Vascular Plug with Segmented Discs for Rapid Hemostasis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical techniques for stopping blood loss during surgeries are inefficient, particularly for small vessels that cannot be clamped and require suturing, which takes too long and can impair surgical visibility, and existing methods do not effectively occlude vessels quickly and reversibly.
Innovation Solution
A vascular plug device featuring a stem with a plurality of discs spaced longitudinally, designed to be inserted into the vessel lumen to rapidly occlude blood flow, allowing for quick hemostasis and easy removal, suitable for vessels ranging from 1 mm to 5 mm in diameter, and adaptable for various surgical needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ligation and sutures are used to stop blood loss, then hemostasis is achieved, but the procedure takes around five minutes per vessel which reduces surgical efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the occlusion function into multiple discs spaced along a stem, with each disc contributing to the overall sealing effect. This segmented approach allows rapid deployment while maintaining effective hemostasis through cumulative disc action against the vessel wall.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is pre-formed with a specific configuration of discs and stem that enables immediate occlusion upon insertion. The discs are pre-positioned to create effective sealing surfaces, eliminating the need for time-consuming suturing steps and achieving hemostasis in seconds rather than minutes.
2Reliability
If clamps are used to stop blood loss, then bleeding is controlled, but they cannot be applied to small vessels that are unable to be easily clasped
Solution Approach 1:
Each disc in the device has specific local properties including varying diameters and spacing that are optimized for different vessel sizes. The discs create localized sealing zones that adapt to the specific vessel diameter, allowing the same device to effectively occlude vessels across a range of sizes from small arteries to larger vessels.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed as a universal occlusion tool that can be applied to various vessel sizes through the adjustable disc configuration. The stem and discs work together to provide a one-size-fits-all solution that maintains effectiveness across different anatomical locations and vessel calibers, replacing the need for size-specific clamps.
3Reliability
If permanent ligation is performed, then hemostasis is achieved, but the vessel cannot be repaired if needed
Solution Approach 1:
The device provides dynamic occlusion that can be easily reversed by removal. The discs are designed to maintain secure hemostatic sealing during surgery but can be cleanly removed without permanent damage to the vessel, allowing the vessel to be repaired or reconstructed if surgical conditions change or complications arise.
Solution Approach 2:
The device serves its hemostatic function temporarily during surgery and then can be removed (discarded from the vessel) to allow vessel repair. The vessel wall is recovered intact after device removal, enabling subsequent repair procedures without the constraints of permanent ligation.
Data Source
AI summary
Blood loss during surgery is inevitable. Currently, clamps may be used to try and stop the bleeding of blood vessels. However, some blood vessels cannot be adequately clamped and therefore are left to leak blood which is then sponged off. The present invention features devices and methods for occluding vascular vessels during surgery to help prevent blood loss. Specifically, the present invention features a device (i.e., a plug) that, when inserted into the vessel lumen of the vascular vessel, prevents blood flow by exerting a radial force on the vessel. The small and versatile plugs described herein help reduce blood loss during surgery and can work on all sizes of blood vessels.