An artificial patch for wrapping the ascending aorta
By designing an artificial patch that adapts to the anatomical structure of the ascending aorta, the problems of cumbersome operation and poor fit in existing technologies have been solved, simplifying the operation, reducing wrinkling and displacement, and improving the reliability and stability of the wrapping effect.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- ZHEJIANG UNIV
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-24
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-30
AI Technical Summary
In the existing technology, the artificial materials used to wrap the ascending aorta are cumbersome to cut and splice, and are difficult to fit closely to the anatomical structure of the ascending aorta, especially on the lesser curve side, where they are prone to wrinkling and displacement, resulting in poor wrapping effect.
An artificial patch for wrapping the ascending aorta has been designed, including a back patch, a left patch, and a right patch, each with longitudinal and transverse corrugations, reinforcing ribs, and tongue-shaped protrusions. It is pre-formed to fit the anatomical structure of the ascending aorta and is equipped with suture marking lines to simplify the cutting and splicing process and ensure a tight fit.
It achieves simple operation and strong adaptability. The longitudinal and transverse corrugations conform to the shape of the ascending aorta, reducing wrinkles. The addition of reinforcing ribs and tongue-shaped protrusions enhances protection, ensures reliable fixation, reduces the risk of displacement, and forms a complete and tight wrapping effect.
Smart Images
Figure CN122297166A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to a medical device, specifically to an artificial patch for wrapping the ascending aorta. Background Technology
[0002] See Figure 3 The upper part of the human heart contains the superior vena cava, ascending aorta, and pulmonary artery. The ascending aorta has an arc shape that curves to the left. Ascending aortic dilatation is a common and potentially fatal cardiovascular disease, often putting patients at high risk of rupture. Treatment usually requires surgical intervention to prevent further dilatation or even rupture of the ascending aorta. Among the surgical treatments for ascending aortic dilatation, ascending aortic wrapping is a relatively effective method.
[0003] The "Chinese Expert Consensus on Aortic Procedures - Ascending Aortic Wrapping Technique," published in 2021, was the first domestic expert consensus to clearly define the indications and surgical framework for ascending aortic wrapping technique: It is suitable for patients with underlying aortic valve disease requiring surgery and whose ascending aortic dilation is a secondary change, with a maximum ascending aortic diameter <55mm, dilation limited to the ascending aortic segment, fusiform dilation with good wall elasticity, and no aortitis, dissection, significant atherosclerosis or calcification, Marfan syndrome, or other connective tissue diseases. Elderly patients, those with thin adventitia, and those with high overall surgical risk can also undergo wrapping technique after evaluation to simplify the surgical procedure of the ascending aorta. It can also be used as a reinforcement method for the proximal anchoring area of the stent in hybrid arch repair.
[0004] In existing techniques, ascending aortic wrapping typically involves wrapping the dilated ascending aortic segment with artificial materials to limit further expansion and, to some extent, restore the morphology and function of the ascending aorta. Currently, the artificial materials commonly used in ascending aortic wrapping are corrugated artificial blood vessels made of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyester fibers (such as polyester / Dacron), and other synthetic biocompatible materials. However, these materials are not specifically designed for wrapping the ascending aorta. During use, the artificial blood vessel must be pre-cut and shaped into a specific form before being assembled, making the procedure rather cumbersome (for details, please refer to the paper "Improved Ascending Aortic Wrapping Technique" published by the inventors of this application in the *Chinese Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery*, August 2025, Vol. 41, No. 8). Furthermore, due to the inherent arc-shaped anatomical structure of the ascending aorta and the individual differences in the anatomical structure of the ascending aorta among different patients (such as diameter and curvature), the wrapping material made by cutting and splicing artificial blood vessels needs to be pulled during wrapping and suturing, which can easily cause problems such as wrinkling and displacement. In particular, wrinkling and displacement are more severe on the lesser curvature side of the ascending aorta. After wrapping, the wrapping material cannot form a complete and tight fit with the outer wall of the ascending aorta, and may not even achieve the ideal wrapping effect. Summary of the Invention
[0005] The present invention mainly addresses the technical problems existing in the prior art and provides an artificial patch for wrapping the ascending aorta.
