Vascular Filter Retainer for Extended Thrombus Capture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vascular filter systems lack versatility in maintaining thrombus capture beyond a predetermined period, as they typically transition from a closed to an open state after the holder biodegrades or bioabsorbs, limiting their filtration duration.

Innovation Solution

A vascular filter system with a retainer that temporarily or permanently retains the filter in the closed state by extending around or clamping the filter elements, using biodegradable or biostable materials, and a delivery mechanism to maintain the filter's position and engage the retainer, allowing for extended thrombus capture.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If the holder biodegrades or bioabsorbs after a predetermined period, then the filter transitions from closed to open state, but the filtration duration is limited and cannot be extended

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiltration durationVSAvoidversatility in maintaining thrombus capture

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs a retainer that can be dynamically deployed or activated after the initial holder biodegrades, allowing the filter to transition from open back to closed state for extended filtration. This dynamic reconfiguration enables the filter to adapt its state based on clinical needs beyond the predetermined period.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The retainer mechanism changes the operational parameters of the filter by altering its mechanical state from open to closed after the holder biodegrades. This parameter change enables extended thrombus capture functionality that was not available with the initial predetermined timing alone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the filter is designed to open after holder biodegradation, then temporary filtration is achieved, but extended or permanent thrombus capture capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveextended filtration optionVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The retainer is nested within or integrated with the filter structure, allowing it to be contained within the delivery catheter and then deployed around the filter elements. This nesting approach adds extended filtration capability without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The system is segmented into distinct functional components: the initial holder for predetermined period retention, the filter elements for thrombus capture, and the retainer for extended retention. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall system manageability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Duration of action of moving object

If a retainer is added to extend filtration period, then thrombus capture is prolonged, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethrombus capture periodVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The retainer serves multiple functions: it extends the filtration period, can be deployed on-demand, and provides an additional layer of mechanical retention. This multi-functionality justifies the addition of the component by providing several benefits beyond simple time extension.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The retainer acts as an intermediary mechanism between the biodegradable holder and the filter elements, providing extended mechanical retention after the holder degrades. This intermediary component bridges the gap between temporary and permanent filtration needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 system effectively prolongs the filtration period, either temporarily or permanently, by maintaining the filter in the closed state beyond the initial biodegradation or bioabsorption time, ensuring continued thrombus capture and preventing pulmonary embolism.

Implementation Method 1

The retainer comprises first magnetic parts on the filter elements and a second magnetic part for engagement with the first magnetic parts to retain the filter elements in the closed state

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS11672641B2Vascular filter system

Publication Date: 2023.06.13 BOSTON SCI MEDICAL DEVICE LTD

AI summary

A vascular filter system comprises a vascular filter (1), a clamp device (50), and a delivery catheter (51). The filter (1) comprises filter elements (6). When used without the clamp device (50), the filter elements (6) move from a closed state to an open state upon elapse of a predetermined period of time. In the closed state the filter elements (6) capture thrombus passing through the inferior vena cava (2). The delivery catheter (51) is employed to deliver the clamp device (50) to the filter (1) after the filter (1) has been deployed in the inferior vena cava (2). The clamp device (50) engages with the filter elements (6) of the filter (1) to clamp the filter (1) in the closed state beyond elapse of the predetermined period of time. Because of the presence of the clamp device (50), the filter elements (6) are no longer free to move from the closed state to the open state upon elapse of the predetermined period of time. In this manner the period of time in which the filter (1) captures thrombus is extended either temporarily or permanently.