Aortic Graft Occluder for Intraoperative Leak Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current techniques for valve sparing root replacement in heart surgery lack a reliable method for verifying the correct fit and functionality of the heart valve and leak tightness of sutures during the procedure, requiring re-establishment of the circulatory system to confirm success, which can be stressful and risky for the patient.
Innovation Solution
An aortic graft occluder device that allows for intra-operative leak testing by sealingly closing a partially implanted aortic graft, pressurizing its interior, and using ultrasound to verify the valve's functionality and suture tightness, facilitating the identification of leaks and ensuring proper valve function.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the circulatory system is re-established to verify valve functionality and suture tightness, then the functionality can be confirmed, but the patient is exposed to additional stress and surgical risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by enabling leak testing and valve functionality verification to be performed before re-establishing the circulatory system. The occluder device allows the surgical team to test the graft and valve while the aorta is still clamped, identifying and correcting any issues beforehand, thus avoiding the need to re-open sutures or perform additional corrections after circulation is restored
2Reliability
If leak testing is performed before re-establishing circulation, then surgical errors can be identified early, but the aorta must remain clamped and the graft must be sealed
Solution Approach 1:
The occluder device serves as an intermediary element that temporarily seals the graft to enable leak testing. It acts as a mediator between the surgical team's need to test for leaks and the physiological requirement to eventually restore circulation, allowing controlled testing without permanent obstruction
3Reliability
If additional surgical corrections are performed after detecting leaks post-circulation restoration, then the leaks can be fixed, but the surgery time increases and patient risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
By performing leak testing before restoring circulation, the patent enables surgical errors to be identified and corrected during the initial surgical procedure. This preliminary verification prevents the need for additional corrective surgeries, thereby reducing total surgical time and minimizing patient exposure to surgical risks
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
Enables efficient verification of aortic valve functionality and leak tightness during surgery, reducing the need for additional surgical corrections and minimizing patient risk by allowing for real-time assessment of valve closure efficiency and suture integrity.
Implementation Method 1
By filling the lumen of the graft with fluid, i.e. gas and/or liquid (e.g., saline) and by thereby pressurizing the interior of the graft
Implementation Method 2
By simultaneously imaging the valve, e.g. by ultrasound, e.g. by applying a transesophageal ultrasound technique, the proper functionality (e.g., closing efficiency) of the valve may be verified during the surgery
Data Source
AI summary
An aortic graft occluder for intraoperative leak testing of a tubular aortic graft attached to an aortic root. The aortic graft occluder includes a plug adapted for sealingly closing an opening of the aortic graft. The plug includes a first pathway adapted for connecting a lumen of the aortic graft with a feed line.