Independent Needle Positioning for Reproducible Coronary Occlusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for inducing heart failure in rodent models, such as transient ligation of the left anterior descending artery, are low-throughput, stressful for animals, cause tissue damage, and lack reproducibility due to surgeon-dependent manual suturing, leading to high variability and mortality.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with independently movable needle-holding devices and adjusting mechanisms allows precise navigation and occlusion of coronary vessels, enabling reproducible ischemia/reperfusion injury induction in a minimally invasive manner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual suture and ligation methods are used for vessel occlusion, then the procedure can be performed with simple equipment, but the reproducibility is poor and variability is high due to surgeon-dependent manual suturing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical suture tying with an automated mechanical needle positioning and occlusion system. The apparatus uses motorized or mechanically assisted needle holders that can precisely position and advance needles into the vessel wall, eliminating the need for manual suture manipulation and tying by the surgeon, thereby improving reproducibility while introducing mechanical complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus enables self-aligned needle positioning through the use of guide structures, pre-positioned needle holders, and automated advancement mechanisms that allow the occlusion procedure to proceed with minimal surgeon intervention, reducing variability caused by different surgical techniques while maintaining relative simplicity through self-positioning features
2Ease of operation
If open-chest surgery with thoracotomy is performed, then direct access to coronary vessels is achieved, but tissue damage is significant and systemic inflammatory response is triggered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of direct vessel access from the invasive thoracotomy procedure by using percutaneous or minimally invasive approaches combined with imaging guidance. The needle holders and positioning apparatus enable coronary vessel access through small punctures rather than large chest incisions, maintaining vessel accessibility while eliminating the harmful effects of extensive tissue disruption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces imaging guidance systems and needle guidance apparatus as intermediaries between the surgeon and the coronary vessels. These intermediaries enable precise vessel localization and needle placement through non-invasive or minimally invasive routes, replacing the need for direct visual exposure through open-chest surgery and thereby reducing tissue damage while maintaining operational ease
3Reliability
If two-step suture and ligation procedure is used, then vessel occlusion can be achieved, but the procedure is time-intensive and throughput is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the separate steps of suture placement and ligation into a single integrated needle-based occlusion procedure. The apparatus uses needle holders that can simultaneously position and deploy occlusion elements, eliminating the need for separate suture tying steps and thereby maintaining reliable occlusion while significantly reducing procedure time and increasing throughput
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pre-positioned needle holders, pre-loaded occlusion devices, and pre-planned needle trajectories that allow the occlusion procedure to be performed in a single streamlined step. The apparatus is prepared in advance with all necessary components positioned for immediate deployment, eliminating the need for time-consuming intra-procedural suture manipulation and tying while ensuring reliable vessel occlusion
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional surgical methods are used, then the procedure can be performed with standard equipment, but surgery-related mortality is significant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual surgical techniques with an automated or mechanically assisted needle positioning system that reduces human error and variability. The apparatus provides controlled, precise needle advancement and occlusion device deployment, improving procedural reliability and reducing complications that lead to mortality, while maintaining relative simplicity through standardized mechanical operations
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus incorporates self-aligning and self-correcting features that automatically compensate for minor positioning errors or anatomical variations. The needle holders and guidance structures enable the procedure to self-correct during execution, reducing the impact of surgical variability and improving animal survival rates while keeping the overall procedure simple and易于实施
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided an apparatus for positioning or navigating at least two needles (2) relative to an object, comprising at least two holding devices (3) for movably holding the needles (2), wherein the holding devices (3) each comprise an adjusting device (4) for moving the needles (2) independently of each other and relative to the object. Further, a system comprising such an apparatus and an imaging device (7) for monitoring and/or guiding a position of at least one needle (2) in the object and a method for induction of a heart failure in an animal with the use of such an apparatus or with the use of such a system are provided.