Aortic Valve Inspection Device for Tightness Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aortic valve surgeries are complex and time-consuming, with a high risk of complications due to the need for visual inspection of suture connections, which can lead to increased procedural time and patient risk.
Innovation Solution
A device with a multipart housing featuring a flow channel, pressure measuring sensor, and optical sensor elements that can be mounted on a tubular prosthesis to inspect the aortic valve connection for tightness and functionality, allowing for immediate assessment of surgical quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If visual inspection of suture connections is performed manually during surgery, then the connection tightness can be checked, but the surgery time increases and the risk of complications increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection device is mounted on the tubular prosthesis before the surgery is completed, allowing inspection to be performed during the surgical process rather than requiring post-surgery visual inspection. This preliminary action enables real-time verification of connection tightness without extending overall surgery time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with an automated inspection device that uses sensors and processing units to objectively detect connection tightness. This substitution eliminates the time-consuming nature of manual inspection while providing more reliable and consistent verification.
2Measurement precision
If manual visual inspection is performed to check suture connections, then connection quality can be assessed, but additional revisions may be required increasing complication risk
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection device replaces subjective manual visual inspection with objective sensor-based detection. The processing unit analyzes sensor data to provide precise measurements of connection tightness, eliminating human error and subjectivity. This leads to more accurate assessment of connection quality and reduces the likelihood of missed defects that would require revision surgery.
Solution Approach 2:
The device provides real-time feedback on connection quality through sensor measurements and processing. This immediate feedback allows surgeons to identify and correct potential issues during the procedure, preventing the need for revision surgery and improving patient safety outcomes.
3Reliability
If complex surgical procedures are performed on aortic valves, then valve function can be restored, but the surgery time increases to up to three hours
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection device is integrated into the surgical workflow and mounted on the prosthesis before completion of the procedure. This allows inspection to occur during rather than after surgery, enabling immediate detection of issues without requiring additional surgical time for separate inspection steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection device performs automated self-inspection of the connection quality without requiring additional surgical intervention or manual inspection steps. The device autonomously monitors connection tightness and provides feedback, allowing the surgical team to maintain focus on the primary surgical tasks while inspection occurs simultaneously.
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
Significantly reduces the risk of complications and overall surgery time by providing immediate feedback on the quality of the surgical connection and valve function, decreasing the likelihood of additional revisions and associated risks.
Implementation Method 1
at least one pressure measuring sensor and at least one optical sensor element are provided on the underside of the housing for recording video
Implementation Method 2
at least one optical sensor element are provided on the underside of the housing for recording video
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for testing the functioning of an aortic valve by placing the device on the free end of a cylindrical tubular prosthesis inserted into the aorta, said tubular prosthesis being connected, with its other end, to the aortic wall in the region of the aortic valve. According to the invention, the device consists of a multi-part housing provided with at least one through-flow channel for a control liquid, the housing being provided, on its lower side facing the free end of the tubular prosthesis, with a peripheral sealing device that can be placed around the edge of the tubular prosthesis, and at least one pressure-measuring sensor and at least one optical sensor element for video recording being arranged on the lower side.