Vascular Endoprosthesis with Self-Expanding Branches for Aortic Arch Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surgical methods for treating aneurysms in the aortic arch and thoraco-abdominal aorta are associated with high mortality and morbidity due to lengthy aortic cross-clamping and the need for extracorporeal circulation, which are not effectively addressed by current endovascular techniques.
Innovation Solution
A vascular endoprosthesis with self-expandable, elastically deformable engagement means made of biocompatible materials, such as Nitinol, that securely attaches to the aortic arch and branching vessels without the need for extracorporeal circulation, allowing for rapid anastomosis and exclusion of the aneurysm.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional surgical methods are used for treating aneurysms in the aortic arch and thoraco-abdominal aorta, then the aneurysm can be excluded and replaced with a prosthesis, but the surgical time is lengthy and mortality and morbidity rates are high due to the need for aortic cross-clamping and extracorporeal circulation
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis is divided into multiple modular segments including a main body portion and multiple branch portions that can be independently configured and assembled. Each branch portion has engagement means that can be selectively activated to attach to different vascular configurations, allowing rapid adaptation without lengthy surgical procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement means are pre-configured in a compressed state within the prosthesis structure, ready for immediate deployment upon insertion. The self-expanding main body and branch portions are pre-shaped to automatically engage with the aortic wall and branching vessels, eliminating the need for time-consuming aortic cross-clamping and extracorporeal circulation setup
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional surgical methods with extracorporeal circulation are used, then organ protection can be achieved, but the complexity of the surgical procedure and anesthesia requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The self-expanding main body portion automatically engages with the aortic wall upon insertion, self-securing the prosthesis in position without requiring external clamping devices or complex fixation systems. The branch portions similarly self-adjust to engage with branching vessels, eliminating the need for extracorporeal circulation and complex organ protection systems
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates the need for extracorporeal circulation systems and aortic cross-clamping devices from the surgical procedure. By using a self-expanding design that achieves immediate secure attachment, the harmful elements of conventional surgery are removed while maintaining organ protection through endovascular techniques
3Productivity
If endovascular surgery is used for descending thoracic aorta, then surgical time and complications are reduced, but it has not been effectively applied to aortic arch and thoraco-abdominal aorta due to anatomical challenges
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis is designed with universal applicability through multiple branch portions (first, second, third branch portions) that can be selectively engaged with different vascular configurations. The engagement means on each branch portion can be independently activated or deactivated, allowing the same prosthesis design to adapt to various anatomical variations in the aortic arch and thoraco-abdominal regions
Solution Approach 2:
The branch portions are designed with dynamic engagement capabilities where the engagement means can be selectively activated or deactivated based on the specific anatomical configuration encountered. This dynamic adaptability allows the prosthesis to effectively treat diverse anatomical challenges in the aortic arch and thoraco-abdominal regions while maintaining surgical efficiency
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
This solution significantly reduces surgical and anesthesia times, minimizing complications like paraplegia and cerebral ischemia, and enables effective treatment of aneurysms in previously challenging areas by eliminating the need for lengthy organ protection systems.
Implementation Method 1
self-expandable, elastically deformable engagement means made of biocompatible materials, such as Nitinol
Data Source
AI summary
A vascular endoprosthesis (1) is disclosed which is capable of being arranged internally to the aortic arch (O), comprising: a tubular main body (2), to be housed in the internal lumen of the aortic arch (O); three tubular secondary bodies (3, 4, 5), originating from the main body (2) and to be housed in the right carotid artery (R), in the left carotid artery (L) and in the subclavian artery (S); and stent-type engagement means (10, 11, 13, 14, 15), intended to hold a longitudinal end portion (21, 22, 31, 41, 51) of the main and secondary bodies onto the internal wall of the respective vessel (FIG. 5).