[0006] The above-mentioned technical problems of the present invention are mainly solved by the following technical solution: an artificial patch for wrapping the ascending aorta, comprising a back patch, wherein a left patch and a right patch are integrally provided on the left and right sides of the back patch, respectively. The back patch is 12 cm high and 2-3 cm wide, with a longitudinally penetrating reinforcing rib in the middle, and several penetrating longitudinal corrugations are evenly arranged on both sides of the reinforcing rib. The left patch is 3-4 cm wide, and its main body is evenly provided with several transverse corrugations, which gradually deepen from the inside to the outside. The outer end of the left patch is narrowed to a height of 11 cm by the transverse corrugations. The right patch is 9-10 cm wide, and its main body is evenly provided with several transverse corrugations, which gradually deepen from the inside to the outside at 2 / 3 of the width, and this area is set as a waist. The transverse corrugations gradually become shallower from the waist outwards, and the waist is narrowed to a height of 10 cm by the transverse corrugations. The outer end of the right patch is narrowed to a height of 11 cm by the transverse corrugations.
[0007] Preferably, the bottom of the reinforcing rib extends downward in an integral manner to form a tongue-shaped protrusion, the edge of the tongue-shaped protrusion is provided with a reinforcing edging, and the tongue-shaped protrusion is smoothly connected to the longitudinal corrugations of the back sheet.
[0008] Preferably, the upper ends of the back piece, left piece and right piece are provided with several through and one-to-one corresponding transverse cutting lines on both sides, and the transverse cutting lines are bent according to the narrowing ratio. The outer ends of the left piece and the outer ends of the right piece are provided with several one-to-one corresponding longitudinal cutting lines on both sides.
[0009] Preferably, several transverse stitching marking lines are provided on both sides of the outer end of the left piece and on both sides of the outer end of the right piece.
[0010] Preferably, the artificial patch is made of polyester fiber, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, or a composite material thereof.
[0011] When using this invention, the length and diameter of the ascending aorta are first accurately measured (especially at the expected cladding site) through a preoperative enhanced CT scan of the patient's blood vessels. The surgeon determines the target length of the ascending aorta that actually needs to be clad (from the proximal end of the ascending aorta to the level of the pericardial reflection) based on the clinical situation. The upper end of the artificial patch is then appropriately trimmed according to the target length and with reference to the transverse cutting line. The target diameter of the ascending aorta that actually needs to be clad is determined, and the required width of the artificial patch is calculated based on the target diameter. Then, one or both sides of the artificial patch are appropriately trimmed with reference to the longitudinal cutting line. During the surgery, the lesser curvature of the ascending aorta (the space between the ascending aorta and the pulmonary artery), the transverse aortic sinus (below the aorta), and the greater curvature of the ascending aorta are first fully dissected in sequence. The proximal end is dissected to the aortic sinus, and the distal end is dissected to the pericardial reflection. The artificial patch is then inserted from the greater curvature of the ascending aorta and exited from the lesser curvature, and laid flat. The artificial patch is moved laterally to initially wrap the ascending aorta. Then, referring to the suture marking lines, surgical sutures are used to pass through the outer ends of the left and right patches, ensuring that the two splicing sides of the artificial patch are aligned vertically and horizontally, and ensuring the reinforcement ribs of the back patch are secure. Facing the greater curvature of the ascending aorta, the tongue-shaped protrusion covers the non-coronary sinus of the ascending aorta, while the waist of the right patch faces the lesser curvature of the ascending aorta. In this way, the two splicing sides of the artificial patch basically cover the outermost part of the anatomical structure of the ascending aorta, which facilitates the suturing operation. Finally, the surgical sutures are pulled evenly one by one to centripetally gather the artificial patch, and the position of the artificial patch is adjusted by the surgical sutures. The dilated ascending aorta is gradually shaped to the target diameter. At the same time, the morphology of the ascending aorta and the fit of the artificial patch are observed. Once satisfied, all surgical sutures are tied and fixed to complete the wrapping.
[0012] The beneficial effects of adopting the above technical solution on the present invention are as follows: 1. Simple to operate and highly adaptable. The prefabricated artificial patch can be easily cut to the required diameter and length (avoiding the cumbersome cutting and splicing of traditional artificial blood vessels) to completely wrap the ascending aorta with different degrees of dilation.
[0013] 2. Tight fit, reduced wrinkles. The longitudinal corrugations conform to the relatively straight shape of the greater curvature of the ascending aorta, while the gradually changing transverse corrugations conform to the lesser curvature of the ascending aorta and the arcuate curves on both sides. The waist section fits snugly against the lesser curvature of the ascending aorta, effectively solving the problem of existing wrapping materials easily wrinkling and shifting on the lesser curvature side. After wrapping, the patch can form a complete and tight fit with the outer wall of the ascending aorta.
