Cannula System with Cuff for Minimally Invasive VAD Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ventricular assist device (VAD) cannula systems require invasive surgical procedures for installation and removal, often leading to complications such as suture loosening and increased risk of blood loss during chest cavity opening and closing.
Innovation Solution
A cannula system with a cuff and slideable seal mechanism that allows for minimally invasive insertion and removal, using a sewing cuff with a patch and graft section, and a stylet assembly for precise tissue piercing, enabling secure attachment and detachment without the need for purse string sutures or sternotomy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If purse string sutures are used to couple the cannula to the heart tissue, then an effective seal is provided, but the sutures can loosen over time and require skill to install and remove
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a separate cuff component as an intermediary element that is sutured to the heart tissue and receives the cannula. This cuff acts as a mediator between the cannula and the tissue, providing the seal function while being easier to install and remove than direct purse string sutures on the cannula itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing function is segmented into two separate components: the cuff that is sutured to the tissue and the cannula that inserts into the cuff. This segmentation allows the cuff to bear the burden of secure attachment to tissue while the cannula can be more easily inserted and removed from the cuff.
2Quantity of substance
If traditional cannula systems are used, then fluid flow is achieved, but invasive surgical procedures are required leading to increased risk of blood loss
Solution Approach 1:
The cuff is pre-sutured to the heart tissue before cannula insertion. This preliminary action secures the sealing component in place, allowing for a more controlled and less invasive cannula insertion process that minimizes blood loss and surgical risk compared to traditional methods.
3Reliability
If the cannula is securely attached to the tissue, then reliable fluid flow is maintained, but removal requires opening of the chest cavity
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into a permanently implanted cuff and a removable cannula. The cuff remains securely attached to the tissue maintaining the sealing function, while the cannula can be independently removed from the cuff without requiring chest cavity opening, simplifying the removal procedure.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If minimally invasive procedures are used, then surgical risk is reduced, but secure attachment of the cannula to tissue becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment function is segmented between the cuff (which provides secure attachment through sutures to tissue) and the cannula (which connects to the cuff). This allows minimally invasive cannula insertion while maintaining secure attachment through the separately implanted cuff.
Solution Approach 2:
The cuff serves as an intermediary that is securely attached to the tissue through minimally invasive suture techniques, while providing a interface for cannula connection. This mediator allows secure attachment without requiring invasive procedures for the cannula itself.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for coupling devices such as a ventricular assist device to vascular tissues, such as a heart. In one version, a method is provided for attaching a device to vascular tissue for fluid flow. The device includes a cannula coupled to a cuff, and the method includes coupling the cuff to the vascular tissue, penetrating the vascular tissue by inserting a penetration device through the cannula, and inserting a first end of the cannula through the cuff and into the vascular tissue.