AV Graft Connector Assembly for Low-Profile Vascular Joining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Connecting an AV graft to a patient's veins and arteries for hemodialysis poses challenges that can lead to complications.
Innovation Solution
A connector assembly with opposing ports and a third port, secured by rings, is used to join artery and vein portions to an AV graft, facilitating fluid connection while minimizing interference with blood flow and reducing complications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional connection methods are used to join AV graft to vessels, then vascular access is achieved, but complications arise from interference with blood flow and healing issues
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into multiple segments including a first segment with opposing ports for vessel connection and a second segment with a third port for graft connection. This segmentation allows each segment to be optimized for its specific function, reducing interference with blood flow while maintaining reliable connections
Solution Approach 2:
The connector assembly acts as an intermediary device between the AV graft and the blood vessels. By introducing this intermediate structure with specifically designed ports and segments, the connection is facilitated while minimizing direct interference with natural blood flow patterns
2Strength
If rings are used to secure the connector, then a secure connection is achieved, but the insertion complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rings are integrated as part of the connector assembly rather than being separate components. This merging of the securing mechanism with the connector itself simplifies the overall insertion procedure while maintaining strong, secure connections between the graft and vessels
3Reliability
If a low-profile insertion mechanism is used, then healing is enhanced, but the connection strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Different segments of the connector have different structural qualities optimized for their specific functions. The first segment is designed with characteristics that enhance healing and reduce profile, while the port structures are designed with sufficient strength for secure connections, allowing each local region to have the appropriate properties
Data Source
AI summary
A connector assembly for an arteriovenous (AV) graft according to an example of the present disclosure includes, among other possible things, a connector having a first segment arranged a long a first axis having first and second opposing ports and a second segment arranged along a second axis having a third port, each of the first and second ports configured to be joined to first and second portions of an artery or a vein, respectively. At least one ring is configured to connect the first and second ports to the first and second portions of the artery or the vein by applying force about substantially the circumferential extent of the first segment of the connector and the first and second portions of the artery or the vein to join the first and second ports to the first and second portions of the artery or the vein, respectively. An AV graft assembly and method of implanting a connector for an AV graft are also disclosed.