Vascular Occlusion Devices with Fillable Intermediate Segment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for treating venous valve insufficiency, such as surgical interventions and external compression, are invasive, uncomfortable, and often ineffective in preventing venous reflux, leading to complications like varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency.
Innovation Solution
A vascular implant with expandable members and a fillable intermediate segment is delivered transluminally to occlude vascular vessels, using a delivery device that deploys the implant to block blood flow and optionally fills the segment with a fill material to enhance occlusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If surgical methods are used to treat venous valve insufficiency, then valve function can be restored, but patient recovery time increases and surgical risks are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional surgical mechanical interventions (incisions, sutures, external compression) with a minimally invasive endoluminal device that can be delivered through catheter-based methods. The implantable device restores valve function by providing internal support and preventing retrograde flow without requiring external surgical manipulation, thereby reducing recovery time and surgical risks while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness
2Reliability
If elastic stockings are used to apply external pressure, then leaflets can be forced into apposition, but patient comfort deteriorates and psychological effects are negative
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an implantable device as an intermediary structure that provides internal support to the vein wall, replacing the need for external compression stockings. This internal scaffold maintains leaflet apposition and prevents retrograde flow from within the vessel lumen, eliminating the discomfort and psychological burden of wearing tight external stockings while achieving the same hemodynamic effect
3Reliability
If surgical constriction is performed to bring leaflets into closer proximity, then valve function can be improved, but surgical risks and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex surgical constriction procedures with a simplified endoluminal implant that can be delivered through minimally invasive catheter-based techniques. The device provides internal structural support that passively maintains leaflet apposition without requiring active surgical manipulation, tissue resection, or complex suturing, thereby reducing procedural complexity while achieving reliable valve function restoration
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 solution provides a minimally invasive, effective means to occlude vascular vessels, reducing venous reflux and alleviating symptoms of venous valve insufficiency without the discomfort and risks associated with traditional treatments.
Implementation Method 1
Each of these members is compressible to permit delivery through the vasculature to the vascular vessel site, and expandable at the site to block flow through the vessel
Implementation Method 2
the intermediate segment includes an interior region for possible receipt of a fill material
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides, in certain embodiments, unique products and methods for occluding vascular vessels. Implantable devices useful in some inventive embodiments include at least two expandable occluding members, e.g., self-expandable sponge form devices, with an intermediate segment extending between the members. These devices are preferably compressible for placement in a delivery device lumen for delivery to a vascular vessel site. Upon deployment in the vessel, each of the members expands to occlude the vessel at a separate vessel location with the intermediate segment occupying space in the vessel between the two members. Optionally, the intermediate segment can be constructed to provide a hollow or other interior region for receiving one or more materials, for example, to receive an injectable fill material after one or both of the expandable members have been deployed.