Transseptal ECMO Catheter Layout to Avoid Limb Ischemia

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional ECMO procedures using large bore cannulas for cardiopulmonary support are associated with critical limb ischemia and high mortality, necessitating an improved catheter-based technology for safer and more effective cardiopulmonary bypass.

Innovation Solution

The development of catheter-based systems that allow percutaneous delivery and advancement to the heart region, utilizing a first inner catheter and a second inner catheter coaxially surrounded by an outer catheter, with deflection capabilities and balloon inflation for precise positioning through the mitral valve, enabling blood extraction and oxygenation without large bore cannulas.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If large bore cannulas are used for conventional ECMO, then high flow blood removal and oxygenation can be achieved, but critical limb ischemia and high mortality occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblood flow rateVSAvoidpatient safety

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a nested catheter configuration where an inner catheter is positioned within an outer catheter. The inner catheter delivers oxygenated blood while the outer catheter removes deoxygenated blood, allowing both functions to be achieved through a single access site without requiring large bore cannulas in peripheral arteries

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a transseptal puncture and intracardiac positioning as an intermediary approach. By advancing catheters through the right atrium, across the septum, and into the left ventricle/aorta, the system mediates between peripheral venous access and central aortic positioning, enabling effective blood flow management without large bore arterial cannulation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If large bore cannulas are inserted into arterial structures, then oxygenated blood can be delivered to the patient, but critical limb ischemia occurs in up to ten percent of procedures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblood delivery capabilityVSAvoidlimb ischemia

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the arterial cannulation step from the conventional ECMO procedure. By using transseptal access to reach the aorta through the heart chambers rather than through peripheral arteries, the harmful arterial puncture and cannulation are eliminated while maintaining the ability to deliver oxygenated blood to the systemic circulation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of approaching the aorta from the periphery through arterial puncture, the patent inverts the approach by accessing the aorta from within the heart chambers. The catheter is advanced retrograde through the aortic valve from the left ventricle, reversing the conventional direction of arterial access and avoiding peripheral arterial damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS12569608B2Catheter-based extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)

Publication Date: 2026.03.10 VANTIS VASCULAR INC

AI summary

Apparatuses and methods for performing transseptal extracorporeal membrane oxygenation are disclosed. The method may include puncturing a septum between the right atrium and the left atrium and advancing a catheter system through the puncture and into the aorta. The catheter system may include coaxially arranged and independently moveable venous and arterial sheaths having independently positionable openings for removing blood from the patient and for returning oxygenated blood to the patient, e.g., within the aorta.