Vascular Prosthesis Mechanical Coupling for Suture-Free Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vascular prostheses require cutting and additional suturing, increasing implantation time and hemodynamic risks due to difficulty in accessing and connecting vessels.
Innovation Solution
A tubular prosthesis comprising two individual elements with mechanical connection means, including crown-shaped junction pieces, a seal, and fixing rings that allow secure connection without additional suturing, reducing the need for cutting and facilitating quick assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a monolithic vascular prosthesis is used, then the prosthesis structure is simple, but additional cutting and suturing are required which increases implantation time and hemodynamic risks
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis is divided into two separate tubular elements that can be independently prepared and positioned, then connected using mechanical coupling means. This segmentation eliminates the need for cutting and suturing during implantation, as the elements can be joined quickly through the mechanical coupling system comprising crowns, seals, and fixing rings.
2Device complexity
If a monolithic vascular prosthesis is used, then the prosthesis structure is simple, but additional cutting and suturing are required which increases hemodynamic risks
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis is divided into two separate tubular elements that can be independently prepared and positioned, then connected using mechanical coupling means. This segmentation eliminates the need for cutting and suturing during implantation, as the elements can be joined quickly through the mechanical coupling system comprising crowns, seals, and fixing rings.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical coupling means act as an intermediary connection system between the two tubular elements. The coupling system includes crowns that fit over the tube ends, seals that prevent fluid leakage, and fixing rings that secure the connection. This intermediary mechanism provides a reliable, suturing-free connection that maintains hemodynamic safety.
3Strength
If suturing is performed to connect prosthesis to vessel, then secure connection is achieved, but the procedure becomes difficult and time-consuming when vessels are difficult to access
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional suturing mechanism is replaced with a mechanical coupling system consisting of crowns, seals, and fixing rings. The crowns fit over the ends of the tubular elements, the seals create fluid-tight connections, and the fixing rings provide structural security. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for complex suturing procedures, making the connection process simpler and faster while maintaining secure attachment.
4Ease of operation
If the prosthesis is cut to facilitate suturing, then surgical access is improved, but a additional suture zone is created which increases implantation time and risks
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis is divided into two separate tubular elements that can be independently prepared and positioned, then connected using mechanical coupling means. This segmentation eliminates the need for cutting and suturing during implantation, as the elements can be joined quickly through the mechanical coupling system comprising crowns, seals, and fixing rings.
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 reduces hemodynamic risks, simplifies surgical procedures, and ensures a clean and regular connection, maintaining a seal along the prosthesis while preventing body fluids from contacting non-compatible materials.
Implementation Method 1
a seal (presented, for example, in the form of a preformed compressible mechanical seal or even of a G.R.F (Gelatin-Resorcinol-Formaldehyde) surgical glue) carried by one of the two joining parts and intended to be inserted between the two junction pieces around the lumen formed by the tubular prosthesis
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
The prosthesis (1) has sealed mechanical connecting units (4) for connecting individual tubular elements (2) to each other. The connecting units include crowns, where each crown is fixed to a free end of each tubular element. A seal is carried by one of the crowns and interposed between the crowns around an opening (3). Clamping rings (9A, 9B) are traversed by the tubular element, and cooperate with each other for maintaining the crowns. The rings hold the crowns against one another and ensure compression of the seal between the crowns.