Curved Branch Vessel Prosthesis for Unobstructed Blood Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current branch vessel prostheses can block blood flow to branch vessels when used with main vessel prostheses, leading to severe symptoms due to impaired blood circulation, as they do not adequately accommodate varying anatomical angles and morphologies, potentially causing blockages.
Innovation Solution
A branch vessel prosthesis with a tubular body made of biocompatible material, featuring proximal and distal regions with stents, and a central region that curves to adjust the angle between the proximal and distal regions, allowing for secure frictional coupling and fluid flow maintenance, accommodating different anatomical angles and morphologies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a main vessel prosthesis is used to treat aneurysms, then vascular integrity is preserved, but branch vessel blood flow may be blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis is divided into multiple segments: a main vessel prosthesis and a branch vessel prosthesis that can be separately deployed. The branch vessel prosthesis is delivered through the main vessel prosthesis and positioned in the branch vessel, allowing independent treatment of the main vessel and branch vessel without interference
Solution Approach 2:
The branch vessel prosthesis is nested within the main vessel prosthesis during delivery. The delivery catheter for the branch vessel prosthesis passes through the lumen of the main vessel prosthesis, allowing both prostheses to coexist in a nested configuration that prevents blockage while maintaining integrity
2Device complexity
If a unitary prosthesis is used, then structural simplicity is achieved, but adaptability to varying vessel morphology is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis system is segmented into modular components including the main vessel prosthesis and the branch vessel prosthesis. Each module can be independently selected and sized to match specific anatomical requirements, allowing customization without requiring completely different prosthesis designs for each case
Solution Approach 2:
The branch vessel prosthesis incorporates a curved configuration that can adapt to different branch vessel angles and orientations. The flexible tubular body allows the prosthesis to conform to varying anatomical geometries while maintaining its functional integrity
3Adaptability or versatility
If the branch vessel prosthesis has a curved configuration, then adaptability to anatomical angles is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The branch vessel prosthesis features a pre-formed curved configuration that provides adaptability to different anatomical angles. The curve is integrated into the tubular body design, allowing the prosthesis to naturally conform to branch vessel geometry without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms or multiple rigid segments
Solution Approach 2:
The prosthesis utilizes a flexible tubular body made of biocompatible material that can bend and conform to various anatomical configurations. This flexibility allows the curved design to adapt to different angles while maintaining structural integrity and avoiding the need for complex rigid frameworks
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 ensures unobstructed blood flow to branch vessels by adapting to varying anatomical configurations, reducing the risk of blockages and associated symptoms, while maintaining the integrity of the vascular system.
Implementation Method 1
enhanced by the radial force exerted by the internal prosthetic module on the external prosthetic modules where the two overlap
Implementation Method 2
The connections between prosthetic modules are typically maintained by the friction forces at the overlap region
Data Source
Figure 1A~2
Figure 3~6
AI summary
In a branch vessel prosthesis (20) comprising a graft (30), a stent (46) coupled to the proximal region of the graft, where the proximal region of the graft includes a generally straight configuration in an expanded deployed state that is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of a main vessel; and a stent (66) coupled to the distal region of the graft, where the distal region of the graft includes a generally straight configuration in the expanded deployed state that is substantially parallel to a branch vessel, there is provided an expansion member (55) coupled to the central region (50) of the graft, where the expansion member comprises a resilient pre-formed material that promotes a curvature of the central region in the expanded deployed state.