Hydrogel-Coated Annuloplasty Ring to Reduce Hemolysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing annuloplasty rings cause hemolysis due to erythrocyte impact with PET fabric, leading to prolonged operations and patient burden, and they suffer from metal fatigue and stress concentration issues.
Innovation Solution
An annuloplasty ring with a ring-shaped core and a hydrogel-impregnated fabric layer, crosslinked by radiation, optionally with a rubber layer, providing flexibility and reducing stress concentration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a PET fabric layer is used in the annuloplasty ring, then structural strength and shape maintenance are improved, but hemolysis occurs due to erythrocyte impact and shear stress
Solution Approach 1:
A hydrogel layer is introduced as an intermediary between the PET fabric and the blood flow. This hydrogel layer absorbs the impact of erythrocytes and reduces shear stress, preventing hemolysis while allowing the PET fabric to maintain its structural strength and shape-maintaining function.
Solution Approach 2:
The annuloplasty ring uses a composite structure combining PET fabric with hydrogel material. The PET fabric provides structural strength and shape maintenance, while the hydrogel provides hemolytic protection through its shock-absorbing and shear-reducing properties, creating a multi-functional composite device.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If autologous pericardial tissue is wrapped around the annuloplasty ring to prevent hemolysis, then hemolysis is reduced, but operation time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a pre-fabricated hydrogel-coated PET fabric layer that can be applied directly during surgery, replacing the need for time-consuming harvesting and processing of autologous pericardial tissue. This pre-prepared composite material significantly reduces operation time while maintaining hemolytic protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydrogel coating on the PET fabric is prepared in advance during manufacturing, so that during surgery only the pre-assembled composite layer needs to be installed. This preliminary preparation of the protective layer eliminates the need for intraoperative tissue harvesting and processing, dramatically reducing surgical time.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid metal core is used in the annuloplasty ring, then shape stability is improved, but stress concentration and metal fatigue occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent covers the rigid metal core with a flexible PET fabric layer and hydrogel coating. This flexible outer layer distributes mechanical stresses uniformly across the core surface, preventing stress concentration points and reducing metal fatigue while maintaining overall shape stability through the combined rigid-flexible structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The annuloplasty ring employs a composite structure with a rigid metal core providing shape stability and a flexible PET fabric-hydrogel outer layer providing stress distribution. This composite design allows the rigid core to maintain geometry while the flexible outer layer protects against stress concentration and metal fatigue.
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 annuloplasty ring reduces hemolysis and metal fatigue, ensuring flexibility and stability, thus preventing reoperation and maintaining valve function.
Implementation Method 1
the hydrogel is crosslinked by radiation
Data Source
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AI summary
To provide an annuloplasty ring that can help prevent hemolysis. An annuloplasty ring comprising (1) a ring-shaped core and (2) a first layer that comprises a fabric or cloth impregnated with a hydrogel, covering the surface of the core, wherein the hydrogel is crosslinked by radiation.