Microfluidic Vein Chip With Venous Valves for DVT Modeling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing models for in vitro investigation of venous blood vessels are inadequate in replicating the structural, functional, and environmental complexity of human veins, leading to poor predictions of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and ineffective drug development due to the lack of consideration of venous valve shape, blood flow, and cellular composition.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic chip with a microchannel coated with endothelial cells and venous valves, simulating human veins, allows for the independent perturbation of Virchow's triad factors to model DVT, incorporating actuation chambers for controlling flow dynamics and simulating physiological conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional cell culture models are used for in vitro investigation of venous blood vessels, then the investigation can be performed in vitro, but the models cannot replicate the structural, functional and environmental complexity of human veins
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a microfluidic chip that copies the structural and functional complexity of human veins, including venous valves with leaflets and cusps, endothelial cell linings, and extracellular matrix layers. This physical copy allows in vitro investigation while maintaining the reliability of human-specific physiological responses.
2Reliability
If ex vivo or in vivo animal studies are used to investigate venous blood vessel physiology and pathology, then the structural and functional complexity can be better replicated, but the studies are expensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential functional components of venous blood vessels (valves, endothelial cells, extracellular matrix, flow dynamics) and relocates them into a miniaturized microfluidic chip system. This extraction enables complex venous physiology to be studied in vitro without requiring whole animal systems, dramatically reducing time and cost while maintaining reliability.
3Reliability
If animal models are used to study deep vein thrombosis, then in vivo conditions can be simulated, but the models cannot provide dissectible analysis of Virchow's triad factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex system of Virchow's triad (blood flow, vessel wall, blood composition) into separate controllable modules within the microfluidic chip. Each factor can be independently manipulated and analyzed, providing dissectible analysis capability while maintaining in vivo-like conditions through controlled flow dynamics and physiological parameters.
4Productivity
If existing models are used to predict blood clot regulation, then predictions can be made, but the models fail to account for venous valve shape, flow dynamics and cellular composition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by creating region-specific structures within the microfluidic chip that replicate the unique properties of different venous regions. The venous valves with specific leaflet and cusp geometries, combined with localized endothelial cell cultures and extracellular matrix deposition, create spatially heterogeneous conditions that accurately reflect in vivo venous physiology, thereby improving prediction accuracy for blood clot regulation.
Data Source
AI summary
A microfluidic chip for modelling flow through a vein includes a body including a microchannel extending between a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, wherein at least a portion of the microchannel is coated with endothelial cells that form vascular lumen, and a venous valve formed in the body and positioned along the microchannel, wherein the venous valve includes a pair of leaflets defining a pair of cusps of the venous valve, and a flow channel positioned between the leaflets.