Vascular Prosthesis Segmented Stent Graft Bridge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vascular prosthesis systems for treating aneurysms in the ascending branch of the aorta require complex and invasive open surgery, which is time-consuming and can only be performed by highly specialized surgeons, and there is a need for a system that can be used by less experienced surgeons and reduces surgical time.
Innovation Solution
A vascular prosthesis system with a stent graft element and a separate stent element connected by a strip-shaped prosthesis material bridge, allowing for independent expansion and flexibility to adapt to anatomical curvatures, enabling easier insertion and placement without blocking branch vessels, and can be used to treat the ascending, aortic arch, and descending aorta simultaneously.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single integrated vascular prosthesis is used to treat aneurysms in the ascending aorta and aortic arch, then the structural integrity and sealing function are improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of insertion increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vascular prosthesis is divided into two separate elements: a stent graft element with prosthesis material for sealing and an uncovered stent element for structural support. These elements are connected via a strip-shaped prosthesis material bridge, allowing independent handling and insertion while maintaining overall structural integrity when deployed together.
2Reliability
If a complex open surgery procedure is used to treat aneurysms in the ascending branch of the aorta, then the treatment reliability is improved, but the procedure time and surgical invasiveness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The procedural complexity is reduced by segmenting the prosthesis into two independently deployable elements. The stent graft element can be inserted and positioned first, followed by the stent element, allowing for a simplified step-by-step insertion procedure rather than requiring complex single-stage surgery.
Solution Approach 2:
The stent element is designed to be insertable within the stent graft element during the insertion procedure. This nested configuration allows both elements to be delivered through the same access route and deployed in sequence, reducing surgical invasiveness and procedure time.
3Reliability
If a vascular prosthesis with extensive prosthesis material coverage is used, then the sealing function is improved, but the flexibility and adaptability to anatomical curvatures decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis is segmented into a stent graft element with prosthesis material for sealing and an uncovered stent element without prosthesis material for flexibility. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specialized function: the stent graft element provides sealing where needed, while the uncovered stent element provides flexibility for navigating anatomical curvatures.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the vascular prosthesis have different properties: the stent graft element has prosthesis material coverage for sealing, while the stent element has no prosthesis material for flexibility. This local differentiation of properties allows the overall system to achieve both sealing and adaptability to anatomical variations.
4Ease of manufacture
If a single vascular prosthesis element is used, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the ability to provide both sealed and unsealed zones for different anatomical regions decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The vascular prosthesis is manufactured as two separate elements: a stent graft element with prosthesis material and an uncovered stent element without prosthesis material. Each element can be manufactured using standardized processes for its specific type, simplifying production while allowing the combination to provide both sealed and unsealed zones for different anatomical regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The two-element design creates a universal system that can address multiple anatomical requirements: the stent graft element provides sealed zones for aneurysm treatment, while the uncovered stent element provides unsealed zones for maintaining vessel patency and flexibility. This multi-functional system can be adapted to various anatomical configurations.
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 system simplifies surgical interventions, reduces procedure time, and allows less experienced surgeons to perform treatments, while ensuring unobstructed blood flow to branch vessels and providing support to damaged vessels, thus reducing the risk of rupture and complications.
Implementation Method 1
By virtue of the resilience of the metal framework, the vascular prosthesis expands again to its original shape
Implementation Method 2
The wire mesh or the stent springs are usually made of a shape-memory material, generally of Nitinol, as a result of which the stent springs, after introduction into a vessel for release, return to the expanded state
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a vascular prosthesis system for inserting into and for supporting a blood vessel of a patient. The vascular prosthesis system comprises (i) a stent graft element comprising a prosthesis material, and (ii) a stent element free of prosthesis material. Furthermore, a strip-like prosthesis material segment is provided, by means of which the stent graft element and the stent element are connected to each other, in such a way that the strip-like prosthesis material segment forms a prosthesis material bridge.