Integrated Aortic Punch for Single-Step Incision and Hole Formation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing two-step process for opening the aorta using aortic punches is time-consuming, prone to complications like dissection, and results in malformed hole geometry due to the use of separate devices for incision and punching, which can lead to additional surgical challenges, especially in diseased aortic walls with calcification.
Innovation Solution
An improved aortic punch design that integrates a cylindrical barrel, a plunger, and a blade shaft with a circular cutting tool, allowing for a single step to create both an incision and a circular hole, eliminating the need for separate instruments and reducing the risk of dissection and incorrect geometry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a two-step process is used to open the aorta (first making an incision with a knife, then punching a hole with a separate puncher), then the aorta can be opened, but the process becomes time-consuming and may be complicated by dissection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the incision-making function and the hole-punching function into a single integrated aortic punch device. The device includes a cutting blade that creates an incision and a circular cutting tool that punches a hole through the aortic wall in one continuous motion, eliminating the need to exchange instruments between steps and reducing surgical time while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The aortic punch device performs multiple functions: it acts as both a cutting instrument (knife) and a punching tool in a single device. The integrated structure allows the same instrument to complete both the incision and the hole formation without requiring separate specialized tools, thereby streamlining the surgical process
2Manufacturing precision
If two separate devices are used to create the desired round hole (a knife for incision and a puncher for punching), then the aorta can be opened, but different cut and punch diameters result in malformed punch geometry with undesirable notches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cutting blade and circular cutting tool into a single integrated device where both cutting elements are precisely positioned relative to each other. This ensures that the incision and the punched hole have matching diameters and geometry, eliminating malformed notches that would require additional repair stitches
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device features a specific geometric relationship between the cutting blade and the circular cutting tool, where the blade creates a precise incision that aligns perfectly with the subsequent circular punch path. This local geometric precision ensures consistent, well-formed holes without irregularities
3Reliability
If a separate puncher is negotiated through a 3-layer diseased aorta wall, then a hole can be punched, but it may create a flap or dissection especially in patients with calcification and plaques
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the incision and punching actions into one continuous motion through the aortic wall. The integrated device maintains a consistent trajectory and cutting plane throughout the entire penetration process, reducing the risk of creating flaps or dissections that could occur when negotiating a separate puncher through the already-incised 3-layer aortic wall
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting blade creates a preliminary incision that guides the subsequent circular cutting tool through the same plane. This preliminary action establishes a safe path through the aortic wall layers, preventing the circular punch from creating flaps or dissections by ensuring it follows the same controlled trajectory as the initial cut
Data Source
AI summary
An aortic punch includes a cylindrical barrel, a cylindrical plunger movably mounted within the barrel, a blade shaft movably mounted within a distal end of the barrel and having a first cutting tool at a distal end thereof, the first cutting tool configured to form a first cut in a wall of a blood vessel, and a cylindrical punch body movably mounted within a distal end of the barrel and about the blade shaft and having a second, circular cutting tool configured to form a circular hole in the wall of a blood vessel around the first cut.