Coronary Sinus Stent Flow Control for Left Atrial Pressure Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for devices and methods to treat heart failure, particularly diastolic and/or systolic failure of the left ventricle, and to relieve high pressure in the left atrium while preventing the passage of thrombi and systemic emboli.
Innovation Solution
A stent is used to create an opening between the left atrium and the coronary sinus, with a flow control element to manage blood flow direction, reducing left atrial pressure and minimizing the risk of thrombi formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If a stent is used to create an opening between the left atrium and coronary sinus, then left atrial pressure is relieved, but there is a risk of thrombi and emboli passing through the opening
Solution Approach 1:
A flow control element is introduced as an intermediary component within the stent structure. This element selectively regulates blood flow through the opening, allowing normal blood flow to relieve left atrial pressure while blocking thrombi and emboli from passing through to the systemic circulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The stent structure incorporates a flow control element that creates different flow characteristics at different locations within the opening. The flow control element provides selective permeability, allowing laminar blood flow while creating barriers to thrombi passage, thus applying different qualities to different parts of the same opening.
2Stress or pressure
If an opening is created in the septum between left and right atria, then high pressure in the right atrium is relieved, but the structural integrity of the septum is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The stent structure is divided into multiple segments including radial support elements and circumferential support elements. This segmentation allows the stent to distribute mechanical loads across multiple points, providing structural reinforcement to the septum around the opening while maintaining overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The stent employs a composite structure combining radial support elements and circumferential support elements made from biocompatible materials. This composite design provides both mechanical strength to maintain septal integrity and flexibility to accommodate physiological movements while supporting the opening.
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 solution effectively relieves left atrial pressure, reduces symptoms of heart failure, and minimizes the risk of thrombi and emboli, while maintaining controlled blood flow.
Implementation Method 1
Blood flow from the left atrium into the coronary sinus relieves high pressure in the left atrium
Data Source
AI summary
A method and devices for relieving pressure in the left atrium of a patient's heart is disclosed. The method includes using an ablative catheter in a minimally invasive procedure to prepare an opening from the coronary sinus into a left atrium of the patient's heart. Once the opening is prepared, the opening may be enlarged by a technique such as expanding a balloon within the opening. A stent is then placed within the coronary sinus of the patient, with a transverse portion expanding within the opening, allowing blood to flow from the left atrium to the coronary sinus and then to the right atrium. Pressure within the left atrium is thus relieved.