Retrievable Access Valve With Expandable Leak-Proof Wall Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical devices for accessing body cavities face challenges in providing reliable and retrievable access points that can maintain a seal without leakage, especially in difficult-to-locate areas, and often require temporary solutions like anastomosis devices that may leak gastric acid.
Innovation Solution
An implantable access valve with a self-expandable member and elastic membrane that secures to a bodily wall, allowing controlled access and sealing through axial compressive forces, facilitated by a frame with a conical and radial configuration, and a retrieval flange for easy removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a temporary solution like anastomosis device is used to access body cavities, then access can be established, but leakage occurs (e.g., gastric acid leakage)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an elastic membrane as a flexible thin film that forms a seal against the bodily wall. This membrane is configured to deform elastically under compression from the self-expandable member, creating a reliable seal that prevents leakage of contents such as gastric acid, thereby resolving the contradiction between establishing access and preventing harmful leakage.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame is designed with a conical configuration that tapers from the proximal end to the distal end. This curved geometry allows the self-expandable member to apply compressive forces effectively against the elastic membrane and the bodily wall, enhancing the seal reliability and preventing leakage through the access point.
2Reliability
If a self-expandable member is used to secure the valve, then reliable sealing is achieved, but the device becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sealing function and the securing function into a single integrated structure. The self-expandable member simultaneously performs two functions: (1) applying compressive force to the elastic membrane to create a seal, and (2) securing the valve to the bodily wall through its expansion. This merging of functions reduces device complexity while maintaining reliable sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-expandable member is designed to automatically expand and secure the valve upon deployment without requiring additional actuation mechanisms or complex control systems. The member utilizes its own elastic properties to generate the necessary compressive forces, making the system self-sufficient and reducing overall device complexity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid frame structure is used to maintain valve position, then stability is improved, but retrieval becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to transition between a stable deployed state and a retrievable collapsed state. The conical configuration and the interaction with the self-expandable member enable the frame to maintain stability during use through its structural rigidity, while also allowing controlled collapse for retrieval when needed, thus balancing stability and ease of operation.
4Reliability
If the elastic membrane is secured to the self-expandable member, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic membrane is configured as a flexible thin film that can be easily formed and secured to the self-expandable member using standard manufacturing techniques such as bonding or mechanical attachment. The flexible nature of the membrane allows it to conform to the member's geometry, simplifying the manufacturing process while ensuring effective sealing.
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 access valve provides secure, leak-proof access for periodic infusions and drainages, suitable for various body locations, and can be retrieved without damaging the wall, offering a durable alternative to temporary anastomosis devices.
Implementation Method 1
the self-expandable member may apply an axially compressive force to the frame
Implementation Method 2
an elastic membrane extending through the lumen and through the second end of the frame to releasably seal the lumen
Data Source
AI summary
Medical devices and methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example medical device may include an access valve that may be retrieved after implantation. The access valve may include a frame having a lumen, a self-expandable member extending through the lumen, and an elastic membrane extending through the lumen and a second end of the frame to releasably seal the lumen. The access valve may releasably attach to a wall of a patient and releasably seal an opening through the wall. The access valve may be attached to the wall by placing the frame adjacent the wall, extending the self-expandable member through the opening in the wall, and expanding the self-expandable member such that the self-expandable member applies a first force against the wall and a second force opposite the first force against the frame to sandwich the wall between the self-expandable member and the frame.