Vena Cava Filter Retrieval Member with Flexible Bent Zone
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vena cava filters are difficult to remove, especially when tilted in the vein, due to complications such as tilting against the vein wall, which hinders successful extraction.
Innovation Solution
A removal member with a flexible bent zone and inwardly directed hooks is designed to grip and retrieve vena cava filters, allowing for alignment and straightening of tilted filters, featuring a distal end with elastic branches and a manipulation part for easy handling, ensuring biocompatibility and sufficient rigidity for arterial occlusions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the removal member has rigid elastic branches with hooks to grip the filter, then the gripping strength is improved, but the ability to navigate tortuous vascular paths deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The removal member is divided into distinct functional segments: a flexible delivery catheter for navigation, a rigid stem for structural support, and elastic branches with hooks for gripping. This segmentation allows each part to optimize its function independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The removal member transitions from a constrained configuration during delivery to an expanded configuration during retrieval. The elastic branches are compressed during catheter delivery to navigate tortuous paths, then expand upon deployment to provide strong gripping force on the filter.
2Ease of manufacture
If the removal member is designed with a simple structure for ease of manufacture, then the manufacturing complexity is reduced, but the capability to handle tilted filters deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The removal member is designed to perform multiple functions: it can retrieve both well-aligned and tilted filters, navigate tortuous vascular paths, and provide strong gripping force. The flexible bent zone and expandable elastic branches enable the same device to handle diverse filter positions and orientations.
Solution Approach 2:
The removal member utilizes changes in physical parameters (flexibility, rigidity, shape) to adapt to different retrieval scenarios. The flexible bent zone allows the device to conform to tilted filter positions, while the expandable elastic branches adjust gripping force based on filter orientation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the removal member uses variable flexibility with heating devices to soften binders, then the adaptability to different vascular paths is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The removal member employs a flexible delivery catheter with inherent flexibility to navigate tortuous vascular paths without requiring active control mechanisms. The flexibility is achieved through the catheter's construction rather than temperature-dependent material changes.
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 removal member effectively retrieves vena cava filters, including those that are well-aligned or tilted, by utilizing its flexible design to navigate tortuous paths and provide sufficient rigidity for successful extraction, enhancing the ease of filter removal and straightening.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible bent zone
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of elastic branches flaring out from the stem, naturally spaced from each other and ending in hooks directed inwards to grip the ogive of the filter by tightening
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a withdrawal member for a filter for the vena cava, essentially consisting of a head and shape memory or wrought strands forming a tail, said strands being attached to the head and being located on the same side of the head, said withdrawal member including a rod (7) comprising, at the distal end thereof, a plurality of resilient arms (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) flaring from the rod (7), naturally spaced apart from each other and ending in the form of hooks oriented towards the inside so as to grasp the cap of the filter upon tightening, and including a flexible bent area adjacent to the distal end of the rod (7).