Intermittent SVC Occlusion Catheter for Cardiac Preload Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current device-based treatments for heart failure do not effectively reduce preload to limit the progression of heart failure, and pharmaceutical approaches are systemic and do not address localized cardiac remodeling, leading to severe side effects and hospitalizations.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for regulating venous blood return through the superior vena cava (SVC) using a catheter with a flow limiting element and a controller to intermittently occlude the SVC, reducing ventricular overload and cardiac preload without increasing renal vein pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current device-based treatments are used, then structural support is provided, but preload reduction is insufficient to limit heart failure progression
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the flow-limiting function from traditional structural support devices by adding a separate controllable occlusion balloon that can be independently activated to restrict blood flow through the SVC, thereby providing preload reduction capability without compromising the structural support function
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transforms the static structural support device into a dynamic system with controllable flow limitation capability, allowing the occlusion balloon to be inflated or deflated based on real-time hemodynamic needs, enabling adaptive preload management
2Adaptability or versatility
If pharmaceutical approaches are used, then systemic effects are achieved, but localized cardiac remodeling is not addressed and severe side effects occur
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by delivering the therapeutic effect (preload reduction) directly at the target site (SVC) rather than through systemic administration, allowing localized cardiac remodeling treatment while avoiding the severe side effects associated with systemic pharmaceutical approaches
3Productivity
If continuous SVC occlusion is applied, then preload is maximally reduced, but cerebral blood flow may be compromised and safety concerns arise
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements periodic action by using intermittent rather than continuous occlusion, cycling the occlusion balloon between inflated and deflated states to provide therapeutic preload reduction while periodically restoring normal blood flow to prevent cerebral ischemia and other safety concerns
Solution Approach 2:
The invention incorporates feedback control by using pressure sensors to monitor hemodynamic parameters and automatically adjusting the occlusion timing and duration, ensuring that occlusion is applied only when preload reduction is needed and terminated when safety thresholds are approached
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 SVC occlusion system improves cardiac output and reduces LVEDP, LVEDV, RVEDP, and RVEDV, potentially reversing cardiac remodeling and improving quality of life while reducing hospital admissions and co-morbidities.
Implementation Method 1
A flow limiting element disposed on the catheter, the flow limiting element selectively actuated to at least partially occlude flow through the SVC
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods and devices are provided for treating conditions such as heart failure and/or pulmonary hypertension by at least partially occluding flow through the superior vena cava for an interval spanning multiple cardiac cycles. A catheter with an occlusion device is provided along with a controller that actuates a drive mechanism to provide at least partial occlusion of the patient's superior vena cava, which reduces cardiac filling pressures, and induces a favorable shift in the patient's Frank-Starling curve towards healthy heart functionality and improved cardiac performance. The occlusion device may include a lumen obstructed by a relief valve that may permit fluid flow through the occlusion device to release an excessive build-up of pressure.