[0014] 3. Reliable wrapping effect. Reinforcing ribs and extended tongue-shaped protrusions are incorporated. The reinforcing ribs enhance protection of the greater curvature of the ascending aorta, while the tongue-shaped protrusions protect the non-coronary sinus portion of the ascending aorta. The reinforced edging further strengthens the tongue-shaped protrusions, thus enhancing the protection of the non-coronary sinus portion of the ascending aorta.
[0015] 4. Reliable fixation. Pre-set and regularly arranged suture markers ensure alignment of both ends of the artificial patch, making suturing more convenient and precise. The resulting slightly fusiform structure of the ascending aorta reduces the risk of postoperative patch displacement. Attached Figure Description
[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure before the present invention is wrapped; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of one structure after the present invention is wrapped; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the anatomical structure of the heart.
[0017] In the diagram, 1-back piece, 2-left piece, 3-right piece, 4-reinforcing rib, 5-tongue-shaped protrusion, 51-reinforcing edging, 6-transverse cutting line, 7-longitudinal cutting line, 8-suture marker line, 9-waist reduction, 10-surgical suture line, 11-superior vena cava, 12-ascending aorta, 13-pulmonary artery, 14-heart. Detailed Implementation
[0018] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described in detail below through embodiments and in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
[0019] Example: See Figure 1 and Figure 2 The present invention includes a back panel, with a left panel and a right panel integrally formed on the left and right sides of the back panel, respectively. The back panel is 12 cm high and 2-3 cm wide, with a longitudinally penetrating reinforcing rib in the middle and several penetrating longitudinal corrugations on both sides of the reinforcing rib. The left panel is 3-4 cm wide and has several transverse corrugations on its main body, which gradually deepen from the inside to the outside. The outer end of the left panel narrows to a height of 11 cm due to the transverse corrugations. The right panel is 9-10 cm wide and has several transverse corrugations on its main body, which gradually deepen from the inside to the outside at 2 / 3 of the way through, where it is tapered. The transverse corrugations gradually become shallower from the tapered point outwards, and the tapered point narrows to a height of 10 cm due to the transverse corrugations. The outer end of the right panel narrows to a height of 11 cm due to the transverse corrugations. The reinforcing rib extends downwards integrally to form a tongue-shaped protrusion, with a reinforcing edging along its edge, and the tongue-shaped protrusion is smoothly connected to the longitudinal corrugations of the back piece. Several through-type and corresponding transverse cutting lines are provided on both sides of the upper ends of the back piece, left piece, and right piece, and these transverse cutting lines are bent according to a narrowing ratio. Several corresponding longitudinal cutting lines are provided on both sides of the outer ends of the left and right pieces. Several transverse stitching marking lines are provided on both sides of the outer ends of the left and right pieces. The artificial patch is made of polyester fiber, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, or a composite material thereof.
[0020] When using this invention, the length and diameter of the ascending aorta are first accurately measured (especially at the expected cladding site) through a preoperative enhanced CT scan of the patient's blood vessels. The surgeon determines the target length of the ascending aorta that actually needs to be clad (from the proximal end of the ascending aorta to the level of the pericardial reflection) based on the clinical situation. The upper end of the artificial patch is then appropriately trimmed according to the target length and with reference to the transverse cutting line. The target diameter of the ascending aorta that actually needs to be clad is determined, and the required width of the artificial patch is calculated based on the target diameter. Then, one or both sides of the artificial patch are appropriately trimmed with reference to the longitudinal cutting line. During the surgery, the lesser curvature of the ascending aorta (the space between the ascending aorta and the pulmonary artery), the transverse aortic sinus (below the aorta), and the greater curvature of the ascending aorta are first fully dissected in sequence. The proximal end is dissected to the aortic sinus, and the distal end is dissected to the pericardial reflection. The artificial patch is then inserted from the greater curvature of the ascending aorta and exited from the lesser curvature, and laid flat. The artificial patch is moved laterally to initially wrap the ascending aorta. Then, referring to the suture marking lines, surgical sutures are used to pass through the outer ends of the left and right patches, ensuring that the two splicing sides of the artificial patch are aligned vertically and horizontally, and ensuring the reinforcement ribs of the back patch are secure. Facing the greater curvature of the ascending aorta, the tongue-shaped protrusion covers the non-coronary sinus of the ascending aorta, while the waist of the right patch faces the lesser curvature of the ascending aorta. In this way, the two splicing sides of the artificial patch basically cover the outermost part of the anatomical structure of the ascending aorta, which facilitates the suturing operation. Finally, the surgical sutures are pulled evenly one by one to centripetally gather the artificial patch, and the position of the artificial patch is adjusted by the surgical sutures. The dilated ascending aorta is gradually shaped to the target diameter. At the same time, the morphology of the ascending aorta and the fit of the artificial patch are observed. Once satisfied, all surgical sutures are tied and fixed to complete the wrapping.
