Aortic Anchoring Frame for Stable Debris Protection Positioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing debris protection devices in body lumens, particularly in the aorta, face challenges in securing their position during medical procedures, leading to potential migration, movement, or propagation, which can cause damage to the aorta and allow debris to enter critical arteries or veins.
Innovation Solution
The use of an anchoring frame that expands to exert radial outward force on the aorta walls, providing stable anchoring through a two-step expansion mechanism, combined with longitudinally stiff supports to prevent downstream shifting, and optionally includes a blood filtration mesh to trap debris.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If debris protection devices are inserted into body lumens during medical procedures, then debris can be blocked from entering critical arteries or veins, but the devices may migrate, move, or propagate causing damage to the aorta
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional components: an anchoring frame for stability, a filtration mesh for debris blocking, and a control mechanism for deployment. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while working together to solve the overall problem of debris protection with stable positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchoring frame acts as an intermediary structure between the filtration mesh and the aortic wall. It provides the necessary mechanical interface to secure the mesh in place while distributing forces evenly across the aortic wall, preventing device migration and propagation.
2Reliability
If an anchoring frame expands to exert radial outward force on aorta walls for stable anchoring, then device fixation is improved, but force application may potentially damage the aorta
Solution Approach 1:
The anchoring frame applies radial outward force locally at specific contact points with the aortic wall rather than uniformly across the entire device surface. This localized force application, combined with the distributed strut architecture, provides effective fixation while minimizing stress concentration that could damage the aorta.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchoring frame utilizes composite construction with a proximal portion made of a first material and a distal portion made of a second material. This composite structure allows different segments to have different mechanical properties optimized for their specific functions - the proximal portion for manipulation and the distal portion for anchoring - while collectively providing secure fixation without excessive force application.
3Reliability
If longitudinally stiff supports are used to prevent downstream shifting, then device positioning stability is improved, but device flexibility for navigation through body lumens is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into multiple struts arranged in a circular pattern around the device circumference. Each strut provides longitudinal stiffness to prevent downstream shifting, while the segmented architecture allows lateral bending and flexibility for navigation through the body lumen. The struts can flex independently during navigation while maintaining overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure utilizes a circular arrangement of struts forming a cylindrical geometry. This curved, spherical symmetry provides uniform longitudinal stiffness in all circumferential directions while maintaining flexibility for navigation. The circular pattern distributes mechanical stresses evenly, allowing the device to be stiff enough for positioning stability yet flexible enough for successful delivery through the aorta.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for anchoring a medical tool in a large body lumen, the device including an elongate support configured to axially support a medical tool in a body lumen against longitudinal movement along the body lumen, wherein the elongate support is axially inflexible and can bend laterally. An anchoring frame for anchoring in a body lumen, the frame sized and shaped to expand to a diameter corresponding to the aorta. Related apparatus and methods are also described.