Project ID: D2022-31
Background
Patients with coronary artery disease develop this disease often over a course of decades. Deposits high in cholesterol, commonly referred to as plaque, builds up in the coronary arteries causing inflammation. This disease tends not to be noticeable until significant blockage or a heart attack occurs. Coronary bypass graft surgery is one of the main treatments for coronary artery disease. However, coronary bypass graft surgery can be very intense as during the procedure the patient’s heart is stopped temporarily and they are put on heart-lung bypass machine. The known two-step process used to open the aorta in preparation for anastomosis is time-consuming, complicated, and involves using two separate devices to create the hole. Hence, there is a risk of different cut and punch diameters leading to a malformed punch geometry. Thus, it would be desirable to provide an improved structure for an aortic punch that is configured to open the aorta and punch a hole through the aorta wall in one step.
Invention Description
Researchers at the University of Toledo have developed a novel anastomotic device that combines both opening the aorta (or other vessels) and punching the hole in a one-step process. Our device and its variation can fit different vessel sizes. It is characterized by a triangular shaped blade that is strategically fixed to the punch. The chassis and overall design remain true to the market standard to ensure that surgeons who use our device will be able to operate it as smoothly as possible. The added blade will remove the initial step of requiring the surgeon to create an incision with a separate knife prior to the punch.
Applications
Treatment of coronary artery bypass surgery.
Advantages
IP Status: Patent Pending.