Apical Cuff Attachment via Axial Compression Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional apical cuff attachment methods for ventricular assist devices are time-consuming and prone to bleeding complications due to the complexity of suturing, which increases surgical trauma and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
An implantable anastomotic assembly with a ring member and tissue anchors that apply axial compression to secure the apical cuff to the cardiac tissue, reducing the need for multiple sutures and simplifying the attachment process, using a delivery tool and loading tray to align and drive the anchors for secure fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional pledgeted sutures are used to attach the apical cuff to the left ventricular myocardium, then the attachment is secure, but the surgical time is excessive and bleeding complications increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the time-consuming suturing operation from the attachment process by introducing a self-expanding cage structure with radial arms that mechanically engage the myocardium through anchoring elements, eliminating the need for multiple hand-sewn pledgeted sutures while maintaining secure attachment
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the manual suturing mechanical system with a self-expanding mechanical cage structure that uses radial arms and anchoring elements to achieve secure attachment through mechanical engagement and compression, substituting the complex suturing process with a simpler deployment action
2Reliability
If multiple pledgeted sutures are placed to secure the apical cuff, then hemostasis is achieved, but the complexity of the surgical procedure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple functions (attachment security, hemostasis, and structural support) into a single integrated cage structure with radial arms and anchoring elements, eliminating the need for separate suturing operations and reducing overall procedural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The cage structure is segmented into multiple radial arms with individual anchoring elements, allowing each segment to independently engage the myocardium and contribute to hemostasis, while the modular design simplifies the overall deployment process compared to multiple separate sutures
3Reliability
If conventional suturing method is used to attach the apical cuff, then the cuff is securely fixed, but the trauma to the patient increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the traumatic suturing process from the attachment procedure by using a self-expanding cage structure that achieves secure fixation through mechanical engagement and compression, eliminating the need for repeated needle punctures and suture tying that cause tissue trauma
Solution Approach 2:
The cage structure is pre-formed with radial arms and anchoring elements positioned to engage the myocardium upon deployment, allowing the attachment to be achieved in a single action without the repeated tissue manipulation and trauma associated with sequential suture placement
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
The solution enables faster, more efficient attachment of the apical cuff with reduced bleeding complications and trauma to the patient, achieving hemostasis through direct axial compression, thus improving the surgical efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
An implantable anastomotic assembly with a ring member and tissue anchors that apply axial compression to secure the apical cuff to the cardiac tissue
Data Source
AI summary
An apical cuff axial compression assembly including a ring member for coupling an apical cuff of a Ventricular Assist Device pump, to left ventricular apical tissue. Tissue anchors are employed to engage with the ring member and the apical cuff to exert direct or axial compression of the ring member to the apical cuff and to the left ventricular apical tissue. A first variant includes an axial compression ring and a plurality of openings to accommodate the tissue anchors. A second variant includes a segmented axial compression ring composed of a plurality of arcuate members, which may be contiguous or joined to each other or not. Each of the plurality of arcuate members has at least one tissue anchor opening passing there through.