Temporary Aortic Occlusion Device with Tactile Locator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for temporary aortic occlusion in non-compressible torso hemorrhage require fluoroscopic guidance, skilled practitioners, and are not suitable for quicker, easier insertion by non-endovascular providers at lower echelons of care, limiting their availability for immediate hemorrhage control.

Innovation Solution

A temporary aortic occlusion device with an expandable locator portion and occlusion portion, composed of braided mesh wires, allows for non-fluoroscopic placement and inflation, providing tactile feedback for proper positioning and occlusion, and is designed for easier insertion and removal without surgical repair.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If fluoroscopic guidance is used for aortic occlusion balloon placement, then positioning precision and safety are improved, but device complexity, time consumption, and requirement for specialized equipment increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidequipment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the guidance function from complex fluoroscopic equipment and implements it through simple tactile feedback mechanisms built into the catheter system itself, eliminating the need for bulky imaging equipment while maintaining positioning accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The catheter system provides its own positioning guidance through tactile feedback to the operator, making the system self-sufficient without requiring external fluoroscopic equipment or specialized imaging infrastructure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If fluoroscopic guidance and skilled practitioners are required, then occlusion safety and accuracy are improved, but ease of operation and accessibility to lower echelons of care deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveocclusion safetyVSAvoidease of insertion

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates tactile feedback mechanisms that provide real-time guidance to the operator during catheter insertion and balloon positioning, enabling less experienced providers to achieve safe and accurate occlusion without fluoroscopic guidance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the complex mechanical and imaging systems (fluoroscopy) with simpler mechanical tactile feedback mechanisms that are easier to operate and interpret, democratizing access to the procedure across different levels of care

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If traditional aortic cross-clamping via thoracotomy is performed, then hemorrhage control effectiveness is improved, but patient morbidity and mortality increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehemorrhage control effectivenessVSAvoidpatient morbidity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the hemorrhage control function from the invasive thoracotomy procedure and implements it through percutaneous catheter-based balloon occlusion, achieving the same life-saving effect with minimal invasion and no associated thoracotomy morbidity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a disposable catheter-based balloon system that can be quickly inserted and removed without creating permanent surgical wounds requiring repair, eliminating the long-term morbidity associated with thoracotomy while providing equivalent hemorrhage control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Reliability

If REBOA is performed in unstable patients, then hemorrhage control is improved, but insertion complexity and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehemorrhage controlVSAvoidinsertion time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the procedure into simpler, more rapid steps with a streamlined catheter design that reduces manipulation time and facilitates quicker deployment compared to traditional REBOA techniques

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies key procedural parameters including catheter rigidity, balloon inflation characteristics, and delivery system flexibility to optimize the balance between rapid insertion and effective hemorrhage control in unstable patients

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 quicker and more accessible temporary aortic occlusion by non-specialized providers, reducing mortality from non-compressible torso hemorrhage by allowing earlier stabilization of patients until advanced care is available.

Implementation Method 1

allows for non-fluoroscopic placement and inflation, providing tactile feedback for proper positioning

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTactile feedback:

Implementation Method 2

the occlusion portion is expanded to occlude the patient's aorta

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical occlusion:

Data Source

PatentUS11389169B2Temporary aortic occlusion device

Publication Date: 2022.07.19 MICROVENTION INC

AI summary

A temporary aortic occlusion device is disclosed, having an expandable locator portion and an expandable occlusion portion. The expandable locator portion assists a user in determining whether the distal end of the device has been advanced within a patient's aorta, and the occlusion portion is expanded to occlude the patient's aorta, preferably below the renal arteries.