End-to-end anastomotic connector with interference fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vascular access methods for hemodialysis, such as direct vein-to-artery anastomosis and temporary catheters, are time-consuming, risky, and associated with high mortality rates, and conventional anastomotic connectors are invasive and require graft material.
Innovation Solution
A minimally invasive end-to-end anastomotic connector system using shape-memory arterial and venous connectors with anchoring devices, allowing direct connection of radial artery to cephalic vein without graft material, utilizing self-expanding materials and interference fits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a direct vein-to-artery anastomosis is performed, then a permanent vascular access site is created, but it takes six to eight weeks for the fistula to mature before providing adequate blood flow
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into three distinct segments: a distal arterial end for implantation in the artery, a proximal arterial end, and a proximal venous end for connection to the vein. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function, with the distal arterial end providing immediate blood flow while the anastomosis matures
Solution Approach 2:
The connector acts as an intermediary device between the artery and vein, providing an immediate functional connection that bridges the maturation period. The connector's proximal arterial end has an inner diameter sized to directly receive the proximal venous end in an interference fit, creating a ready-to-use access site while the biological anastomosis develops
2Speed
If a temporary catheter access is used, then immediate hemodialysis access is provided, but the patient is exposed to higher risk of bleeding and infection with 91% higher mortality rate
Solution Approach 1:
The connector serves as a permanent intermediary structure that eliminates the need for temporary catheters. By providing an immediate functional access site through the connector's design, patients avoid the repeated insertions and extractions of temporary catheters that cause bleeding and infection risks
Solution Approach 2:
The connector's interference fit design creates a self-sealing connection that maintains patency without requiring external support structures like catheters. The anatomical fit between the proximal arterial end and proximal venous end provides inherent stability and reduces complications
3Reliability
If conventional anastomotic connectors are used, then vascular connection is achieved, but graft material is required which increases device complexity and potential for complications
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the need for graft material from the anastomotic connection process. The connector's proximal arterial end is designed with an inner diameter that directly receives the proximal venous end in an interference fit, creating a graft-free connection that reduces device complexity and potential complications associated with graft materials
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
Facilitates rapid, secure, and leak-free vascular access for hemodialysis without the need for grafts, reducing patient risk and surgical invasiveness.
Implementation Method 1
The arterial connector may comprise a stent constructed of a shape-memory material
Implementation Method 2
the inner diameter of the proximal arterial end is sized to directly receive the proximal venous end in an interference fit without the need for a graft material therebetween
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An end-to-end anastomotic connector is provided. The anastomotic connector includes solely an arterial connector and a venous connector. The inner diameter of the proximal end of the arterial connector is sized to directly receive the proximal end of the venous connector in an interference fit without the need for a graft material therebetween. The arterial connector and the venous connector are implanted in an artery and vein, respectively, to form a co-axial relationship with the respective vessel.