Retractable Anchoring Prosthesis for Rapid Vessel Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for repairing transected body vessels during emergency medical procedures are time-consuming and require high skill, often leading to complications such as clot formation, muscle necrosis, and potential limb loss, as they involve temporary shunts and sutures that can weaken the vessel connection.
Innovation Solution
A self-expanding prosthesis with a tubular frame and serpentine rings that transition from a compressed to an expanded configuration, featuring retractable anchoring members to securely engage with the vessel walls, allowing for rapid deployment and stabilization without the need for extensive suturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional surgical repair methods (clamping, suturing, ligation) are used to repair transected body vessels, then hemostasis can be achieved, but the procedure is time-consuming and requires high physician skill
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis is divided into multiple segments including a tubular frame with multiple rings, each ring having multiple struts and anchoring members. This segmentation allows the complex repair function to be distributed across multiple simple components that can be deployed independently and simultaneously, reducing the time and skill required compared to conventional step-by-step surgical repair
Solution Approach 2:
The prosthesis is pre-assembled with all components (tubular frame, rings, struts, anchoring members) configured in a compressed delivery state before insertion. The anchoring members are pre-positioned to engage the vessel wall upon deployment. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for time-consuming intra-procedural assembly and suturing, allowing rapid deployment by less skilled physicians
2Reliability
If temporary shunts are inserted to restore blood flow and stop excessive blood loss, then hemostasis is achieved, but clot formation occurs requiring return to operating room
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the problematic temporary shunt component from the repair system and replaces it with a permanent prosthesis that provides both hemostasis and durable vessel reconstruction in a single device. The prosthesis integrates the hemostatic function with structural support, eliminating the need for separate temporary shunting that causes clot formation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the temporary shunt (short-living object requiring removal) with a permanent prosthesis designed for long-term function. The prosthesis with its multiple anchoring members and tubular frame provides durable vessel reconstruction that eliminates the need for subsequent removal and replacement with vascular grafts
3Stability of the object's composition
If sutures are used to affix damaged tissue portions surrounding fittings, then the vessel can be secured, but tissue compression increases necrosis risk and weakens vessel connection
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical suturing system with a radial expansion mechanism. The prosthesis is inserted in a compressed state and then expanded radially to engage the vessel wall through anchoring members that press against the tissue without compression. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for sutures and the associated tissue compression that causes necrosis
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of compressing the vessel tissue against the fitting using sutures (conventional approach), the prosthesis inverts the approach by expanding radially outward from the vessel lumen to engage the vessel wall. The anchoring members extend radially outward to engage the vessel wall, providing secure attachment without tissue compression
4Reliability
If multiple surgical steps (shunt insertion, suturing, ligation) are performed to repair body vessels, then vessel repair is achieved, but the complexity of the procedure increases requiring specialized vascular surgeon skills
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple separate surgical functions (hemostasis, vessel reconstruction, anchoring) into a single integrated prosthesis device. The tubular frame with multiple rings and anchoring members provides all necessary functions in one component, eliminating the need for separate shunts, sutures, and ligation procedures that increase complexity and require specialized skills
Solution Approach 2:
The prosthesis is designed as a universal device that performs multiple functions simultaneously: providing hemostasis through radial expansion, reconstructing the vessel structure through the tubular frame, and anchoring to the vessel wall through multiple anchoring members. This multi-functionality in a single device simplifies the procedure compared to multiple specialized interventions
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 prosthesis enables quick and effective hemostasis while maintaining blood perfusion, reducing the risk of complications like clot formation and vessel weakness, and can be permanently placed, minimizing the need for subsequent surgical interventions.
Implementation Method 1
The rings can have a serpentine shape with apexes in a longitudinal direction such that the rings are configured to move between a compressed configuration and an expanded configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A prosthesis may include a tubular frame comprising rings which are concentric along an axis of the tubular frame. The rings may have a serpentine shape with apexes in a longitudinal direction such that the rings are configured to move between a compressed configuration and an expanded configuration. A first ring of the rings can include a first apex that includes a first anchoring member extending radially outward and a first crossbar extending radially inward. The first ring can further include a second apex that neighbors the first apex. The first crossbar can extend toward the second apex and extend radially inward further than the second apex. When in the compressed configuration, the first crossbar can engage the second apex such that the first anchoring member is moved radially inward.