, using fluid flow and tension to expand and seal against the vessel wall, capturing embolic debris while allowing blood perfusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a vascular filter is delivered in a compressed state through a catheter, then the filter can be delivered through small access vessels, but the filter structure becomes complex requiring expansion mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is divided into multiple struts that can be independently configured and positioned. Each strut contains filtration pockets that can be selectively expanded, allowing the filter to be delivered in a compressed state and then expanded to its functional configuration at the target site
Solution Approach 2:
The filter transitions from a static compressed delivery state to a dynamic expanded functional state. The expansion mechanism allows the filter to change its configuration from a low-profile delivery state to a fully expanded filtration state, resolving the contradiction between deliverability and structural complexity
2Reliability
If the filter body is made rigid to maintain shape, then filtration effectiveness is improved, but the filter cannot be delivered through flexible catheters
Solution Approach 1:
The filter body transitions from a flexible compressed state during delivery to a rigid expanded state during filtration. This dynamic transformation allows the filter to be delivered through flexible catheters while maintaining structural rigidity for effective filtration at the target site
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid filter structure is nested within a flexible delivery catheter in a compressed state. Once deployed, the filter expands outward from the catheter, achieving both deliverability through the flexible catheter and structural rigidity for effective filtration
3Productivity
If the filter is made fully expandable to maximize filtration area, then filtration capacity is improved, but the risk of thrombus entrapment and embolization increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the filter have different expansion characteristics. The filter includes fully expanded sections for high filtration capacity and partially expanded sections with larger pore sizes that allow thrombi to pass through, reducing the risk of embolization while maintaining overall filtration effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The filter incorporates varying pore sizes across different segments, with some areas having smaller pores for fine filtration and other areas having larger pores that permit thrombus passage, thereby addressing both filtration capacity and thrombus embolization concerns
4Ease of manufacture
If the filter structure is simplified for ease of manufacture, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but the filter cannot be selectively expanded
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is segmented into multiple struts with integrated expansion mechanisms. Each strut can be independently controlled to expand or remain compressed, providing selective expansion capability while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that is amenable to manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The expansion mechanism is integrated into the strut structure itself rather than being a separate complex system. This merging of functions allows selective expansion capability to be achieved with minimal additional structural complexity, maintaining ease of manufacture
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 filters embolic debris, minimizing the risk of complications like embolic stroke by deploying without a wire frame, simplifying deployment, and ensuring continued blood perfusion to downstream tissues.
Implementation Method 1
The vascular filtering devices can also include a porous membrane bag portion with multiple elongate extensions that extend through the apertures of the elongate member and through the lumen of the elongate member
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
This document provides vascular filtering devices and methods for their use. In some embodiments, the vascular filtering devices include an elongate member having a wall with one or more apertures and a lumen. The vascular filtering devices can also include a porous membrane bag portion with multiple elongate extensions that extend through the apertures of the elongate member and through the lumen of the elongate member, exiting the lumen at the proximal region of the elongate member.