Vascular Closure Internal Member Force Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vascular closure devices are ineffective for larger openings (greater than 10 French in size) as they can evert and be pulled through the vessel wall, leading to potential emergencies and complications such as obstruction or leakage due to inadequate curvature and force distribution.
Innovation Solution
A vascular closure system featuring an internal member with a partially ellipsoidal shape and elongated members arranged symmetrically across the major axis, which includes guides and grooves/ridges to enhance force distribution and prevent migration, allowing the device to securely anchor or seal larger openings by bending and conforming to the vessel wall.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If larger sealing elements are used for larger openings, then the closure can seal larger openings, but the curvature required increases making the closure less inclined to hug the vessel wall
Solution Approach 1:
The closure device is divided into multiple components: a body portion for sealing against the vessel wall and separate elongated members (such as wires or sutures) that extend through the body portion to engage the vessel wall. This segmentation allows the sealing surface to remain large while the elongated members provide the necessary curvature and wall engagement independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional seal to a three-dimensional configuration by adding elongated members that extend through the body portion. These elongated members create additional engagement points with the vessel wall, allowing the closure to accommodate larger openings while maintaining proper curvature and wall contact through the third dimension.
2Area of stationary object
If larger sealing elements are used for larger openings, then the closure can seal larger openings, but the closure may become an obstruction to blood flow within the vessel
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the closure device have different functions and properties. The body portion provides sealing against the vessel wall, while the elongated members provide structural support and wall engagement. This local differentiation allows the sealing surface to be large for closing big openings while the elongated members are positioned to engage the wall without creating excessive obstruction to blood flow.
3Force
If the closure is pulled against the vessel wall, then the closure can seal the opening, but the closure may evert and be pulled through the large opening
Solution Approach 1:
The elongated members are pre-positioned within the body portion in a configuration that allows them to engage the vessel wall before the closure is fully deployed. This preliminary engagement prevents the closure from everting or being pulled through the opening during the closing process, as the elongated members are already anchored to the vessel wall.
Solution Approach 2:
The elongated members act as intermediaries between the closure body and the vessel wall. Instead of the closure body directly contacting and potentially everting through the wall, the elongated members mediate the force transmission, providing a more reliable anchor that prevents closure eversion while maintaining sealing effectiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
Among other things, there are shown embodiments of internal members for closure of vascular wall or other bodily openings, particularly useful in closing larger holes (e.g. larger than 10 French). Embodiments create a better seal or meeting with a vascular or other tissue wall by distributing force outward from the center, and/or by including rib, groove or hinge features that allow the internal member, as it is pulled toward tissue, to close the hole and engage tissue more closely or firmly.