Epicardial Device Securing via Transverse Sinus Navigation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for securing epicardial devices in the pericardial space are inefficient and can cause injury to the heart and compromise coronary circulation.

Innovation Solution

The method involves passing a sheath and guidewire into the pericardial space through percutaneous access sites, navigating the guidewire through the transverse sinus, and using a snare device to secure the guidewire, allowing for stable positioning of epicardial devices such as pacing electrodes or ICD coils.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing methods are used to secure epicardial devices in the pericardial space, then device positioning can be achieved, but injury to the heart and compromise of coronary circulation occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice positioning stabilityVSAvoidheart injury and coronary circulation compromise

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the transverse sinus as an intermediary structure to secure epicardial devices. Instead of directly anchoring devices to the heart surface which causes injury, the guidewire is passed through the transverse sinus (a natural pericardial space) and secured there, providing indirect but stable positioning that avoids direct heart contact and coronary compromise

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts the device from direct contact with the heart surface by positioning it in the pericardial space and securing it through the transverse sinus. This separation removes the harmful interaction between the device and coronary circulation while maintaining device functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of operation

If percutaneous access is used to insert sheath and guidewire, then minimally invasive approach is achieved, but risk of coronary artery puncture increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveminimally invasive accessVSAvoidcoronary artery puncture risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs preliminary imaging and planning to identify safe access sites that avoid coronary arteries. Before puncture, the operator uses fluoroscopic guidance to visualize the pericardial space and select entry points that will not intersect with coronary vessels, thereby maintaining minimally invasive benefits while preventing vascular injury

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The sheath acts as an intermediary tool that provides a protected pathway through the pericardium. By advancing the sheath under imaging guidance and using it to deliver the guidewire, the system mediates between the external access point and the internal pericardial space, reducing direct exposure and risk to coronary structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20250177141A1Methods and devices for securing epicardial devices

Publication Date: 2025.06.05 MAYO FOUNDATION FOR MEDICAL EDUCATION & RESEARCH

AI summary

This document describes methods and devices for securing epicardial devices. For example, this document describes methods and devices for securing epicardial devices by passing a sheath into a pericardial space of a patient through a first percutaneous access site, passing a guidewire through the sheath into the pericardial space of the patient, passing the guidewire through a transverse sinus of the patient, passing a snare device into the pericardial space through a second percutaneous access site, and capturing a free end portion of the guidewire using the snare device.