Vascular Occlusion Device with Rounded Hinged Members
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing occlusion devices for conduits, such as clamps and clips, often cause tissue damage or necrosis due to excessive compressive force and stress concentrations, and struggle to maintain traction on wet and smooth tissue surfaces, leading to potential bleeding and ineffective occlusion.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising elongate members with rounded or arc-shaped cross-sections that minimize stress concentrations, connected by a hinge and covered with a biocompatible flexible mesh to provide adequate traction and prevent bleeding, allowing for easy application and removal during surgical procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If clamps with long jaws and scissor-type handles are used to occlude larger conduits, then occlusion capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two separate members (first member and second member) that can be applied independently to the conduit. Each member has its own elongate body with rounded ends, allowing them to be positioned on opposite sides of the conduit and connected by a flexible connector, simplifying the overall application process while maintaining effective occlusion
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible connector serves as an intermediary element that links the first and second members together. This connector allows the members to be positioned correctly on the conduit while accommodating movement and maintaining the occlusive function without requiring a complex rigid mechanism
2Device complexity
If clips with small jaws and spring bias are used to occlude smaller conduits, then device complexity is reduced, but occlusion capability for larger conduits deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device allows for parameter changes in terms of the size and configuration of the two members. They can be customized or selected based on the specific conduit size and surgical requirements, providing versatility for both small and large conduits while maintaining a relatively simple device structure
3Force
If clamping force is increased to increase traction on the conduit, then traction is improved, but tissue damage and necrosis worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The ends of both members are rounded rather than sharp or angular. This curvature distributes the contact pressure over a larger surface area of the conduit, reducing stress concentrations that would otherwise cause tissue damage or necrosis while still providing sufficient friction to maintain traction
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible connector acts as a compliant element that allows the members to conform to the conduit surface, distributing the clamping force more evenly and reducing localized pressure points that could cause tissue damage
4Force
If pins are extended through resilient pads to increase friction and maintain clamp position, then traction is improved, but tissue trauma worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The rounded ends of the members provide sufficient surface area and friction to maintain traction on the conduit without requiring penetrating pins. The curved contact surfaces engage the conduit wall effectively while avoiding puncture wounds and deep tissue penetration that would cause trauma
5Force
If resilient pads with irregular surfaces or fibers are added to increase friction, then traction is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The members have uniform rounded ends without added irregularities, fibers, or complex surface treatments. The homogeneity of the rounded surfaces provides sufficient friction through their geometric shape alone, avoiding the need for additional components or complex surface modifications
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 effectively occludes conduits without causing tissue damage or necrosis, maintaining traction and preventing bleeding, while being easy to apply and remove, thus ensuring proper occlusion during surgical procedures like anastomosis.
Implementation Method 1
The portions of the first and second members that contact the conduit are configured to minimize stress concentrations in the conduit
Implementation Method 2
Attempts have been made to increase the coefficient of friction in order to enhance the traction of the clamp relative to the conduit
Data Source
AI summary
A device for occluding a conduit includes first and second members, each with first and second ends. The second ends are connected by a hinge. The first ends interlock to close the device about the conduit. The members are shaped such that they can occlude the conduit without causing the development of damaged or necrotic tissue. If desired, a flexible cover can be provided and the first and second members can be disposed within the cover. If such a cover is used, it will contact the conduit in order to cushion the contact between the members and the conduit, minimize the tendency of the conduit to bleed, and increase traction relative to the conduit. The invention also includes methods for using the device to occlude a conduit.