Vascular Elastance Device for Reducing Arterial Stiffness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pulmonary hypertension leads to increased arterial stiffness, causing high peak arterial pressures and cardiac burden, ultimately resulting in heart failure and death due to reduced arterial compliance.
Innovation Solution
A compressible device is implanted within blood vessels to reduce pulsatile stiffness, comprising a compressible volume that changes with pressure, acting as a spring to absorb and return energy, thereby reducing the load on the right heart.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If arterial compliance is reduced due to diseases like arteriosclerosis and hypertension, then arterial stiffness increases, but this results in high pulsatile pressure and increased cardiac burden leading to heart failure
Solution Approach 1:
A compliant device is introduced as an intermediary element within the artery to mediate between the stiff arterial wall and the blood flow. The device includes a compliant structure that can deform and store energy, acting as a buffer to reduce pulsatile pressure transmission to the heart while maintaining structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes the mechanical parameters of the arterial system by introducing a compliant element with specific elasticity characteristics. This modifies the overall compliance of the arterial segment, reducing pulsatile stiffness and peak pressures without compromising the artery's structural integrity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a compressible device is implanted to reduce pulsatile stiffness, then arterial compliance improves, but device complexity is introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device utilizes flexible membranes or thin-walled structures that can deform under pressure to provide compliance. These flexible elements are integrated into a simple structural framework, achieving the desired mechanical function without requiring complex mechanisms or multiple components.
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 device increases arterial compliance, minimizing afterload on the right heart and reducing energy expenditure, thus mitigating the progression to heart failure.
Implementation Method 1
A compressible device is implanted within the blood vessel. The device has a volume (sometimes referred to as a compressible volume) that changes when subjected to pressure within the vessel. For instance, a pressure change within the vessel can cause the device to compress from a first volume to a second volume and thereby provide a reduction in vessel elastance.
Implementation Method 2
The device functions as a spring. In one example, the device is coupled to a wall of the vessel and is located external to the vessel or partially external to the vessel.
Implementation Method 3
The energy storage device, in one example, includes a fluidic accumulator having a dynamic element. The dynamic element can include an elastic membrane or a piston.
Data Source
AI summary
A device includes a balloon and an interface. The balloon has an outer surface and a central lumen aligned on a longitudinal axis. The balloon is configured to receive a compressible fluid. The interface is coupled to the outer surface and has an external surface configured to bond with a tissue.