Shape Memory 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 prosthesis deployment system using shape memory materials with a transition temperature below body temperature, allowing the prosthesis to be cooled and inserted in a compressed configuration, then expanding to secure the vessel portions, reducing the need for sheaths and minimizing tissue compression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional surgical repair methods (suturing, clamping) are used to repair transected body vessels, then the vessel connection can be secured, but the procedure becomes time-consuming and requires high physician skill
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis is divided into multiple segments including a first end portion, a second end portion, and a central portion. Each segment can be independently deployed and secured to the vessel, allowing for modular repair that reduces complexity and time compared to traditional suturing of the entire vessel.
Solution Approach 2:
The prosthesis is pre-formed with radial expansion capability and shape memory properties. Before implantation, it is compressed into a delivery configuration, and upon deployment, it automatically expands to its functional configuration, eliminating the need for time-consuming suturing and clamping procedures during the actual repair.
2Reliability
If sutures are used to affix damaged tissue portions to fittings, then the vessel can be secured to the fitting, but tissue compression increases the risk of necrosis
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical suturing system with a shape memory alloy-based expansion system. The prosthesis is inserted in a compressed state and then expanded using shape memory effect, eliminating the need for sutures that compress tissue. The connection is achieved through radial expansion against the vessel wall rather than mechanical compression from sutures.
Solution Approach 2:
The prosthesis utilizes temperature-induced parameter changes in shape memory alloy. By changing temperature, the material transitions between compressed and expanded states, allowing the prosthesis to expand and secure the vessel without the tissue-compressing sutures required in conventional methods.
3Productivity
If temporary shunts are inserted to restore blood flow quickly, then hemostasis can be achieved, but clot formation occurs requiring return to operating room
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis is designed with pre-formed radial expansion capability and shape memory properties. It is delivered in a compressed configuration and automatically expands upon deployment, providing immediate hemostasis without requiring temporary shunts. The permanent prosthesis structure prevents clot formation that plagues temporary shunt solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The shape memory alloy prosthesis is self-actuating through body temperature. Upon deployment, the prosthesis automatically expands to its functional configuration without requiring external manipulation or temporary shunts, providing both immediate hemostasis and long-term reliability in a single procedure.
4Reliability
If the prosthesis is inserted in expanded configuration, then secure vessel connection is achieved, but the insertion process becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis is designed with dynamic shape-changing capability through shape memory alloy. It transitions from a compressed delivery configuration to an expanded functional configuration after insertion. This dynamic transformation allows easy insertion in compressed state followed by automatic expansion to secure the vessel connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The prosthesis utilizes temperature parameter changes to control its shape. During insertion, it maintains a compressed configuration, and upon deployment, body temperature triggers expansion to the functional configuration. This parameter-based control simplifies the insertion process while ensuring secure connection.
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
This method enables rapid, effective hemostasis and perfusion of critical organs by allowing for quick deployment and expansion of the prosthesis within the body vessel, reducing the risk of necrosis and connection failure, thus addressing the limitations of existing techniques.
Implementation Method 1
a shape memory material having a transition temperature less than a body temperature such that the first end portion has an expanded configuration at a temperature above the transition temperature, and the first end portion has a compressed configuration at a temperature below the transition temperature
Data Source
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AI summary
A prosthesis delivery system (100) may include a prosthesis (102) that includes a first end portion (104) being radially movable between a compressed configuration and an expanded configuration. The first end portion (104) may comprise a shape memory material having a transition temperature less than a body temperature such that the first end portion has an expanded configuration at a temperature above the transition temperature and a compressed configuration at a temperature below the transition temperature. The prosthesis (102) may also include a second end portion (106) being radially movable between a compressed configuration and an expanded configuration and a central portion (108) between the first end portion and the second end portion.