Shunting Catheter Apposition Element for Coronary Sinus Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing interatrial shunt devices (IASDs) pose risks of right-to-left shunting and systemic embolization, and there is a need for improved devices that can safely and effectively create a shunt between the coronary sinus and the left atrium.

Innovation Solution

A shunting catheter system that includes a catheter shaft with a shunting element and an apposition element. The shunting element is disposed in the shaft lumen and can extend from the catheter shaft to create a shunt, while the apposition element stabilizes the catheter in the patient by extending from the catheter shaft and apposing to the cardiovascular system wall.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing interatrial shunt devices are used to create a shunt, then the shunt creation function is achieved, but the risk of right-to-left shunting and systemic embolization increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshunt creation safetyVSAvoidrisk of right-to-left shunting and systemic embolization

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The apposition element acts as an intermediary between the catheter shaft and the vessel wall, providing a stable interface that prevents unwanted shunting and embolization while allowing the shunting element to create the desired shunt

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The device is divided into distinct functional segments: the catheter shaft for delivery, the apposition element for stabilization, and the shunting element for shunt creation, allowing each component to perform its specific function optimally

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the shunting element is extended from the catheter shaft to create a shunt, then the shunt creation capability is improved, but the stability of the catheter in the vessel decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshunt creation capabilityVSAvoidcatheter stability in vessel

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The apposition element is deployed first to stabilize the catheter shaft in the vessel before the shunting element is extended, ensuring catheter stability is established prior to shunt creation operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Stability of the object's composition

If the apposition element is extended from the catheter shaft to stabilize the catheter, then the catheter stability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecatheter stability in vesselVSAvoiddevice structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The apposition element and shunting element are combined into a single catheter assembly, sharing common structural support and control mechanisms, which reduces overall device complexity compared to separate devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20250144382A1Expandable apposition elements for shunting catheters

Publication Date: 2025.05.08 THERAHEART INC

AI summary

Some embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to systems, apparatus, and methods for creating a shunt in a patient. In some embodiments, a shunting catheter includes an apposition element for securing the catheter in the vasculature of the patient and a shunting element for creating the shunt in the patient.