Variable Coronary Sinus Occluder for Retrograde Myocardial Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing occluders fail to provide highly sensitive pressure gradient occlusion at target pressures, leading to inconsistent retrograde blood flow in the coronary sinus, and traditional revascularization techniques are invasive and risky.
Innovation Solution
A variable occluder is implanted in the coronary sinus region near the left atrium, gradually increasing blood flow restriction over time to allow venous system compensation, enabling retrograde oxygenated blood flow and revascularization of the myocardium.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a traditional occluder is used to block blood flow in the coronary sinus, then blood flow occlusion is achieved, but highly sensitive pressure gradient occlusion at target pressures cannot be provided
Solution Approach 1:
The occluder device incorporates a compliant membrane that dynamically responds to pressure gradients across the coronary sinus. The membrane's flexibility allows it to automatically adjust its occlusion level based on real-time pressure conditions, providing highly sensitive pressure gradient detection and consistent occlusion performance at target pressures.
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes the physical state of the occlusion by utilizing pressure-dependent membrane deformation. As pressure gradients change, the membrane transitions between different degrees of opening and closing, enabling precise control of blood flow occlusion based on pressure parameters rather than fixed mechanical positioning.
2Reliability
If traditional revascularization techniques (open-heart surgery, angioplasty) are used, then oxygen deficiency is corrected, but the procedures are invasive and carry high risk
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses the coronary sinus venous system itself as an intermediary pathway to deliver oxygenated blood to the myocardium. By implanting an occluder in the coronary sinus and creating controlled retrograde flow, the system utilizes existing anatomical structures rather than requiring external grafts or invasive surgical openings, thereby reducing invasiveness while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The device inverts the normal direction of blood flow in the coronary sinus by creating controlled retrograde flow. Instead of allowing blood to flow naturally away from the myocardium, the occluder redirects flow backward toward the heart muscle, providing oxygenation through the venous system rather than the traditional arterial system.
3Quantity of substance
If immediate full occlusion of the coronary sinus is implemented, then blood flow restriction is achieved, but the venous system cannot compensate for increased pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary gradual occlusion to allow the venous system to adapt and compensate for increasing pressure before achieving full occlusion. This staged approach prepares the physiological system in advance for the eventual full restriction of blood flow, preventing acute pressure damage while maintaining the therapeutic goal.
Solution Approach 2:
The occlusion process is implemented periodically or in stages rather than as a single immediate event. The membrane occluder can be adjusted over time to incrementally increase restriction levels, allowing the venous system to periodically adapt to changing pressure conditions and maintain compensation capability throughout the occlusion process.
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 variable occluder facilitates controlled retrograde blood flow, minimizing pressure changes and promoting myocardial revascularization with reduced invasiveness and risk.
Implementation Method 1
gradually increasing blood flow restriction over time to allow venous system compensation
Implementation Method 2
enabling retrograde oxygenated blood flow and revascularization of the myocardium
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, systems, and methods for causing retrograde oxygenated blood flow in at least a portion of the venous system of the myocardium are disclosed. Devices and methods include a method for causing retrograde oxygenated blood flow in at least a portion of the venous system of the myocardium, the method comprising: implanting a variable occluder in a coronary sinus region proximate a left atrium, wherein the variable occluder is configured to gradually increase a level of blood flow restriction over a period of days to enable a venous system of the myocardium to compensate for increased pressure caused by the gradual increase in the level of blood flow restriction; and following venous system compensation, shunting oxygenated blood flow into the coronary sinus to cause retrograde flow of oxygenated blood in at least a portion of the venous system of the myocardium to thereby enable revascularization of the myocardium.