Percutaneous AVF Creation With Asymmetric Electric-Field Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for creating arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) for hemodialysis are invasive, require long maturation times, and have high failure rates due to thrombosis, stenosis, and infection, with existing percutaneous techniques being complex and costly, and lacking accurate alignment methods for catheters.
Innovation Solution
A percutaneous AVF creation method using catheters with directional signal sources and sensors for electric field alignment, allowing for smaller, cheaper, and easier-to-operate devices to form a fistula between vessels, utilizing asymmetric electric fields for precise alignment and connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If open surgery is used to create AVF, then the fistula can be created with established technique, but the procedure is invasive and requires long maturation time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical open surgical approach with a percutaneous catheter-based system that uses electromagnetic fields for alignment and guidance, eliminating the need for large incisions and extensive surgical exposure while achieving the same fistula creation goal
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic fields as an intermediary mechanism to guide catheter alignment and facilitate fistula creation, serving as a mediator between the operator's intent and the physical connection of vessels, enabling precise positioning without direct visual or mechanical contact
2Object-affected harmful factors
If percutaneous catheter techniques are used, then surgical trauma is reduced, but accurate alignment of catheters is difficult without complex equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical alignment systems with electromagnetic field-based alignment, where simple catheters with embedded sensors or emitters can be guided through the body using external or internal electromagnetic signals, dramatically simplifying the physical device complexity while maintaining alignment accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the alignment mechanism from mechanical (physical contact, visual alignment) to electromagnetic (field interaction, signal detection), altering the fundamental parameter space in which alignment occurs and enabling simpler device design with comparable or superior precision
3Object-affected harmful factors
If existing percutaneous technologies are used, then minimally invasive approach is achieved, but the devices are complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of alignment and guidance from complex mechanical systems, isolating it into separate electromagnetic field generation and detection components that can be implemented in simple catheters, thereby reducing overall system complexity and manufacturing difficulty
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable catheters with integrated electromagnetic components that are inexpensive to manufacture using standard medical device fabrication techniques, eliminating the need for expensive, complex reusable systems while maintaining procedural effectiveness
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
Facilitates quick maturation of AVFs with reduced surgical trauma and lower failure rates, providing a cost-effective and accurate method for creating vascular access suitable for hemodialysis.
Implementation Method 1
catheters with directional signal sources and sensors for electric field alignment, allowing for smaller, cheaper, and easier-to-operate devices to form a fistula between vessels, utilizing asymmetric electric fields for precise alignment and connection
Data Source
AI summary
This document relates to the apparatus and methods used in the minimally invasive creation of arteriovenous fistula (AVF). In particular, the invention relates to the creation of an AVF using catheters and an alignment methodology that is based upon detection of asymmetric electric fields. The invention finds particular application in vascular access (VA) in the hemodialysis (HD) population.