Tissue Stent with Flexible Synthetic Coating for Vascular Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tissue stents and heart valve prostheses face issues such as blood clot formation due to stitches and biological glue, inefficiencies in production, and vascular erosion, leading to potential embolism and displacement of the prosthesis.

Innovation Solution

A tissue endoprosthesis with a hollow expandable support structure and an internal tissue structure is developed, featuring a hemocompatible flexible synthetic outer covering that mechanically anchors to the internal tissue structure, eliminating the need for stitches and biological glue, and providing a flexible reinforcement to prevent vascular erosion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If sutures are used to join the two opposing edges of the internal tissue structure, then the edges can be connected, but blood clots may form due to turbulence caused by the sutures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strength of edgesVSAvoidblood clot formation
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention removes the harmful sutures from the endoprosthesis structure. Instead of using traditional sutures to join the edges of the internal tissue structure, the patent employs a continuous tubular configuration where the edges are joined without visible sutures, thereby eliminating the turbulence and clot formation risk associated with suture material

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a thin film or membrane structure for the internal tissue structure that can be continuously formed and joined at the edges. This thin film approach allows for smooth, continuous surfaces that prevent blood flow turbulence and eliminate the need for protruding suture elements that would disrupt blood flow

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Reliability

If biological glue is used to cover the line of sutures, then sealing may be improved, but the glue can crumble and form embolism

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing qualityVSAvoidembolism risk from glue particles
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention completely eliminates the use of biological glue from the endoprosthesis construction. By using a continuous tubular structure without sutures and employing alternative joining methods, the patent removes the source of glue particles that could cause embolism, while maintaining sealing integrity through the continuous structure design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs composite material construction where the internal tissue structure is made from materials that can be seamlessly joined. The use of biocompatible materials that can be welded, fused, or continuously formed creates a reliable seal without requiring additional sealing agents that could detach and cause embolism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Strength

If additional sutures are used to fix the internal tissue structure to the support structure, then fixation is achieved, but blood clots can form from these sutures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixation strengthVSAvoidblood clot formation
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention removes all suture elements from the fixation process. Instead of using sutures to attach the internal tissue structure to the support structure, the patent employs alternative fixation methods such as mechanical interlocking, adhesive bonding, or integrated construction where the tissue structure is formed as a continuous piece with the support, eliminating clot formation risk

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the internal tissue structure and support structure into an integrated assembly. By combining these components into a unified structure through methods like co-forming, welding, or mechanical interlocking without separate suture elements, the patent achieves secure fixation while maintaining smooth surfaces that prevent blood clot formation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Strength

If the support structure presses radially outwards on the vessel, then expansion is achieved, but friction can erode the vessel surface and lead to displacement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexpansion forceVSAvoidvascular erosion
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses a flexible outer covering or shell on the support structure that distributes the radial expansion force evenly across the vessel surface. This flexible membrane prevents concentrated pressure points that would cause erosion, while still allowing the structure to expand and maintain its position through distributed friction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs dynamic characteristics to the support structure, allowing it to adapt its expansion force and maintain optimal contact pressure with the vessel wall. The structure can dynamically adjust to vessel movements and physiological changes, maintaining secure positioning without excessive friction that would cause erosion

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution ensures a secure, impermeable, and reinforced endoprosthesis that prevents blood clot formation, reduces production inefficiencies, and protects the vascular walls from friction-related wear, while maintaining the stent's expandability and mechanical adhesion.

Implementation Method 1

the blood-compatible, flexible synthetic material of said external coating at least partially impregnates said internal tissue structure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical anchoring through impregnation: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP3067075B1Tissue stent and method for manufacturing same
Publication Date: 2019.10.16 CARMAT CO LTD
  • EP3067075B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3

AI summary

- Tissue endoprosthesis and method for its production. - According to the present invention, said tissue endoprosthesis comprises an expandable support structure or stent (2), trapped between an internal tissue structure (4) and an external coating (10) made of a flexible, hemocompatible synthetic material, which impregnates said internal structure (4) through days of said support structure (2).