Conical Anastomoses for Suture-Free Aortic Prosthesis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current surgical methods for repairing blood vessel diseases such as aneurysms and aortic dissections are lengthy and risky due to the time-consuming process of sewing an artificial prosthesis onto the aorta, which increases the risk of post-operative complications and is unsuitable for patients with compromised health.

Innovation Solution

A medical device featuring a tube-like prosthesis with cone-shaped anastomoses that seamlessly connect to the aorta, allowing for quick and suture-free attachment, utilizing a partially flexible material and adjustable design to fit the vessel diameter, enabling easy insertion and clamping without the need for surgical sutures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional surgical methods are used to sew an artificial prosthesis onto the aorta, then the connection can be made secure, but the surgery time is significantly increased and the risk of post-operative complications rises

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection tightnessVSAvoidsurgery time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The prosthesis is divided into distinct segments: the main tubular body and the conical anastomotic portions at each end. These conical portions are pre-formed as integral parts of the prosthesis, allowing the connection function to be separated from the main body while maintaining structural integrity. This segmentation enables the connection operation to be performed as a simple insertion rather than a complex suturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The conical anastomotic portions are pre-formed during manufacturing with the exact geometry needed for seamless connection. The progressive narrowing of the cones is precisely engineered beforehand to match the target vessel dimensions. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for intraoperative shaping or suturing, allowing the prosthesis to be connected simply by insertion and external clamping.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If traditional surgical methods are used to sew an artificial prosthesis onto the aorta, then the connection can be made secure, but the complexity of the surgical procedure increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection tightnessVSAvoidsurgical procedure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The complex suturing operation is extracted and replaced by the pre-formed conical anastomotic portions. The connection function is achieved through the geometric design of the cones rather than through surgical stitching. This extraction of the complex operation simplifies the surgical procedure to basic insertion and clamping steps while maintaining secure connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection mechanism transitions from a procedural parameter (suturing technique) to a geometric parameter (conical shape). The progressive diameter reduction of the cones is engineered to provide natural alignment and secure fit with the target vessel. This parameter change from process-dependent to geometry-dependent connection reduces surgical complexity while ensuring reliable attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If traditional surgical methods are used to sew an artificial prosthesis onto the aorta, then the connection can be made secure, but the risk of post-operative complications increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection tightnessVSAvoidpost-operative complications
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The conical anastomotic portions are pre-formed with precise geometry to ensure optimal connection fit. This preliminary preparation eliminates intraoperative manipulation and suturing that could compromise the connection. The pre-engineered shape ensures consistent, leak-free attachment, reducing the risk of post-operative complications related to connection failure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The prosthesis with its integrated conical portions is designed as a complete, single-use replacement unit. The entire connection system is disposed of after one use, eliminating the need for reusable suturing materials and reducing the risk of contamination or complications from repeated use of surgical instruments. The single-use nature ensures sterility and consistent performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Reliability

If traditional surgical methods are used to sew an artificial prosthesis onto the aorta, then the connection can be made secure, but the procedure is unsuitable for patients with compromised health

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection tightnessVSAvoidsuitability for compromised patients
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The separation of the prosthesis into a main body and pre-formed conical connection portions allows for rapid deployment in compromised patients. The conical portions are designed to provide secure connection without requiring time-consuming suturing, making the procedure suitable for patients who cannot tolerate long surgical times. This segmentation enables quick connection while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection mechanism changes from a time-intensive suturing process to a rapid insertion-based system with pre-engineered conical geometry. This parameter change in connection methodology reduces surgical time and complexity, making the procedure adaptable to patients with compromised health who require faster intervention with minimal physiological stress.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4342422A1Medical device
Publication Date: 2024.03.27 ENDOLINK SP Z O O
  • EP4342422A1 patent drawingFigure 1~1a
  • EP4342422A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4342422A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A medical device characterized in that it is in the form of a tube (1), at both ends of which there are anastomoses (2) seamlessly connecting the tube (1) (the prosthesis) to the aorta; the anastomoses (2) are arranged in the axis of the tube (1) and have the form of several superimposed cones, each successive of which is located closer to the end of the tube (1) and has a progressively smaller diameter; wherein the tube (1) has lateral bifurcations (3) ended with seamless anastomoses (2) arranged in the axis of the lateral bifurcations (3) and having the form of several superimposed cones, each successive of which is located closer to the end of the lateral bifurcations (3) and has a progressively smaller diameter.