Fenestrated Aortic Endoprosthesis With Low-Profile Branch Channels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing endovascular endoprostheses face challenges in treating aortic aneurysms and dissections, particularly in regions with vital branches, due to anatomical limitations, customization requirements, and difficulties in patients with smaller caliber access arteries, leading to increased production costs, surgical delays, and risks such as postoperative paraplegia.

Innovation Solution

An internal duct and fixing system for endovascular endoprostheses with fenestrations and occlusions, using flexible or rigid fixing and conducting elements to create internal channels for revascularization, reducing material usage and allowing for customizable configurations to accommodate various anatomies without the need for extensive customization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional endoprostheses are used for treating aortic aneurysms in regions with vital branches, then the treatment can be performed with standard devices, but the vital branches cannot be preserved and organ insufficiency occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepreservation of vital branchesVSAvoidanatomical limitations

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The endoprosthesis is divided into multiple segments including a main body and separate branch modules. Each branch can be independently configured and connected to preserve vital arteries while treating the aneurysm. The device can be segmented to accommodate different anatomical variations without requiring complete customization of the entire prosthesis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The endoprosthesis design incorporates universal features that allow it to serve multiple functions: treating aneurysms in different locations (thoracic, abdominal, thoraco-abdominal), preserving different combinations of vital branches (renal, mesenteric, iliac arteries), and adapting to various anatomical configurations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for completely customized devices for each patient.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If customized endoprostheses are manufactured for each patient's specific anatomy, then the perfect anatomical fit is achieved, but the production time increases causing surgical delays

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanatomical fitVSAvoidsurgical delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The endoprosthesis is designed with pre-configured branch modules and connection mechanisms that are prepared in advance during manufacturing. The device includes pre-formed fenestrations, occlusions, and fixing elements that can be quickly assembled or activated during surgery without requiring complex custom fabrication at the time of the procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The endoprosthesis incorporates dynamic features such as flexible branches that can adapt to patient anatomy, and occlusions that can be selectively activated or deactivated based on the patient's specific needs. This dynamic design allows a single device type to accommodate various anatomical configurations without requiring complete customization for each patient.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If endoprostheses with extensive internal material and channels are used for branch revascularization, then the branch functionality is preserved, but the device profile increases making implantation difficult in smaller arteries

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebranch revascularizationVSAvoiddevice profile

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The endoprosthesis design nests the branch channels and revascularization structures within the main body of the device. The branches are positioned concentrically or in compact arrangements that minimize the overall device profile. This nesting allows complex multi-branch configurations to be achieved without significantly increasing the introducer size required for implantation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The endoprosthesis utilizes flexible membrane structures and thin-walled constructions for the branch channels and fenestrations. These flexible elements can be collapsed to a small profile for delivery through narrow arteries, then expanded in situ to provide adequate space for blood flow and branch revascularization. The thin-film construction reduces material volume while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUS12390322B2System for branches for endovascular endoprostheses and corresponding endoprosthesis for endovasclar treatment of aortic aneurysms or dissections

Publication Date: 2025.08.19 MERIT MEDICAL SYSTEMS INC

AI summary

The present invention relates to an internal duct and fixing system (100) for branches for endovascular endoprostheses for endovascular treatment of aneurysms or dissections of the aorta, comprising (i) an endoprosthesis (200) provided with windows (210, 220, 230, 240), (ii) one or more occlusions (215, 225, 235, 245), fixed to the endoprosthesis (200) by means of suture (216, 226, 236, 246), reversibly occluding the windows (210, 220, 230, 240), and a set of fixing and duct elements (300) that forms one or more internal channels of the endoprosthesis (200), preferably in the region adjacent to one of the windows (210, 220, 230, 240). The present invention also relates to a corresponding endoprosthesis (200).