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Publication Number
US-12070382-B2
Publication Date
2024-08-27
Expiration Date
Abstract
Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to an apparatus and/or method involving an asymmetrical frame connected to an extension arm, and a filter having opposing surface areas terminating around a perimeter of the filter. The filter is configured with the frame and the extension arm to conform one of the opposing surface areas to an inner sidewall of a tubular structure.
Core Innovation
An apparatus for sealing and filtering in a tubular structure includes an extension arm and an asymmetrical frame carrying a filter. The filter has opposing surface areas that terminate around a perimeter of the filter, and the apparatus is configured and arranged with the frame and the extension arm to conform one of the opposing surface areas to an inner sidewall of a tubular structure in a deployed state. The asymmetrical frame is laterally and longitudinally asymmetrical relative to a longitudinal direction corresponding to a length of the extension arm and to a lateral direction extending across the filter and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.
The asymmetrical frame geometry is matched to anatomical variations in which an inward and outward curvature pattern along a frame posterior side and anterior side is used together with lateral narrowing and a centerline offset between wider and narrower frame ends. The disclosure characterizes a wide distal end connected to the extension arm and extending away from the extension arm together with a narrow proximal end, and it includes specific examples in a human aortic arch context. This structure is used to control expansion and maintain conformance for filtering and sealing throughout a cardiac output cycle, including a dynamic double-edge sealing concept.
The apparatus further relates to frame and extension arm mechanical behavior and force translation using struts between an inner frame and an outer frame to maintain a seal under changing pressure. The disclosure includes tailoring of flexural rigidity and stiffness along the frame and the extension arm to prevent leakage and resonance effects, including discussion of natural frequency, time constant, and stiffness modeling. Filter and mesh design are also addressed, including porosity and pore shape and size, particle retention and filter efficiency, flexibility and stretchability metrics, and metrics for tear resistance and shear stress as part of maintaining sealing and filtering.
Claims Coverage
The document includes two independent claims: an apparatus claim and a manufacturing method claim. Across these claims, the inventive focus is on an extension arm with an asymmetrical frame that positions a perimeter-bounded filter to conform to an inner sidewall, and manufacturing the asymmetrical frame using a fixture that mimics internal sidewall features of the tubular structure and then coupling the filter to the set frame and extension arm.
Asymmetrical frame with perimeter-bounded filter conformance
An apparatus comprising an extension arm; an asymmetrical frame having a narrow proximal end connected to the extension arm and extending to a wide distal end extending away from the extension arm; and a filter having opposing surface areas terminating around a perimeter of the filter, the filter being configured and arranged with the frame and the extension arm to conform one of the opposing surface areas to an inner sidewall of a tubular structure, the frame being laterally and longitudinally asymmetrical relative to a longitudinal direction corresponding to a length of the extension arm and to a lateral direction extending across the filter and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.
Manufacturing asymmetrical frame using a fixture mimicking internal sidewall features
A method of manufacturing an apparatus comprising providing an extension arm; providing a frame material; affixing the frame material in a fixture that mimics internal sidewall features of a tubular structure; setting the frame material to an asymmetrical shape defined by the fixture and that mimics the internal sidewall features of the tubular structure, the frame material including a narrow proximal end extending to a wide distal end; connecting the narrow proximal end of the frame material to the extension arm with the wide distal end extending away from the extension arm; and coupling a filter having opposing surface areas to the frame material with the opposing surface areas terminating around a perimeter of the filter, the filter being operable with the frame material and the extension arm to conform one of the opposing surface areas to an inner sidewall of the tubular structure, the asymmetrical shape being laterally and longitudinally asymmetrical relative to a longitudinal direction corresponding to a length of the extension arm and to a lateral direction extending across the filter and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.
Overall, the independent claims cover an apparatus in which an extension arm and laterally and longitudinally asymmetrical frame support a filter whose perimeter-bounded opposing surface area conforms to an inner sidewall, and a manufacturing method in which the asymmetrical frame shape is set in a fixture that mimics internal sidewall features and is then coupled to the filter and extension arm.
Stated Advantages
Documented Applications
No documented applications found
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