Aortic Arch Stent Graft With Axial Opening for In-Situ Fenestration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing stent grafts for treating aortic diseases in the aortic arch face challenges in adapting to the variability of human aortic arches, leading to potential stenosis, blockage, and dislodgement, while also requiring complex and risky surgical procedures due to the need for multiple anastomoses, especially at the left subclavian artery.

Innovation Solution

A stent graft with an axial opening allowing in-situ fenestration and a stent delivery device for precise placement, enabling flexible adaptation to the aortic arch branches, reducing the number of anastomoses and simplifying the surgical procedure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a three-branch stent graft with fixed specifications is used, then the operation is simplified and cardiopulmonary bypass is reduced, but the stent cannot adapt to the differences in distance, size and shape of the three branches of the aortic arch, leading to poor matching and potential stenosis or blockage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurgical operation simplicityVSAvoidadaptability to aortic arch variations

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The stent graft incorporates adjustable fenestration positions and expandable stent sections that can be dynamically modified during implantation to match the specific anatomical variations of the aortic arch branches, transforming the fixed structure into an adaptable one

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The stent graft allows changing key parameters including fenestration location, stent expansion ratio, and branch angle to accommodate different aortic arch geometries, enabling customization for each patient's unique anatomy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If traditional elephant trunk procedure with artificial blood vessels is used, then the aortic arch can be replaced, but the procedure requires median sternotomy and complex anastomosis of three branches, especially the left subclavian artery in the deep thoracic cavity, resulting in long operation time and high risk

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaortic arch replacement effectivenessVSAvoidoperation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The stent graft divides the aortic arch replacement into modular sections with separate fenestrations for each branch, allowing independent adjustment and simplifying the overall procedure by eliminating the need for complex multi-branched anastomosis

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The stent graft acts as an intermediary device that provides built-in access points (fenestrations) to all three branches, eliminating the need for separate surgical access and complex anastomotic connections required in traditional procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If traditional elephant trunk procedure is used, then the aortic arch can be replaced, but the artificial blood vessel may be compressed or deformed due to the descending aorta being blocked during median sternotomy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaortic arch replacement effectivenessVSAvoidartificial blood vessel stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The stent graft serves as an intermediary that expands the distal aorta and provides stable anchoring points, preventing compression and deformation of the vascular structure during the surgical procedure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20250345167A1Stent graft and use method therefor

Publication Date: 2025.11.13 HANGZHOU INNOCARDIAC MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY CO

AI summary

A stent, comprising a frame and a skirt (40) that covers the frame, wherein the stent comprises an axial opening (22) that penetrates the frame and the skirt (40).