Vessel Closure Device with Anchors for Deep Tissue Collapse
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vessel closure methods, such as external compression and implantation of coils or plugs, face challenges in effectively collapsing target vessels, especially in deep anatomical regions, due to variability in external force application and susceptibility to re-cannulation over time.
Innovation Solution
The development of endovenous vessel closure devices featuring an elongated flexible member with anchors that are introduced into the vessel wall, allowing for mechanical collapse of the vessel through a proximal pulling force, potentially without external compression, and can be made from biodegradable materials for temporary or permanent closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external compression is applied to collapse the target vessel, then vessel closure is achieved, but clinician fatigue increases and the procedure becomes less reliable in deep anatomical regions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the external mechanical compression system with an internal self-contained mechanical closure system. The closure device includes an expandable member that is deployed from within the vessel and an anchor that engages the vessel wall, converting the need for external clinician-applied compression into an internal self-sustaining mechanical structure that automatically maintains vessel closure without requiring continuous external force application.
2Force
If external compression is used to collapse deep vessels, then vessel closure may be achieved, but the force application becomes variable and less effective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanical structure consisting of the expandable member and anchor system that acts as a mediator between the delivery catheter and the vessel wall. This intermediary structure is deployed from within the vessel, engages the vessel wall internally, and provides consistent closure force regardless of the vessel's depth or external accessibility, eliminating the variability associated with external compression methods.
3Reliability
If coils or plugs are implanted to prevent blood flow, then vessel closure is achieved, but the risk of re-cannulation increases over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the closure mechanism into distinct functional components: a deliverable catheter system, an expandable closure member, and an anchor system. The anchor portion engages the vessel wall to provide stable positioning and prevent migration, while the expandable member provides the closure function. This segmentation allows for more reliable anchoring and reduces the risk of re-cannulation compared to single-component coil or plug systems.
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
These devices enable consistent and controlled vessel closure within deep anatomical regions, reducing clinician fatigue and the need for external compression, while providing temporary or permanent solutions with biodegradable components that can be absorbed by the body.
Implementation Method 1
each anchor includes an anchor head configured to be introduced into a wall of the vessel and engage with the wall of the vessel to cause the wall to move radially inward in response to a proximal pulling force applied to the elongated flexible member
Data Source
AI summary
In some examples, a vessel closure system includes a catheter configured to be introduced into a vessel of a patient, the catheter defining a catheter lumen, and a closure device configured to be received within the catheter lumen. In some instances, the closure device may include an elongated flexible member and one or more anchors attached to the elongated flexible member. The anchors may be distributed along a length of the elongated flexible member, and each anchor may include an anchor head configured to be introduced into a wall of the vessel and engage with the wall of the vessel to cause the wall to move radially inward in response to a proximal pulling force applied to the elongated flexible member.