Heart Correction Net Manufacturing via 3D Contour Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of the heart's three-dimensional shape makes it difficult to precisely reproduce the contour for a heart correction net, leading to increased manufacturing costs and potential issues with fit and constraining force, as existing methods lack a practical approach to simplify the shape without compromising functionality.
Innovation Solution
A manufacturing method that divides the heart's three-dimensional contour into regions, allowing for approximate two-dimensional development while maintaining the shape's integrity, using tomographic images and computerized knitting machines to create a heart correction net that snugly fits the patient's heart, reducing unnecessary deformation and manufacturing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the heart correction net is configured based on a relatively large heart size to fit various heart sizes, then the net can be universally applied to different patients, but the net becomes too large for smaller hearts, causing deficient constraining effect or requiring removal and suture procedures that increase surgical time and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the heart correction net into multiple modular units (first plurality of units and second plurality of units) that can be selectively assembled. Each unit corresponds to a specific region of the heart, allowing the net to be customized for different heart sizes and shapes without requiring removal or suturing of excess portions.
2Manufacturing precision
If the heart correction net is customized to precisely fit each patient's heart size and shape, then the constraining effect is optimized, but the manufacturing process becomes excessively complicated and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the heart correction net into standardized modular units that can be assembled in different configurations. This segmentation allows customization for individual patients while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through repeated use of standard components rather than creating entirely custom designs for each patient.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs modular units that can serve multiple functions and be used in various combinations. Each unit is designed with universal features that allow it to be assembled with other units in different arrangements, enabling a single set of standardized components to accommodate diverse heart sizes and shapes without requiring complex custom manufacturing.
3Manufacturing precision
If the heart correction net requires removal and suture procedures to adjust to patient's heart size, then the net can be fitted to smaller hearts, but the surgical time increases and places additional burden on patients
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the heart correction net into removable modular units that can be selectively assembled before implantation. This allows the net to be precisely sized for each patient's heart in advance, eliminating the need for intraoperative removal and suture procedures. The modular design enables quick adjustment by simply adding or removing units during surgery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the heart correction net to be pre-configured with the appropriate number and arrangement of modular units based on the patient's heart measurements taken before surgery. This preliminary customization eliminates the need for time-consuming adjustment procedures during the actual surgery, reducing surgical time and patient burden.
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 simplifies the paper-pattern data creation process, reduces manufacturing costs, and ensures a heart correction net that effectively fits the patient's heart without excessive constraint or weakness, thereby improving surgical efficiency and patient outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
a cross-sectional image of a cross-section intersecting with the layer direction of the heart is taken with a tomographic device at a plurality of spots spaced apart in the layer direction
Data Source
AI summary
A manufacturing method of a heart correction net is provided. The method includes: a first step of taking cross-sectional images of a heart in a layer direction, in which an apex and a base of the heart are connected; a second step of extracting outlines of the heart from the cross-sectional images; a third step of defining dividing points with respect to a three-dimensional shape reconstructed based on the outlines, the dividing points being defined on the outlines in a circumferential direction of the heart; a fourth step of dividing a contour of the heart in three-dimensions into divided regions based on the plurality of the dividing points, and creating development data, in which the each of the divided regions is developed on a two-dimensional plane, while an approximate shape of each of the divided regions is maintained; a fifth step of creating paper-pattern data based on the development data; and a sixth step of knitting the heart correction net with a knitting machine based on the paper-pattern data.