Vena Cava Debris Capture Frame With Selective Mesh Traps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods and devices fail to effectively trap and control debris flowing through the Vena Cava, particularly in patients with conditions like Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) or history of DVT/SVT, which can lead to pulmonary infarction and embolic injuries.
Innovation Solution
A device with an expandable frame and debris obstacles (mesh traps) controlled by a wire, allowing selective trapping and release of debris, anchored to the Vena Cava walls to prevent downstream movement, and compatible with medical procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a debris trapping device is placed in the Vena Cava to prevent pulmonary infarction, then the safety of the lungs is improved, but the device may obstruct blood flow and cause venous congestion
Solution Approach 1:
The debris trapping device incorporates dynamically controllable mesh debris traps that can transition between open and closed states. The traps are normally closed to allow blood flow but can be opened during procedures to capture debris. This dynamic control enables the device to adapt its filtration state based on operational needs, preventing both pulmonary infarction and venous congestion.
Solution Approach 2:
The device features selectively controllable mesh debris traps at different locations along the Vena Cava. Each trap can be independently opened or closed based on the specific procedural needs, allowing localized debris capture while maintaining overall blood flow. This localized control enables precise protection where needed without causing unnecessary obstruction elsewhere.
2Reliability
If the mesh debris traps are always open to capture all debris, then debris capture effectiveness is improved, but blood flow resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mesh debris traps operate periodically rather than continuously - remaining closed during normal blood flow to minimize resistance, and opening only during specific procedures when debris capture is needed. This periodic activation pattern maintains reliability for debris capture while minimizing energy loss from blood flow resistance during routine operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The debris traps transition between closed and open states based on operational requirements. During normal conditions, the traps remain closed to allow unimpeded blood flow. When debris capture is needed, the traps open to capture particles. This dynamic state change enables the system to optimize both blood flow and debris capture effectiveness at different times.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the device is anchored firmly to Vena Cava walls to prevent displacement, then device stability is improved, but the anchoring structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The anchoring function is divided into separate modular components: an expandable frame structure that provides structural support and positioning, and discrete anchoring elements that engage with the Vena Cava walls. This segmentation allows the anchoring mechanism to be distributed along the device length rather than requiring a single complex anchoring structure, simplifying the overall design while maintaining stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The expandable frame structure inherently provides anchoring functionality through its expansion against the Vena Cava walls. The frame's radial expansion creates natural anchoring points that secure the device in place without requiring additional complex anchoring structures. This self-anchoring capability simplifies the overall device design while ensuring stable positioning.
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
Effectively captures and prevents debris from reaching the lungs, reducing the risk of pulmonary infarction and embolic injuries by selectively trapping debris of various sizes, while allowing medical tools to pass through.
Implementation Method 1
an expandable frame shaped and sized to expand against walls of a Vena Cava
Implementation Method 2
a debris obstacle attached to the frame, and a control wire attached to the debris obstacle, configured to control opening of the debris obstacle
Data Source
AI summary
A device for capturing debris from blood flow in a blood vessel, the device including an expandable frame shaped and sized to expand against walls of a blood vessel, a debris obstacle attached to the frame, and a control wire attached to the debris obstacle, configured to control opening of the debris obstacle, wherein the control wire extends from the debris obstacle upstream in relation to a direction of blood flow in the blood vessel. A method for preventing debris from reaching a lung, the method including inserting a device for capturing debris to a location in a vein, controlling debris traps in the device to open and collect debris from the vein, performing the medical procedure, and extracting the device for capturing debris from the body. Related apparatus and methods are also described.