Implantable Shunt Device with Discrete Frame Segments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for heart failure, particularly those involving heart diseases that lead to elevated blood pressure, lack effective and adaptable methods for regulating blood pressure between the left and right atriums, necessitating innovative medical devices for shunting and occluding bodily fluids.
Innovation Solution
An implantable medical device comprising a conduit portion with a membrane connecting two frame components, which are discrete and separate, allowing for fluid flow and expansion to create a pressure relief shunt, and optionally including elongate elements and sensors for monitoring and drug coatings for thromboresistance and tissue modulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a single integrated frame structure is used, then structural strength is improved, but adaptability to different anatomies is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into multiple discrete segments that can independently conform to different anatomical surfaces. Each segment maintains structural integrity while the overall assembly adapts to varying anatomical geometries through relative positioning of segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame incorporates dynamic elements that allow adjustment of segment positions and orientations to match different anatomical configurations. This enables the same frame design to adapt to various patient-specific anatomies while maintaining necessary structural strength.
2Strength
If frame components extend into the conduit portion, then structural support is improved, but thrombosis risk is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The frame components have varying degrees of extension into the conduit portion at different locations. In regions where structural support is most needed, the frame extends further, while in regions where thrombosis risk is a concern, the frame minimizes extension. This localized variation optimizes both support and thrombosis prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame incorporates flexible membrane portions that can conform to the conduit interior without creating sharp edges or protrusions that would promote thrombosis. These thin film elements provide structural support while maintaining a smooth blood flow path.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the conduit portion is radially unsupported, then tissue ingrowth is improved, but lumen maintenance is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into discrete radial elements rather than a continuous rigid framework. This segmentation allows tissue to grow between the elements while the elements themselves maintain the overall lumen shape through their radial positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure incorporates porous or mesh-like regions that permit tissue ingrowth while maintaining structural integrity. The porous architecture allows cells and tissue to penetrate and integrate with the device while the framework prevents collapse of the lumen.
Data Source
AI summary
An implantable medical device comprising a first frame component. The first frame component including a first set of elongate elements configured to conform to an anatomy of a patient. The implantable medical device also comprising a second frame component including a second set of elongate elements configured to conform to an anatomy of a patient. The first frame component and the second frame component being discrete and separate from one another. The implantable medical device also comprising a conduit portion arranged between the first frame component and the second frame component. The conduit portion including a membrane connecting the first frame component and the second frame component.