Endovascular Anastomotic Connector Bifurcation Design

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vascular connector devices struggle to maintain stable fluidic communication with the vascular network, particularly in circulatory assist systems, where the outflow cannula needs to be securely attached to a peripheral artery to prevent bleeding and ensure proper system functioning.

Innovation Solution

An endovascular anastomotic connector with a vascular conduit and a supply conduit, featuring a bifurcation joint and support structures made from superelastic or balloon-expandable materials, is used in conjunction with a delivery system including a multi-lumen hub and shafts to securely attach an auxiliary device to a peripheral artery, minimizing blood flow obstruction and facilitating attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the outflow cannula is secured to the peripheral artery to prevent bleeding, then the stability and reliability of the circulatory assist system is improved, but the complexity of the device and procedure increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of fluidic communicationVSAvoidcomplexity of connector device

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector device is divided into distinct functional segments: a vascular conduit portion for insertion into the peripheral artery, a supply conduit portion for connection to the pump, and an anastomotic portion that facilitates attachment. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The delivery system employs a nested structure where the connector device is delivered through a delivery catheter, and the anastomotic connector is positioned within the vascular conduit during deployment. This nested delivery approach simplifies the implantation procedure while ensuring secure attachment and stable fluidic communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the connector device is designed to allow attachment of auxiliary devices, then the adaptability and versatility of the circulatory assist system is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to attach auxiliary devicesVSAvoidcomplexity of connector device

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector device is designed with universal attachment capabilities that allow it to connect to both the peripheral artery and auxiliary devices such as pumps. The supply conduit portion includes features that enable standardized connections, making the device versatile for different circulatory assist configurations without requiring fundamentally different designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector device incorporates dynamic elements such as expandable support structures and flexible conduits that can adapt to different attachment configurations. These dynamic features allow the device to maintain structural integrity while accommodating various auxiliary device connections, enhancing adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Quantity of substance

If the vascular conduit and supply conduit are joined at an angle to minimize blood flow obstruction, then the fluid flow characteristics are improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblood flow capacityVSAvoidprecision of bifurcation joint

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The bifurcation joint is designed with specific geometric parameters including optimized angles between the vascular conduit and supply conduit. These parameters are carefully selected to minimize turbulence and obstruction of blood flow while remaining within achievable manufacturing tolerances. The angular configuration is optimized to maintain laminar flow characteristics in the peripheral artery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter 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 solution provides a secure and stable attachment of the circulatory assist system to the vascular network, reducing the risk of bleeding and ensuring proper blood flow, while allowing for the use of auxiliary devices, thus enhancing the effectiveness of circulatory assist systems.

Implementation Method 1

support structures made from superelastic or balloon-expandable materials

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuperelasticity: Pseudoelasticity

Implementation Method 2

support structures made from superelastic or balloon-expandable materials

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBalloon expansion: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS11241231B2Endovascular anastomotic connector device, delivery system, and methods of delivery and use

Publication Date: 2022.02.08 BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED INC

AI summary

An endovascular anastomotic connector and method of using the same. The endovascular anastomotic connector includes a vascular conduit and a supply conduit. The vascular conduit has proximal and distal ends that reside within a vascular structure. The supply conduit extends at an angle from the vascular conduit. The proximal end of the supply conduit is configured to be attached to an auxiliary device.