Sutureless Vascular Anastomosis Connector Using Shape Memory
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vascular anastomosis methods are time-consuming, require high surgical skill, and introduce potential weaknesses due to the use of sutures, leading to complications like leakage and internal hemorrhaging, and are hindered by bulky, difficult-to-use connectors and lengthy approval processes for medical devices.
Innovation Solution
A sutureless vascular anastomosis system using a connector with memory materials and an incision seal that securely couples a graft vessel to a main vessel without sutures, employing tines, wings, and barbs to create a leak-proof seal, and a process flow diagram for the procedure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional suture-based vascular anastomosis is used, then a fluid-impermeable seal can be created between vessels, but the procedure becomes time-consuming and requires high surgical skill
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes sutures from the anastomosis procedure entirely, extracting the problematic element that caused time consumption and skill requirements. The sutureless connector creates a seal through mechanical expansion and engagement with vessel walls without requiring suture placement, thereby reducing procedure time while maintaining seal reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The sutureless connector acts as an intermediary device between the two vessels being connected. It features an expandable body with engagement elements that mechanically interlock with the vessel walls, providing a reliable seal without requiring direct suture-based approximation of the vessels
2Reliability
If conventional suture-based anastomosis is used, then vessels can be connected, but potential weaknesses in the connection lead to tearing or leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The connector body is designed with a curved, arc-shaped configuration that conforms to the natural curvature of blood vessels. This curved geometry distributes mechanical stresses evenly along the vessel wall interface, preventing stress concentration that could lead to tearing or leakage at suture points
Solution Approach 2:
The connector transitions from a compressed delivery state to an expanded deployed state within the vessel. This dynamic expansion allows the connector to adapt to the vessel diameter and create uniform radial pressure against the vessel wall, enhancing seal reliability and preventing leakage without the weak points inherent in static suture connections
3Reliability
If conventional connectors are used in anastomosis procedures, then vessel connection is achieved, but the connectors are bulky and difficult to use
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with a nested structure where the expandable body is contained within a delivery catheter during insertion. The connector compresses axially within the catheter, allowing it to navigate through narrow access paths and be easily deployed at the target site without requiring bulky external manipulation equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The connector employs dynamic expansion from a compressed delivery configuration to an expanded functional configuration. This transformation allows the connector to be easily delivered through small incisions and then expand to its full functional size at the target site, improving ease of operation while maintaining connection reliability
4Reliability
If elaborate medical devices are used for anastomosis, then connection capability is improved, but the approval process becomes lengthy and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The connector utilizes shape memory materials that change their physical properties in response to temperature or other environmental parameters. This allows the device to transform from a compact delivery state to an expanded functional state through controlled parameter changes, simplifying the device design and potentially reducing approval requirements compared to more complex mechanical systems
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is constructed from composite materials including shape memory alloys or polymers that provide both structural integrity and programmable deformation characteristics. These composite materials enable the device to achieve reliable vessel connection through material-level functionality rather than complex mechanical mechanisms, potentially streamlining the regulatory approval process
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 faster, more reliable vascular connections with reduced surgical complexity and risk of complications, minimizing leakage and hemorrhaging, and streamlining the medical device approval process through the use of a sutureless system.
Implementation Method 1
the connector (200) may be made of a memory material that allows the connector (200) to change shape
Data Source
AI summary
A system is described for performing vascular anastomosis without the use of sutures. The system includes a connector comprised of memory material and an incision seal. The connector has one end configured to securely engage a graft vessel and another end with wings and barbs. The wings are configured to securely engage an inner wall of a main vessel and the barbs are configured to lock with the incision seal. Once locked, the incision seal and the connector apply a clamping force that secures the graft vessel with the main vessel.