Stent Graft Inflatable Cuff and Fill Structure for Aortic Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for aortic aneurysms, such as open surgical repair, are invasive and strain the heart, while endoluminal grafts face challenges in sealing and anchoring within the aorta, particularly in thoracic aneurysms.
Innovation Solution
A stent graft system comprising a stent graft, an inflatable fill structure, and a cuff, where the inflatable fill structure at least partially surrounds the stent graft, and the cuff is fillable to form a seal with the aortic wall, with the option of different pressure filling and a scaffold mechanism for structural support, allowing for improved sealing and anchoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If open surgical repair is used to treat aortic aneurysms, then the treatment is successful in isolating the aneurysm, but the procedure is invasive and places significant strain on the patient's heart
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces open surgical repair with an endoluminal stent graft system that uses inflatable components to achieve aneurysm isolation. The stent graft is deployed through the aortic lumen and inflated to seal against the aortic wall, eliminating the need for external clamps and incisions that cause cardiac strain during open surgery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an inflatable fill structure and cuff as intermediary components between the stent graft and the aortic wall. These inflatable elements create a seal against the aortic wall to isolate the aneurysm, serving as a mediator that achieves effective sealing without requiring direct mechanical clamping of the aorta during open surgery.
2Loss of time
If endoluminal grafts are used to treat aortic aneurysms, then the procedure has shorter recovery time, but sealing and anchoring challenges remain particularly in thoracic aneurysms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sealing system into separate functional components: a stent graft for structural support and aneurysm exclusion, an inflatable fill structure for filling the aneurysm sac, and a separate inflatable cuff for sealing against the aortic wall. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, improving overall sealing reliability while maintaining the minimally invasive endoluminal approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inflatable components that can be dynamically adjusted during deployment. The cuff and fill structure can be inflated to different pressures to achieve optimal sealing against the aortic wall, allowing the system to adapt to varying anatomical conditions and improve sealing reliability in challenging thoracic aneurysm cases.
3Device complexity
If a single inflatable structure is used to seal and fill the aneurysm, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to provide differentiated sealing pressure is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the inflatable system into at least two separate inflatable components: a fill structure for filling the aneurysm sac and a cuff for sealing against the aortic wall. This segmentation allows independent control of pressure in each component, enabling precise control of sealing pressure without increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different pressure levels to different parts of the system: the cuff is inflated to higher pressure to create a secure seal against the aortic wall, while the fill structure is inflated to lower pressure to fill the aneurysm sac. This local differentiation of pressure quality allows optimal performance of each component while maintaining manageable device complexity.
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 stent graft system provides enhanced sealing and anchoring capabilities, reducing the risk of aneurysm rupture and improving recovery times by effectively isolating the diseased aortic portion, suitable for various aortic aneurysm types including thoracic aneurysms.
Implementation Method 1
the cuff and the inflatable fill structure are separately fillable from each other to different pressures with fill medium
Data Source
AI summary
A stent graft system includes a stent graft an inflatable fill structure, and a cuff. The inflatable fill structure at least partially surrounds the stent graft. In various arrangements, the inflatable fill structure has a cavity that is bifurcated. A portion of the cavity is configured to receive a branch stent graft for connection to the stent graft. The cuff is fillable and is located outside of the inflatable fill structure, and allows for providing a seal with a wall of a blood vessel. The cuff and the inflatable fill structure are separately fillable from each other to different pressures with fill medium. In various arrangements, the cuff has a tapered shape such that it is wider at one end than at an opposite end when filled with a fill medium. A method includes filling the cuff to a higher pressure than a pressure of the inflatable fill structure.