Braided Tissue Anchor With Expandable Flanges for Leak-Safe Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tissue anchors are either too rigid, causing tissue necrosis or adhesion, or too weak, allowing leakage and movement at the point of tissue penetration, and lack the ability to be delivered endoscopically and removed as needed.
Innovation Solution
Tissue anchors formed from a woven filament braid, typically made of shape memory metals or polymers, that expand into double-walled flange structures to securely hold tissue layers together, with optional membranes to prevent ingrowth and allow removal, and can be delivered via an endoscopic catheter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid tissue anchors are used, then firm tissue attachment is achieved, but tissue necrosis or adhesion occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning the anchor material from rigid to flexible, and by changing the deployment state from compressed (low profile) to expanded (full strength). The flexible material properties and the expandable geometry allow the anchor to provide firm attachment only after deployment, minimizing tissue damage during insertion and placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor employs dynamics through its expandable structure that transitions from a compressed delivery state to an expanded deployed state. This dynamic transformation allows the anchor to adapt its mechanical properties in situ, providing firm tissue attachment only when needed after deployment, while maintaining flexibility during delivery to avoid tissue damage.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If weak tissue anchors are used, then tissue damage is minimized, but leakage and movement occur at the point of tissue penetration
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic expandable structure allows the anchor to transition from a flexible, low-profile delivery state that minimizes tissue damage to a rigid, expanded deployed state that prevents leakage and movement. The reliability is achieved in the deployed state while maintaining safety during delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor is segmented into multiple expandable elements or struts that can be deployed independently or collectively to achieve stable tissue fixation. This segmentation allows gradual expansion and adaptation to the tissue geometry, ensuring reliable sealing and positioning without excessive force on any single tissue point.
3Strength
If traditional tissue anchors are used, then tissue approximation is achieved, but they cannot be delivered endoscopically or removed easily
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor employs nesting by being contained within a delivery catheter or sheath in a compressed state during endoscopic delivery. The nested configuration allows the anchor to pass through the endoscope's working channel and be deployed at the target site by expanding from the constrained delivery system.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic expandable structure enables the anchor to be delivered in a compressed, flexible state through the endoscope and then transformed in situ to an expanded, rigid state for tissue approximation. The same dynamic mechanism allows for potential compression and removal if needed.
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 anchors provide firm tissue attachment with minimal risk of necrosis and leakage, are deliverable to various body lumens, and can be removed during or after initial implantation, offering versatility and safety in medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
Tissue anchors formed from a woven filament braid, typically made of shape memory metals or polymers, that expand into double-walled flange structures to securely hold tissue layers together
Data Source
AI summary
Tissue anchors comprise a woven filament braid body having an elongated tubular configuration and a foreshortened configuration where proximal and distal ends of the body expand radially into double-walled flange structures while leaving a cylindrical saddle region therebetween. The tissue anchors are deployed through penetrations between adjacent tissue layers, where the flanges engage the outer surfaces of the tissue layers and the saddle region resides within the tissue penetrations.