Aortic Flow-Diverging Conduit Structure for Pressure Loss Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aortic valve stenosis leads to compromised blood flow due to calcification, which can progress to heart failure and other life-threatening conditions, necessitating a solution to reduce pressure loss in the aortic valve.
Innovation Solution
An aortic pressure-loss-reduction device is implanted in the ascending aorta, featuring a frame with a material to impede blood flow, anchored by upstream and downstream anchors that expand against the aortic wall, and an intermediate portion forming a conduit with a diverging cross-sectional area to minimize pressure loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a material is coupled to the frame to impede blood flow, then pressure loss reduction is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into multiple segments including upstream anchor, intermediate portion, and downstream anchor portions. The material is selectively coupled to specific segments rather than the entire frame, allowing pressure loss reduction in critical areas while maintaining simplicity in other regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The material is coupled to at least a portion of the frame in strategic locations where flow control is most beneficial. This localized application reduces pressure loss where needed while avoiding unnecessary complexity in areas where the bare frame suffices.
2Stability of the object's composition
If anchors are made larger to improve anchoring stability, then device stability improves, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The anchors are designed to dynamically adapt to the aortic wall during deployment. The upstream and downstream anchors expand radially to engage with the aortic wall, providing stable anchoring without requiring excessively large dimensions. The folded portions enable controlled expansion and adaptation to anatomical variations.
3Productivity
If the conduit cross-sectional area increases to improve blood flow, then blood flow efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate portion of the frame is configured with a folded portion that creates a curved or sinusoidal pathway for blood flow. This curvature design improves blood flow dynamics and efficiency by reducing turbulence and promoting laminar flow, while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the device is made more flexible to conform to aortic curvature, then device adaptability improves, but device strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame incorporates folded portions with sinusoidal or curved geometries that provide flexibility to conform to the aortic curvature. These folded structures act as flexible elements that can bend and adapt to anatomical variations while maintaining sufficient structural strength through their geometric design and material selection.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods are described including implanting an aortic pressure-loss-reduction device in a subject's ascending aorta. A frame of the device includes a first set of sinusoidal struts disposed between a downstream end of an upstream anchor and an upstream end of the intermediate portion, the sinusoidal struts being shaped to form a folded portion between the downstream end of the upstream anchor and the upstream end of the intermediate portion. The frame includes a second set of sinusoidal struts disposed between an upstream end of a downstream anchor and a downstream end of the intermediate portion, the sinusoidal struts being shaped to form a folded portion between the upstream end of the downstream anchor and the downstream end of the intermediate portion. Other applications are also described.