Expandable Blood Flow Reducer for Adjustable Venous Occlusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing treatments for pulmonary edema and venous hypertension in chronic heart failure patients, such as diuretics and vasodilation drugs, are inadequate in effectively managing preload and afterload, leading to suboptimal oxygen delivery and potential life-threatening symptoms.
Innovation Solution
A self-expandable blood flow reducing assembly with inwardly folding elements and a handle-controlled mechanism to alter blood flow, creating a Bernoulli effect for targeted occlusion and pressure regulation, utilizing a self- or fluidly expandable occlusion member with loops or balloons to manipulate occlusion ability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If diuretic drugs and vasodilation drugs are administered to treat pulmonary edema and venous hypertension, then preload and afterload are reduced, but the treatment is inadequate in effectively managing blood flow and pressure, leading to suboptimal oxygen delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mechanical blood flow reducing assembly as an intermediary device between the heart and pulmonary circulation. This assembly physically redirects blood flow away from the pulmonary veins, providing direct mechanical control over blood distribution that pharmacological agents cannot achieve. The device acts as a mediator that mechanically implements flow redistribution to improve both preload management and oxygen delivery simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the insufficient pharmacological mechanical action with a dedicated mechanical blood flow reduction device. Instead of relying on drugs to indirectly affect blood flow through complex physiological pathways, the invention uses a direct mechanical assembly with occlusion members that physically redirect blood flow, providing reliable and controllable hemodynamic management.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional occlusion device is used to redirect blood flow, then blood flow can be altered, but the device lacks adaptability for controlled adjustment of occlusion degree
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustability through manipulation members (such as wires or balloons) that can be controlled from the proximal end of the catheter. These members allow the occlusion degree to be dynamically adjusted during the procedure, enabling the device to adapt to varying clinical requirements. The system transitions from a static occlusion state to a dynamically controllable state, improving both adaptability and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The occlusion member is divided into multiple segments or loops that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows for graduated occlusion, where different portions of the device can be activated or adjusted to different degrees, providing fine-grained control over blood flow redistribution and enhancing the device's adaptability to specific patient needs.
3Ease of manufacture
If a self-expandable element with inwardly folding elements is used, then the device can be delivered through a catheter and deployed in situ, but the structure complexity increases with hinge members and foldable elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested configuration where the foldable elements and occlusion members are collapsed within the catheter shaft for delivery. The device is delivered in a compact, nested state similar to a Russian doll, allowing it to pass through the catheter easily. Upon deployment, the elements unfold and expand to their functional configuration, providing a simple delivery mechanism despite the complex functional structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The occlusion members are constructed from flexible materials that can bend and fold without compromising structural integrity. These thin-walled, flexible structures allow the device to be compressed into a small delivery profile while maintaining the ability to expand to a large functional size at the deployment site, resolving the contradiction between deliverability and structural complexity.
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 assembly effectively reduces preload and afterload by pooling blood in the venous system, enhancing oxygen delivery and improving renal function through controlled obstruction, thereby mitigating symptoms of pulmonary edema and hypertension.
Implementation Method 1
The reducer may cause a Bernoulli effect on the blood flow, with a jet flow exiting its central opening.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A blood flow reducing assembly includes a catheter shaft and an expandable occlusion member assembled with the catheter shaft. The expandable occlusion member includes foldable protrusions. One or more manipulation members are connected to the foldable protrusions and operative to move the foldable protrusions closer to or further away from one other. Movement of the foldable protrusions modifies occlusion ability of the foldable protrusions.