Segmented Arterial Stent for Baroreceptor Modulation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies for reducing blood pressure in hypertensive patients are inadequate in effectively modulating baroreceptor activity to maintain stable blood pressure.
Innovation Solution
The development of implantable devices that increase the radius of curvature of arterial walls, thereby increasing baroreceptor strain without substantially reducing blood flow or causing stenosis, by maintaining less than 360 degrees of contact with the artery and allowing pulsation of non-contact regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If forces are applied directly to arteries to modulate baroreceptor response, then baroreceptor sensitivity is improved, but blood flow may be reduced and stenosis may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the arterial contact into discrete contact regions separated by non-contact regions. The expandable frame creates specific zones where the arterial wall contacts the device structure at defined locations, allowing baroreceptor modulation at contact points while preserving blood flow through non-contact zones. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by localizing the mechanical effect to specific segments rather than continuous contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The device applies different mechanical properties to different regions of the artery. Contact regions provide rigid support structures that modulate baroreceptor activity, while non-contact regions maintain natural arterial compliance and pulsation. This local differentiation allows the device to enhance baroreceptor sensitivity in specific areas without compromising overall blood flow dynamics.
2Reliability
If arterial wall is constrained to increase baroreceptor strain, then baroreceptor activity is improved, but arterial pulsation and blood flow are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure divides the arterial interaction into discrete contact zones and non-contact zones. Baroreceptor strain is concentrated at the contact regions where the arterial wall interacts with the frame elements, while the non-contact regions between struts allow free pulsation and maintain blood flow. This spatial segmentation enables simultaneous achievement of baroreceptor modulation and preserved blood flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The device applies partial constraint to the arterial wall rather than complete constriction. By providing rigid support at specific contact points while leaving non-contact regions free, the device achieves sufficient baroreceptor strain activation without excessively restricting arterial pulsation or blood flow. The partial action principle allows optimization of baroreceptor stimulation while minimizing impact on hemodynamics.
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
These devices effectively lower blood pressure by increasing baroreceptor sensitivity, maintaining blood flow, and reducing the risk of reactive growth and stenosis.
Implementation Method 1
The development of implantable devices that increase the radius of curvature of arterial walls, thereby increasing baroreceptor strain without substantially reducing blood flow
Implementation Method 2
allowing pulsation of non-contact regions
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods for treating hypertension are described including an implantable device having first and second longitudinal ends, and a length greater than 50 mm, typically less than 80 mm, when unconstrained in an artery of the patient proximate baroreceptors in the aorta. The device can be defined as a stent having an elliptical shape in the expanded configuration so as to reshape the artery in which the implant is deployed, at least during diastole. The stent can include struts configured to define multiple openings or non-contact regions to enhance pulsatility on the walls of the aorta to prevent long-term resetting of the responsiveness of the baroreceptors subsequent to device implantation.