Electrothermal Vascular Closure Device
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for achieving hemostasis at vascular access sites after medical procedures are time-consuming, require prolonged patient immobilization, and may involve the use of foreign substances.
Innovation Solution
The use of electrothermal bipolar vessel sealing, where a clamp or forceps compresses the tissue around the puncture and applies high-frequency alternating electric current to denature and seal the vessel wall.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional external compression or internal compression methods are used to achieve hemostasis, then bleeding is stopped, but the procedure time is prolonged and patient immobilization is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical compression methods (external or internal balloons) with an electrothermal system that uses high-frequency alternating electric current to generate heat for vessel sealing. The forceps with electrically conductive jaws apply bipolar electrothermal energy to denature and seal the vessel wall, eliminating the need for prolonged mechanical compression and patient immobilization while achieving reliable hemostasis
2Reliability
If suturing or biodegradable plugs are used to close the puncture site, then hemostasis is achieved, but foreign substances are implanted or left in the body
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for foreign substances (sutures or biodegradable plugs) by using an electrothermal sealing method. The forceps with electrically conductive jaws apply heat directly to the vessel wall through bipolar electrothermal energy, causing denaturation and sealing of the tissue without requiring any implanted materials to remain in the body
3Loss of time
If thermal heating is applied to seal the vessel, then immediate sealing is achieved, but precise positioning and control of the heating element is required
Solution Approach 1:
The forceps serve multiple functions: they mechanically compress the tissue between their jaws to achieve hemostasis, and simultaneously deliver electrothermal energy through their electrically conductive jaws to seal the vessel. This multi-functionality integrates positioning and sealing actions into a single device operation, reducing the need for separate positioning mechanisms while achieving immediate sealing
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
This method allows for immediate sealing of the blood vessel, reducing the time required for hemostasis and eliminating the need for foreign substances, thereby improving patient outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
electrothermal bipolar vessel sealing is employed wherein a clamp or forceps grasps and compresses tissue from opposite sides of the puncture and then applies a high-frequency alternating electric current to cause the vessel wall between the forceps to denature and seal
Implementation Method 2
The protruding distal end is comprised of a shape memory material that reconfigures from a substantially straight shape when stored in the retracted position into a lateral profile extending transverse to the longitudinal axis when in the extended position
Data Source
AI summary
A vascular closure device seals a vascular access site upon completion of a procedure wherein a blood vessel has been punctured to accommodate a guidewire, an introducer sheath, and other intravascular devices. The device uses compression and thermal heating of an area around the puncture to obtain immediate hemostasis. Electrothermal bipolar vessel sealing is employed, wherein a forceps grasps and compresses tissue from opposite sides of the puncture and then applies a high-frequency alternating electric current to cause the vessel wall between the forceps to denature and seal.