Elastomeric Vein Graft Pump Regulates Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vein graft preparation methods, such as manual distension using fluid pressure, often result in acute damage to the vein graft intima due to unregulated pressure, leading to high long-term failure rates of saphenous vein grafts in coronary artery bypass procedures.
Innovation Solution
An elastomeric vein graft preparation pump that utilizes an elastomeric compliant body to provide regulated pressurization, with a control valve and overfill prevention device to ensure safe and controlled fluid flow, minimizing the risk of intimal damage during vein graft preparation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual distension using fluid pressure is used for vein graft preparation, then the vein can be distended for preparation, but unregulated pressure causes acute damage to the vein graft intima
Solution Approach 1:
An elastomeric compliant body is introduced as an intermediary between the fluid pressure source and the vein graft. This compliant body receives fluid from a reservoir and translates it into regulated pressure, acting as a mediator that prevents direct transmission of unregulated pressure to the vein intima while still achieving necessary distension
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the pressure parameter from unregulated to regulated by using the elastomeric compliant body's elastic properties. The compliant body's material characteristics and geometry are designed to provide predictable pressure output, transforming the pressure delivery mechanism to protect the vein while maintaining distension effectiveness
2Manufacturing precision
If elevated or unregulated pressure is used during vein preparation distension, then the vein can be distended for structural changes, but vein graft damage and failure occur
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric compliant body provides inherent feedback through its elastic properties. As fluid is introduced, the compliant body expands and the pressure automatically self-regulates based on the material's elastic characteristics, preventing over-pressurization that would damage the vein while ensuring sufficient pressure for structural preparation
Solution Approach 2:
The compliant body serves itself by using its own elastic deformation to regulate pressure. The system is self-regulating without requiring external control mechanisms, as the elastomeric material's physical properties inherently limit the pressure transmitted to the vein graft
3Device complexity
If conventional manual pressurization is used, then the procedure is simple to perform, but human error leads to over pressurization and intimal damage
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric compliant body makes the system self-regulating through its inherent elastic properties. The material's physical characteristics automatically control pressure delivery, eliminating dependence on operator skill and preventing human error while maintaining procedural simplicity
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 elastomeric vein graft preparation pump ensures predictable and safe pressurization, reducing human error and minimizing vein graft damage, thereby potentially improving the long-term patency of saphenous vein grafts used in coronary artery bypass procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The elastomeric compliant body provides an elastic recoil pressure based on a volume of the fluid contained in the elastomeric compliant body
Data Source
AI summary
An elastomeric vein graft preparation pump. The elastomeric vein graft preparation pump can include an elastomeric compliant body configured to contain a fluid, a fluid conduit coupled to the elastomeric compliant body, and a control valve disposed through the fluid conduit. The control valve is configured to regulate a flow of the fluid through the fluid conduit. The elastomeric compliant body provides an elastic recoil pressure based on a volume of the fluid contained in the elastomeric compliant body, and the fluid flows through the fluid conduit at a pressure based on the elastic recoil pressure.