Cutting System for Aortic Dissection Flap Reapposition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for treating aortic dissections, such as EVAR, face challenges in completely reapposing the dissection flap due to dynamic changes, leading to continued false lumen patency and aneurysmal formation.

Innovation Solution

A system with cutting devices featuring retractable blades and electromagnets for precise alignment, forming specific cut patterns in the dissection flap to reduce flap stress and facilitate reapposition, using expandable devices for reapposing the flap against the aortic wall.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If EVAR is used to treat aortic dissection, then true lumen flow is restored and false lumen flow is eliminated, but complete reapposition of the dissection flap is difficult due to dynamic changes in the flap

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomplete reapposition of dissection flapVSAvoiddynamic changes in dissection flap

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The dissection flap is segmented by creating multiple longitudinal cuts at different positions along the aorta. These cuts divide the continuous flap into segments that can be independently reapposed, making it easier to achieve complete apposition despite dynamic changes in the flap structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cuts are created in advance before attempting reapposition of the dissection flap. This preliminary action of cutting the flap allows subsequent stenting or other reapposition techniques to be more effective, as the pre-cut segments are easier to reposition and adhere to the aortic wall

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Strength

If multiple cuts are formed in the dissection flap, then flap stress is reduced and reapposition is facilitated, but device complexity increases due to multiple cutting devices and alignment requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflap stress distributionVSAvoidmultiple cutting devices and alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple cutting functions are merged into a single integrated cutting system. The system includes a first cutting device with blades and a second cutting device with recesses that work together as a coordinated unit, eliminating the need for multiple separate cutting devices and simplifying the overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cutting system uses asymmetric blade and recess configurations where the first cutting device has blades and the second cutting device has corresponding recesses. This asymmetric design allows precise alignment and controlled cutting while maintaining manageable device complexity through functional specialization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

3Manufacturing precision

If precise alignment of cutting devices is achieved using electromagnets, then cut accuracy is improved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment of cuts in dissection flapVSAvoidelectromagnet alignment system

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electromagnet system replaces complex mechanical alignment mechanisms. Instead of using intricate mechanical linkages, guides, or adjustment systems to achieve precise alignment, the patent uses electromagnetic forces to automatically align the cutting devices, simplifying the mechanical complexity while maintaining high precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If the dissection flap is completely reapposed, then false lumen patency is eliminated and aneurysmal formation is prevented, but the expansion stress required for reapposition is high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of aneurysmal formationVSAvoidexpansion stress for reapposition

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The dissection flap is divided into segments through longitudinal cuts, allowing each segment to be reapposed independently with lower expansion stress. The segmentation reduces the overall force required compared to attempting to reappose a continuous, intact flap

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 system effectively reduces the expansion stress required for flap reapposition, improves stress distribution, and promotes aortic remodeling, enhancing long-term outcomes by forming cuts that alter the deformation mechanism from strain to bending, thus addressing the limitations of existing treatments.

Implementation Method 1

Electromagnets on one of the cutting devices are preferably configured to be aligned with corresponding electromagnets or other magnetic elements, eg permanent magnets or pieces of magnetic material, on the other cutting device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetism: Electromagnet

Data Source

PatentEP3785647B1Cutting system for medical treatment

Publication Date: 2024.07.24 COOK MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC

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Figure 3A~3D
Figure 3E~3I

AI summary

A cutting system comprises a first cutting device (402) and a second cutting device (404) which are arranged to be positioned on either side of a dissection flap within a body vessel, wherein, once in position, the cutting devices are operative to be moved towards one another to produce a plurality of cuts in the dissection flap.