Sutureless Anatomical Access Couplings With Mechanically Active Tines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical procedures for connecting anatomical structures often require sutures, which can be time-consuming and prone to complications, and lack efficient sutureless alternatives for end-to-end or end-to-side connections.
Innovation Solution
A sutureless connector system utilizing mechanically active tines actuated by a mechanical mechanism, such as shape memory or superelastic materials, that penetrate and compress or decompress against anatomical tissue for secure attachment without an anvil, featuring a frame, actuating members, and tines that rotate about a hinge region.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If suture-based connection methods are used, then secure attachment of anatomical structures can be achieved, but procedural time increases and complications arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional suture-based mechanical system with a mechanically actuated tine system that uses shape memory or superelastic materials. The tines are deployed through a delivery catheter and mechanically engage the vessel wall through radial expansion, eliminating the need for sutures and significantly reducing procedural time while maintaining secure attachment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in shape memory or superelastic materials that allow the tines to transition from a compressed delivery state to an expanded deployed state. This phase transition enables the tines to securely engage the vessel wall without requiring time-consuming suturing procedures
2Productivity
If sutureless connector system is implemented, then procedural time is reduced, but device complexity increases due to mechanical mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs self-service principles through the use of shape memory or superelastic materials that automatically transition from compressed to expanded states upon deployment. The mechanical mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through balloon inflation or pushrod activation, reducing the need for complex external control systems and simplifying the overall device architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is segmented into multiple independent tines that can be deployed and actuated independently or in unison. Each tine is a discrete mechanical element with its own actuation mechanism, allowing for simplified individual component design while achieving complex overall functionality through modular assembly
3Speed
If mechanically active tines are used without anvil, then connection speed increases, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in shape memory or superelastic materials that enable the tines to achieve precise configurations through thermal or mechanical activation. The material properties ensure consistent deformation and positioning, reducing manufacturing tolerances requirements while maintaining rapid deployment capability
Solution Approach 2:
The tines are pre-configured in a compressed state within the delivery catheter during manufacturing, with all mechanical elements pre-positioned for optimal deployment. This preliminary configuration ensures that upon activation, the tines deploy with high precision and consistent geometric relationships without requiring complex real-time adjustments
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
Facilitates rapid, secure, and reliable connections between anatomical tissues and non-anatomical devices, reducing procedural time and complications by eliminating the need for sutures.
Implementation Method 1
The mechanical mechanism may actuate by one or more of the following properties: shape memory, superelastic, elastic deformation, plastic deformation, electromechanical and/or other mechanical mechanism
Implementation Method 2
The mechanical mechanism may actuate by one or more of the following properties: shape memory, superelastic, elastic deformation, plastic deformation, electromechanical and/or other mechanical mechanism
Implementation Method 3
the anatomic tissue and/or non-anatomic device is compressed between the mechanically active tine and its associated actuating member
Implementation Method 4
The at least one mechanically active tine is configured to move in an opposite direction from movement of the at least one actuating member
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for creating medical device access across walls of anatomical structures by providing connectors and a medical device access conduit coupled to the connectors The connectors and their variants are each characterized by having at least one mechanically active tine that are actuated by extension or compression of a mechanical mechanism linking the active tines to a frame. The mechanical mechanism may actuate by one or more of shape memory, superelastic, elastic deformation, plastic deformation, electromechanical and/or other motive mechanism operably associated with the at least one mechanically active tines and the frame to rotate the tines about a hinge region under the influence of the mechanical mechanism.