Vena Cava Filter with Dual Contact Sites for Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conical vena cava filters face issues with improper deployment angles, tilting over time, and difficulties in retrieval and repositioning, which can lead to loss of filtration function and migration within the vessel, while existing stabilizing structures can impede blood flow and cause thrombus formation.
Innovation Solution
A medical device with a closed conical shape and wire tethers providing two longitudinally spaced vessel contact sites for stability and two retrieval points, allowing for deployment, repositioning, and retrieval from either end, minimizing the risk of tilting and thrombus formation by maintaining proper orientation and avoiding blood flow obstruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If stabilizing struts are added to a conical filter, then filter stability and prevention of tilting are improved, but device bulk increases particularly when radially compressed for deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is divided into multiple conical elements (first conical filter element and second conical filter element) that can be deployed independently. This segmentation allows each element to be smaller and more compact during deployment while providing distributed stability points when deployed, reducing the need for additional bulk stabilizing struts.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-point stabilization approach to a multi-point stabilization approach by deploying filter elements at different longitudinal positions. This dimensional distribution along the filter length provides stability without requiring increased radial bulk of individual stabilizing components.
2Stability of the object's composition
If stabilizing structures are added to prevent tilting, then orientational stability is improved, but fluid flow is impeded and thrombus generation risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the filter into multiple conical elements spaced along the filter length, each element provides localized stabilization without creating large obstructive structures. The segmented approach distributes the stabilizing function across multiple small elements rather than one large structure, minimizing flow obstruction and thrombus risk.
Solution Approach 2:
Each conical filter element is designed with specific local properties (conical shape, aperture size) optimized for both stabilization and flow preservation. The local conical geometry provides self-centering and anti-tilting capability while maintaining adequate flow through the apertures, avoiding the need for additional stabilizing struts that would impede flow.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a conical filter design is used, then self-centering and initial stability are improved, but retrieval and repositioning become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is segmented into multiple detachable conical elements that can be independently manipulated during retrieval. This segmentation allows the elements to be collapsed and withdrawn sequentially or simultaneously, making retrieval easier compared to a solid conical structure that must be collapsed as a single unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The conical filter elements are designed with dynamic collapse characteristics that allow them to transition from an expanded stable configuration to a compressed retrieval configuration. The conical geometry naturally collapses in a controlled manner during retrieval, facilitating easier removal compared to non-conical designs.
4Ease of manufacture
If the filter is deployed with the narrow end first, then deployment simplicity is improved, but retrieval must also be performed from the narrow end limiting flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is divided into multiple conical elements that can be deployed in sequence or simultaneously. This segmentation allows the filter to be deployed from one end while maintaining the ability to access and retrieve elements from either end, providing retrieval flexibility that a single-unit conical filter cannot achieve.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter design incorporates universal features at both ends (attachment mechanisms, access points) that allow the device to function equally well for deployment and retrieval from either end. This multi-functionality enables the filter to maintain deployment simplicity while gaining retrieval flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides an implantable medical device comprising a material capture element, which has a generally closed conical deployed shape and a narrow end disposed at or proximate the first end of the device. The material capture element includes a wide end facing the second end of the device, the material capture element having a zone of wider radial dimension which provides a first vessel contact site. A plurality of wire tethers are coupled to the wide end and extend to the second end. The wire tethers define a substantially open passageway for blood and provide a second vessel contact site. The first and second contact sites are spaced longitudinally from one another to provide stability. A first retrieval element is disposed at the first end and coupled to the narrow end, while a second retrieval element is disposed at the second end and coupled to the wire tethers.