[0021] The beneficial effects of adopting the above technical solution on the present invention are as follows: 1. Simple to operate and highly adaptable. The prefabricated artificial patch can be easily cut to the required diameter and length (avoiding the cumbersome cutting and splicing of traditional artificial blood vessels) to completely wrap the ascending aorta with different degrees of dilation.
[0022] 2. Tight fit, reduced wrinkles. The longitudinal corrugations conform to the relatively straight shape of the greater curvature of the ascending aorta, while the gradually changing transverse corrugations conform to the lesser curvature of the ascending aorta and the arcuate curves on both sides. The waist section fits snugly against the lesser curvature of the ascending aorta, effectively solving the problem of existing wrapping materials easily wrinkling and shifting on the lesser curvature side. After wrapping, the patch can form a complete and tight fit with the outer wall of the ascending aorta.
[0023] 3. Reliable wrapping effect. Reinforcing ribs and extended tongue-shaped protrusions are incorporated. The reinforcing ribs enhance protection of the greater curvature of the ascending aorta, while the tongue-shaped protrusions protect the non-coronary sinus portion of the ascending aorta. The reinforced edging further strengthens the tongue-shaped protrusions, thus enhancing the protection of the non-coronary sinus portion of the ascending aorta.
[0024] 4. Reliable fixation. Pre-set and regularly arranged suture markers ensure alignment of both ends of the artificial patch, making suturing more convenient and precise. The resulting slightly fusiform structure of the ascending aorta reduces the risk of postoperative patch displacement.
[0025] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are merely representative examples of the present invention. Obviously, the technical solution of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and many variations are possible. All variations that can be directly derived or conceived by those skilled in the art from the content disclosed in this invention should be considered within the scope of protection of this invention.
Claims
1. An artificial patch for wrapping ascending aorta, comprising a back sheet, a left sheet and a right sheet are integrally arranged on the left side and the right side of the back sheet respectively, characterized in that The back panel is 12 cm high and 2-3 cm wide, with a longitudinally penetrating reinforcing rib in the middle. Several longitudinally penetrating corrugations are evenly arranged on both sides of the reinforcing rib. The left panel is 3-4 cm wide, and its main body is evenly arranged with several transverse corrugations. The transverse corrugations gradually deepen from the inside to the outside. The outer end of the left panel narrows to a height of 11 cm due to the transverse corrugations. The right panel is 9-10 cm wide, and its main body is evenly arranged with several transverse corrugations. The transverse corrugations gradually deepen from the inside to the outside at 2 / 3 of the way through, and this point is designated as a waist. The transverse corrugations gradually become shallower from the waist outwards. The waist narrows to a height of 10 cm due to the transverse corrugations. The outer end of the right panel narrows to a height of 11 cm due to the transverse corrugations.
2. The artificial patch for wrapping the ascending aorta according to claim 1, characterized in that... The bottom of the reinforcing rib extends downward as a tongue-shaped protrusion, and the edge of the tongue-shaped protrusion is provided with a reinforcing edging. The tongue-shaped protrusion is smoothly connected to the longitudinal corrugations of the back sheet.
3. An artificial patch for wrapping the ascending aorta according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that... The back piece, left piece and right piece have several through and one-to-one corresponding transverse cutting lines on both sides of the upper end, and the transverse cutting lines are bent according to the narrowing ratio. The outer end of the left piece and the outer end of the right piece have several one-to-one corresponding longitudinal cutting lines on both sides.
4. An artificial patch for wrapping the ascending aorta according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that... Several transverse stitching marking lines are provided on both sides of the outer end of the left piece and on both sides of the outer end of the right piece.
5. An artificial patch for wrapping the ascending aorta according to claim 3, characterized in that... Several transverse stitching marking lines are provided on both sides of the outer end of the left piece and on both sides of the outer end of the right piece.
6. An artificial patch for wrapping the ascending aorta according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that... The artificial patch is made of polyester fiber, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, or a composite material thereof.
7. An artificial patch for wrapping the ascending aorta according to claim 3, characterized in that... The artificial patch is made of polyester fiber, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, or a composite material thereof.