Vascular Hole Closure Device with Spherical Retainers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for closing femoral artery access holes during vascular surgery are inefficient, requiring prolonged manual pressure, increased surgical time, and are dependent on the surgeon's skill, with potential for leakage and infection risks.
Innovation Solution
A vascular closure device comprising a resorbable covering member and spherical retainers attached to sutures, which are positioned inside and outside the vessel to block blood flow and apply constant retention force, respectively, allowing for quick and effective closure of vessel openings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual compression is used to close the vessel hole, then the vessel opening can be closed, but the procedure time is extended up to six hours and hospital staff must physically maintain pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The closure device autonomously maintains compression force on the vessel puncture site through its mechanical structure (spring-loaded or shape memory alloy components) without requiring continuous manual intervention. The device self-regulates the compression force over time, eliminating the need for staff to physically maintain pressure while ensuring reliable vessel closure.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure device is deployed immediately after catheter removal to seal the vessel puncture site before significant blood loss can occur. The device is pre-loaded with compression mechanism that activates automatically upon deployment, providing immediate closure action rather than requiring prolonged manual compression periods.
2Reliability
If a clamp is attached to apply pressure to the vessel opening, then the vessel opening can be closed, but additional monitoring time is required and procedure cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closure device incorporates self-monitoring features through its integrated mechanical structure that automatically maintains and regulates compression force. The device's inherent design (spring mechanisms or shape memory alloys) provides continuous passive monitoring of closure status without requiring additional active monitoring by hospital staff, thereby reducing both complexity and cost.
3Reliability
If suturing devices like 'the Closer' are used to close the opening, then the vessel hole can be closed, but the procedure requires multiple steps and surgeon skill varies affecting success accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The closure device integrates multiple functions (puncture site sealing, compression application, and retention) into a single self-contained unit that is deployed in one action. The device combines the needle puncture, suture placement, and knot-tying functions into a unified mechanical system that automatically performs all steps simultaneously, eliminating the need for multiple separate procedural steps and reducing dependence on surgeon skill variation.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure device is delivered in a collapsed or compact configuration that passes easily through the catheter tract, then automatically expands or activates upon deployment to perform the closure function. This segmented delivery approach allows the complex multi-functional device to be inserted through a small opening while still providing comprehensive closure capability when activated.
4Ease of manufacture
If the vessel opening is widened for instrument insertion, then the closure device can be delivered, but a bigger opening is created that is harder to close if delivery fails
Solution Approach 1:
The closure device is nested within the catheter or delivery sheath in a compact configuration during insertion. The device is contained within the existing catheter tract without requiring separate widening of the vessel opening. Upon successful delivery, the device is deployed from its nested state to perform the closure function, thereby avoiding the need to create a larger access opening while maintaining delivery capability.
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 quickly and effectively closes vessel openings, reducing surgical time and cost, maintaining constant clamping force regardless of tissue thickness, and minimizing the risk of leakage and infection.
Implementation Method 1
a covering member having a longitudinal axis and positionable inside the vessel against the internal opening of the aperture. The covering member has a dimension to prevent egress of fluid through the aperture
Implementation Method 2
a first spherical retainer positionable external of the vessel... pulling of the first suture moves the first retainer toward the covering member
Data Source
AI summary
A device for closing an aperture in a vessel wall comprising a covering member having a longitudinal axis and positionable inside the vessel against the internal opening of the aperture and a first spherical retainer positionable external of the vessel. The covering member has a dimension to prevent egress of fluid through the aperture.