Actuated Cutter Struts for In-Situ Fenestration

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current in-situ fenestration techniques for aortic stent grafts face limitations in applicability, durability, and consistency due to anatomical variability, procedural damage to graft material, and lack of standardization, which affects blood perfusion to peripheral arteries during endovascular aneurysm repair.

Innovation Solution

A device and method for creating in-situ fenestrations in stent grafts using a support structure and a pre-shaped electrified wire to make cross cuts in the graft material, minimizing post-dilation and damage, and providing a customizable and standardized approach for blood perfusion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional in-situ fenestration techniques are used, then fenestrations can be created in stent grafts, but procedural damage to graft material occurs and durability is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedurability of fenestrationVSAvoidprocedural damage to graft material

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical cutting methods with an electrified wire system that uses electrical energy to cut graft material. The electrified wire delivers electrical current to melt and sever the graft material, minimizing mechanical trauma and procedural damage while maintaining fenestration durability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the cutting mechanism from mechanical force to electrical energy by using an electrified wire. This parameter change allows for more precise and less damaging cuts through the graft material, reducing procedural harm while improving the reliability and durability of the resulting fenestrations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional in-situ fenestration techniques are used, then fenestrations can be created, but anatomical variability reduces applicability and consistency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplicability to various anatomiesVSAvoidconsistency of fenestration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a dynamic cutting system where the electrified wire can be adjusted and repositioned to accommodate varying anatomical configurations. The wire's flexibility and adjustability allow the system to adapt to different patient anatomies while maintaining consistent fenestration precision through controlled electrical cutting parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms to monitor and adjust the cutting process in real-time. This allows the system to compensate for anatomical variability and maintain consistent fenestration precision across different patients and anatomical structures, improving both applicability and manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If conventional in-situ fenestration techniques are used, then fenestrations can be created, but lack of standardization affects blood perfusion outcomes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblood perfusion to peripheral arteriesVSAvoidstandardization of procedure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal fenestration system using an electrified wire that can be applied across different anatomical locations and patient populations. The standardized electrical cutting method provides consistent results, improving blood perfusion outcomes while establishing a standardized procedure that can be replicated across various clinical scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution enables precise and durable fenestrations that improve blood perfusion to peripheral arteries, reducing procedural variability and enhancing long-term durability of the graft material, while being adaptable to various anatomies without the need for custom-made devices.

Implementation Method 1

a pre-shaped electrified wire to make cross cuts in the graft material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentUS20240033069A1In-situ fenestration devices with actuated cutter struts

Publication Date: 2024.02.01 MEDTRONIC VASCULAR INC

AI summary

A device for creating an in-situ fenestration in a graft material of a stent graft at a fenestration site. The device includes an outer member forming a lumen and an inner member situated within the lumen of the outer member. The outer member includes one or more cutters configured to change from a delivery position to a cutting position via axial movement of the outer member and/or the inner member. The one or more cutters in the cutting position are configured to create the in-situ fenestration in the graft material of the stent graft at the fenestration site.