Constrained Expansion Implantable Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Natural venous valves can become insufficient due to stretching or damage, leading to discomfort and potential ulcers, and existing treatments like compression stockings and surgical interventions have limitations, while medical devices with support structures can induce inflammatory responses.
Innovation Solution
A medical device with a support structure that has a constraining portion to prevent expansion and a graft member with a valve portion to regulate fluid flow, preventing reverse flow while minimizing inflammatory responses, comprising a first and second graft member with valve and constraining portions to control fluid direction and support structure expansion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a support structure is expanded to provide structural support, then the ability to maintain vessel patency is improved, but the risk of inducing inflammatory response increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the expansion state of the support structure. The device is deployed in a partially expanded or constrained state rather than fully expanded, changing the physical parameter of expansion degree to reduce tissue irritation while maintaining sufficient structural support for vessel patency.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the support structure is fully expanded to provide maximum support, then the structural stability is improved, but the device complexity and potential for harmful effects increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by deploying the support structure in a partially expanded state that provides sufficient structural stability without requiring full expansion. This partial deployment achieves the necessary structural support while simplifying the device and reducing potential harmful effects associated with full expansion.
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 device effectively prevents reverse fluid flow while maintaining a constrained expansion to reduce inflammatory responses, addressing venous valve insufficiency and providing a controlled fluid flow, thus alleviating discomfort and potential ulcers.
Implementation Method 1
The leaflets open to permit fluid flow in a first direction in response to fluid pressure on one side of the leaflets, and close to prevent fluid flow in a second, opposite direction in response to fluid pressure on opposite sides of the leaflets
Implementation Method 2
The constraining portion is adapted to substantially prevent the support structure from achieving the second, expanded configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A medical device comprises a support structure and one or more graft members comprising a valve portion and a constraining portion. The support structure has a first, unexpanded configuration and a second, expanded configuration. The constraining portion is adapted to substantially prevent the support structure from achieving the second, expanded configuration. The valve portion is adapted to permit fluid flow through a body vessel in a first direction and substantially prevent fluid flow through the vessel in a second, opposite direction.