Dynamic Venous Occlusion Valves to Reduce Central Venous Pressure

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Solution Overview

Problem

In heart failure patients, redistribution of blood from the splanchnic venous circulation to the inferior vena cava during periods of elevated sympathetic tone leads to increased central venous pressure, pulmonary artery pressure, and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, causing pulmonary congestion and impacting quality of life, with existing treatments like diuretics often being ineffective.

Innovation Solution

Implantable dynamic valve systems are used to regulate blood flow by selectively opening and closing to modulate pressure in veins returning to the heart, particularly the SVC and IVC, using sensors and controllers to adjust leaflets and latching mechanisms for long-term decongestive therapy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If diuretics are used to treat heart failure, then pulmonary congestion may be reduced, but treatment effectiveness is often insufficient and hospital readmissions remain high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment effectivenessVSAvoidquality of life

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces pharmacological treatment (diuretics) with a mechanical device (occlusion valve) that physically blocks blood flow through the inferior vena cava. This mechanical occlusion directly prevents blood from returning to the heart, providing more reliable and direct relief from pulmonary congestion compared to chemical diuretic therapy, thereby improving treatment effectiveness and reducing hospital readmissions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If blood flow from splanchnic venous circulation is allowed to redistribute to IVC, then blood flow is maintained, but central venous pressure and pulmonary artery pressure increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblood flowVSAvoidcentral venous pressure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The occlusion valve extracts or removes the harmful blood flow path from the IVC to the right atrium by creating a physical barrier. This separates the splanchnic venous circulation from the central venous system, preventing the redistribution of blood that causes elevated central venous pressure and pulmonary artery pressure, while maintaining appropriate blood flow through the valve-controlled pathway.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Stress or pressure

If IVC occlusion is performed, then central venous pressure is reduced, but device complexity and surgical intervention requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecentral venous pressureVSAvoidsurgical intervention

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The occlusion valve is designed as a self-contained, implantable device that autonomously performs the IVC occlusion function without requiring continuous external monitoring or complex surgical control systems. The valve's mechanical structure provides automatic flow restriction, eliminating the need for complex external devices or procedures while achieving central venous pressure reduction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20250228669A1Dynamic venous occlusion devices

Publication Date: 2025.07.17 EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES CORP

AI summary

A system for regulating blood flow through a blood vessel of a heart includes a valve and a controller. The valve includes an outer frame and two or more leaflets and is sized for placement at least partially within the blood vessel. The two or more leaflets are sized to overlap or contact each other in an expanded state. The controller is disposed outside the heart and transmits signals to the valve.