Prosthetic Flow Modifying Device for Venous Insufficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Venous insufficiency, characterized by incompetent venous valves leading to symptoms like swelling and varicose veins, is not adequately addressed by existing treatments such as elastic stockings or invasive surgeries, which are uncomfortable, psychologically distressing, and carry risks.
Innovation Solution
An implantable prosthetic flow modifying device with a flexible member that allows fluid flow in one direction while restricting it in another, featuring a biocompatible sheath with a collapsible end portion to manage fluid flow effectively within the body lumen.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If elastic stockings are used to treat venous insufficiency, then valve leaflet apposition is maintained, but patient comfort and quality of life deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the function of maintaining valve leaflet apposition from the external elastic stocking and transfers it to an internal prosthetic device implanted within the vein. This eliminates the need for external compression garments while preserving the therapeutic effect of keeping leaflets in contact during retrograde flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The prosthetic device acts as an intermediary structure within the vein that mechanically facilitates leaflet apposition during retrograde flow. The device includes features such as ledges or baffles that guide the leaflets into proper contact, serving as a mediator between the blood flow and the valve leaflets.
2Reliability
If surgical constriction or valve replacement is performed, then valve function is restored, but patient recovery time and surgical risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthetic device is designed with dynamic components that adapt to blood flow conditions. The device includes flexible elements and movable structures that respond to the hemodynamic environment, allowing it to function effectively without requiring extensive surgical intervention or long recovery periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the valve by introducing a prosthetic structure that modifies flow dynamics and leaflet positioning. This approach restores valve function through parameter modification rather than through complex surgical reconstruction or replacement procedures.
3Reliability
If the prosthetic device restricts retrograde flow, then venous insufficiency is treated, but fluid flow in the forward direction may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthetic device segments the flow path within the vein, creating distinct zones for forward and backward flow. The device includes multiple ledges, baffles, or chambers that guide forward flow while blocking retrograde flow, allowing independent control of flow directions without compromising overall productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs asymmetric structures that are optimized for different flow directions. The ledges and baffles are positioned and shaped to create high resistance to retrograde flow while maintaining low resistance to forward flow, achieving directional selectivity without compromising the vein's overall flow capacity.
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 device effectively reduces retrograde fluid flow, alleviating symptoms of venous insufficiency without the discomfort and risks associated with traditional treatments, offering a minimally invasive solution for modifying fluid flow within the body.
Implementation Method 1
The first end portion is sized and shaped to at least partially restrict fluid flow in the first direction and capable of at least partially collapsing in response to fluid flow in the second direction
Data Source
AI summary
An implantable flow modifying device and a method of modifying flow through a lumen are provided. The flow modifying device includes a flexible member configured for permitting fluid flow through the body lumen in a first direction at a first rate and for restricting fluid flow through the body lumen in a second direction at a second rate. The flexible member includes a passageway defined by a sheath of biocompatible material, the passageway having a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion is sized and shaped to at least partially restrict fluid flow in the first direction and capable of at least partially collapsing in response to fluid flow in the second direction. The second end portion is adapted to seal with a wall of the body lumen. A diameter of a first opening defined in the first end portion is smaller than a diameter of a second opening defined in the second end portion.