Removable Intracardiac RF Device for Tissue Welding

Solution Overview

Problem

Current mechanical closure methods for intracardiac defects, such as patent foramen ovale, are prone to weakening and breakage, and may experience poor tissue ingrowth or improper positioning, leading to continued blood shunting.

Innovation Solution

A system for delivering energy to the defect site using an energy delivery element, which can include coils, braided portions, or plugs, to weld tissues together, occluding the defect and allowing for healing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mechanical closure devices are used to treat intracardiac defects, then the defect can be occluded, but the device is prone to weakening and breakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice durabilityVSAvoidmechanical strength

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical closure devices with an energy delivery system that uses radio frequency energy to weld tissue together. The energy delivery element delivers RF energy to the defect site, creating a permanent tissue bond without relying on mechanical components that can break or weaken over time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state and properties of the tissue through energy delivery. RF energy causes thermal coagulation and welding of the tissue, fundamentally altering the tissue parameters to create a permanent seal rather than relying on mechanical support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If mechanical closure devices are used to treat intracardiac defects, then occlusion can be achieved, but poor tissue ingrowth may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveocclusion effectivenessVSAvoidtissue integration time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical closure devices with an energy delivery system that uses radio frequency energy to weld tissue together. The energy delivery element delivers RF energy to the defect site, creating a permanent tissue bond without relying on mechanical components that can break or weaken over time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary tissue welding before attempting tissue ingrowth. By delivering RF energy to weld the tissue edges together first, the patent creates a stable foundation that promotes subsequent tissue ingrowth and integration, rather than relying on mechanical devices alone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If mechanical closure devices are used to treat intracardiac defects, then closure can be achieved, but improper positioning may lead to continued shunting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclosure effectivenessVSAvoidpositioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms to monitor the position and effectiveness of the energy delivery element. By providing real-time feedback on tissue response and positioning, the system can adjust energy delivery parameters to ensure proper sealing of the defect, reducing the risk of continued shunting due to improper positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state and properties of the tissue through energy delivery. RF energy causes thermal coagulation and welding of the tissue, fundamentally altering the tissue parameters to create a permanent seal rather than relying on mechanical support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 energy delivery system effectively seals intracardiac defects, reducing the risk of blood shunting and promoting healing without the drawbacks of mechanical closures.

Implementation Method 1

The energy delivery element includes at least one coil having an electrode for delivering RF energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRF energy: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

tissue welding, a procedure wherein energy is applied to tissues to join them has been used to correct defects in the arteries, veins, bowel and nerves

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTissue welding: Welding

Data Source

PatentUS8795329B2Removable intracardiac RF device

Publication Date: 2014.08.05 WL GORE & ASSOC INC

AI summary

The present invention provides systems and methods for occluding or closing a patent foramen ovale of a patient (PFO). The invention includes a catheter carrying an energy delivery element. The catheter introduces the energy delivery element into the patent foramen ovale of a patient's heart. Once appropriately positioned, the energy delivery element applies energy, such as radiofrequency energy, to the tissues surrounding the patent foramen ovale. The application of energy causes the tissues to join together, occluding the patent foramen ovale. The energy delivery element may be removable or permanently implanted in the patent foramen ovale.