Heart Correction Net with Variable Mesh Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heart correction nets face challenges in balancing the inhibition of left ventricle dilation while avoiding excessive restriction of the right ventricle, leading to potential right-sided heart malfunction and decreased cardiac output.
Innovation Solution
A heart correction net with a first area knitted using absorbable yarn for reduced contact pressure during diastole and a second area using non-absorbable yarn for sustained restriction, ensuring appropriate inhibition of left ventricle dilation without excessively restricting the right ventricle, with optional features like through holes or hybrid yarns for adjustable pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a heart correction net is designed as a versatile larger size to be attachable regardless of heart size, then it can be applied to different patients, but it requires cutting off excess part and sewing during operation which increases operation time and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The heart correction net is pre-manufactured in a customized size and shape that exactly fits the patient's heart before the operation. This preliminary customization eliminates the need for cutting and sewing during surgery, significantly reducing operation time while maintaining versatility through patient-specific manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The net is created as a precise copy of the patient's heart geometry using three-dimensional measurement data. This copying approach allows the net to perfectly match the individual heart's contours without requiring post-manufacturing modification during surgery
2Length of stationary object
If the cut-off amount of excess net is insufficient, then the net remains larger relative to the heart, but the effect to inhibit cardiac dilation becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The net features variable mesh densities with different contact pressures applied to different regions: higher contact pressure in areas requiring strong constriction to prevent dilation, and lower contact pressure in areas where excessive restriction would be harmful. This localized quality variation optimizes both size fit and therapeutic effectiveness
3Length of stationary object
If the cut-off amount is unnecessarily large, then the net becomes smaller relative to the heart, but dilation failure of the heart is likely to be caused
Solution Approach 1:
The net incorporates spatially varying mesh densities that create different contact pressures across the heart surface. Regions with higher dilation risk receive stronger constriction forces, while regions prone to dilation failure receive gentler pressure, thereby preventing both excessive dilation and dilation failure
4Reliability
If a heart correction net provides strong contact pressure to inhibit left ventricle dilation, then left ventricle dilation is inhibited, but the right ventricle may experience capacity reduction and pressure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The net is designed with differentiated mesh densities that apply higher contact pressure specifically to the left ventricle region to inhibit dilation, while applying lower contact pressure to the right ventricle region to prevent capacity reduction and pressure increase, thus treating different ventricles with locally optimized forces
Solution Approach 2:
The heart correction net is segmented into multiple regions with different mesh densities: a first region with higher mesh density for strong constriction and a second region with lower mesh density for gentler support. This segmentation allows independent optimization of pressure application to different cardiac chambers
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 configuration allows for effective inhibition of left ventricle dilation while minimizing the risk of capacity reduction and pressure increase in the right ventricle, maintaining balanced heart function and reducing operation time by accommodating individual heart sizes and shapes.
Implementation Method 1
the first area is knitted with an absorbable yarn to be decomposed and eliminated in a body
Data Source
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AI summary
A heart correction net according to the present invention is attached to an exterior of a heart. The heart correction net includes a first area that is a partial area included in a right ventricle side area of an entire area surrounding exteriors of ventricles; and a second area that is an area surrounding the first area in the right ventricle side area and a left ventricle side area. The first area in the heart correction net is configured to provide a lower contact pressure against a heart during a cardiac diastole than the second area.