Catheter-Delivered Vein Implant for Varicose Diameter Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for varicose veins are invasive, costly, and destructive, often leading to morbidity and requiring complex procedures, while non-invasive therapies only address symptoms without effectively addressing the underlying issue.
Innovation Solution
A minimally invasive implant delivery system using spring clips made of nickel-titanium alloy, anchored to the inner vein wall, which reduces vein diameter by contracting upon deployment, thereby restoring venous valve function and lowering venous pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If invasive therapies (surgical removal, radiofrequency ablation, or adhesive closure) are used to treat varicose veins, then the venous insufficiency is effectively treated, but the procedures are destructive, require sterile environments, have long procedure times, and cause morbidity
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is divided into multiple end sections (first end section, second end section, etc.) that can be independently anchored to the inner wall of the vessel at different locations. This segmentation allows the implant to be delivered through a catheter in a collapsed state and then expanded at the target site to reduce the luminal diameter, providing an alternative to complex invasive procedures while maintaining treatment effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The implant acts as an intermediary device that is delivered through a catheter to the target vessel. The catheter serves as a delivery mechanism that minimizes invasiveness, while the implant itself serves as the active element that reduces the luminal diameter. This intermediary approach avoids the need for direct surgical intervention while achieving the therapeutic goal
2Reliability
If thermal devices or surgery are used for varicose vein treatment, then the veins are effectively treated, but tumescent anesthesia and sterile operating rooms are required, increasing procedural complexity and time
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces thermal mechanisms (radiofrequency ablation) and surgical mechanical removal with a mechanical compression mechanism. The implant reduces the luminal diameter through physical compression of the vessel wall, eliminating the need for thermal energy delivery systems, tumescent anesthesia, and sterile operating room infrastructure while maintaining treatment effectiveness
3Reliability
If varicose veins are removed surgically, then the disease is treated, but the veins cannot be used later for bypass surgery and patient after-care is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of removing or destroying the vein (discarding), the implant preserves the vein structure by reducing its luminal diameter. The vein remains intact and functional, with improved hemodynamics due to the reduced diameter that restores valve function. This allows the vein to be recovered and potentially used for future bypass surgery if needed, while still treating the current varicose vein condition
4Object-affected harmful factors
If compression therapy is used to reduce venous pressure, then symptomatic relief is achieved, but the underlying valvular incompetence is not addressed
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is deployed at the specific location of valvular incompetence to preliminarily restore the luminal diameter before blood flow abnormalities develop. By reducing the diameter at the site of valve failure, the implant prevents further blood pooling and reflux, addressing the underlying cause rather than just the symptoms. This preliminary structural correction enables the extended valve to function adequately again
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 minimizes invasiveness, preserves veins for future use, reduces procedure time, and allows immediate patient mobility, avoiding complications and the need for sterile environments.
Implementation Method 1
an implant (e.g. spring clip) being configured to be anchored to an inner wall of the vessel via a first end section and an opposing second end section... the implant includes a connecting portion configured to connect the first and second end section, wherein the implant is configured to assume a first state allowing the first and the second end section to be anchored to the inner wall and a second state for reducing the luminal diameter
Implementation Method 2
spring clips made of nickel-titanium alloy
Data Source
AI summary
An implant delivery system for implanting an implant for reducing a luminal diameter of a vessel, including: an implant being configured to be anchored to an inner wall (W) of the vessel (V) and to contract so as to reduce the luminal diameter of the vessel (V), and a catheter including a catheter sheath and an expansion device for expanding and deploying the implant at an implantation side in the vessel (V).