Helical Tissue Attaching Device for Cardiac Conduit Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current conduit systems for cardiac surgery, particularly for procedures like apicoaortic conduit (AAC) insertion, are invasive and challenging due to the need for sutures in active cardiac and vascular tissue, leading to complications such as bleeding and difficulty in securing connectors reliably.
Innovation Solution
A system with a helical attaching device that advances through the tissue wall, creating a radially expanding helix for secure attachment and a fluid-tight seal, allowing for the insertion of a conduit connector or port without the need for sutures, enabling minimally invasive procedures on a beating heart.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sutures are used to secure connectors in active cardiac and vascular tissue, then reliable attachment can be achieved, but bleeding complications and surgical complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the suture element from the connector attachment process. The connector is designed with a self-securing mechanism that attaches directly to the tissue wall without requiring separate suture material, thereby eliminating the harmful bleeding effect associated with suture insertion while maintaining reliable attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector incorporates a self-securing mechanism that automatically attaches to the tissue wall upon insertion. The connector performs its own attachment function without requiring external suturing, reducing surgical complexity and bleeding risks while ensuring reliable fixation in the beating heart environment.
2Reliability
If traditional conduit systems are used for AAC insertion, then fluid communication can be established, but the procedure becomes highly invasive requiring cardiopulmonary bypass
Solution Approach 1:
The connector automatically secures itself to the tissue wall through an integrated self-securing mechanism, eliminating the need for complex surgical procedures like cardiopulmonary bypass. The system performs its own attachment and sealing functions, allowing the procedure to be performed on a beating heart without additional life-support equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector combines multiple functions into a single device: it provides fluid communication, secures itself to the tissue wall, and creates a fluid-tight seal all through one insertion. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate suturing and sealing steps, reducing overall surgical complexity.
3Ease of operation
If access ports are created for fluid communication in cardiac procedures, then intervention capability is improved, but tissue damage and incision size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector utilizes a flexible sealing element that conforms to the tissue wall surface, creating a fluid-tight seal around a small access point. This flexible sealing mechanism allows for minimal tissue disruption while maintaining effective fluid communication and access capability.
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 system simplifies cardiac surgery by reducing bleeding complications and incision size, facilitating safer and more straightforward insertion of AAC conduits, thereby improving surgical outcomes and reducing the need for cardiopulmonary bypass.
Implementation Method 1
The attaching device is configured for advancing along a helical path at least partially through the tissue wall such that at least a portion of the attaching device becomes disposed substantially between the first surface and the opposing second surface of the tissue wall when the outer tube is rotated relative to the first surface of the tissue wall
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of the present invention provide a conduit system including an outer lumen, an inner lumen, and an attaching device. In other embodiments, a multiple access port device adapted for communication with at least one of an outer lumen, an inner lumen, or an attaching device of a conduit system is provided. In yet other embodiments, a system including an inner lumen that is collapsible is provided. Means for closing a conduit system are also provided, including a plug for insertion through an attaching device and a variable radius coiled member associated with an attaching device.