The designed technology introduces an implantable Flow Streamliner to improve pulmonary blood flow circulation in patients who are required to undergo or have already undergone a Total Cavo-Pulmonary Connection (TCPC). This device helps manage blood flow from two major veins, the Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) and the Superior Vena Cava (SVC), into the pulmonary arteries.
Function:
- Splitting Blood Streams: The Flow Streamliner separates the blood from the IVC and SVC to prevent direct collision and streamline their flow.
Distributing Blood:
- From the IVC: It ensures that blood carrying nutrients from the liver is evenly distributed to the Left Pulmonary Artery (LPA) and the Right Pulmonary Artery (RPA).
- From the SVC: It ensures that blood is distributed equally between the LPA and RPA.
Figure 1. Flow streamliner and attacher
Patients with Total Cavo Pulmonary Connection (TCPC) experience inefficient and turbulent blood flow at the junction of the Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) and Superior Vena Cava (SVC), leading to poor distribution of blood to the Left and Right Pulmonary Arteries (LPA and RPA). This results in increased energy loss and suboptimal oxygenation. There is a need for an implantable solution that can streamline and regulate these blood streams to enhance flow efficiency.
- Quadrilateral Shape: This technology features a unique thin, pliable sheet made of biocompatible material with a quadrilateral shape tailored for TCPC junctions.
- Adaptive Curvilinear Bending: It bends curvilinearly based on blood flow rates, enhancing efficient blood stream regulation.
- Flow Splitting: It is uniquely configured to split and guide blood streams from the IVC and SVC without causing shear or collision.
- Even Distribution: It ensures proportional distribution of blood from the IVC and SVC to the LPA and RPA.
- Supports Natural Growth: It allows for the natural growth of blood vessels and improves cardiovascular hemodynamics.
The researchers have further worked on the ideation and are currently working on the prototype.
The implantable Cardio-Vascular Flow Streamliner is in Phase-II clinical trials. It is progressing through final product design validation & prototype testing, and is on track for clinical implementation.
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The implantable Flow Streamliner can improve the quality of life for patients with Total Cavo Pulmonary Connection (TCPC). By enhancing blood flow efficiency and distribution, it reduces the risk of complications and long-term health issues. This innovation not only lowers healthcare costs by minimizing the need for additional surgical interventions but also supports the natural growth and development of young patients.
- Cardiovascular Surgery: Applied in cardiovascular surgical procedures for patients with Total Cavo Pulmonary Connection (TCPC) to enhance blood flow efficiency and distribution.
- Pediatric Cardiology: Used in pediatric cardiology to support the natural growth of blood vessels and improve long-term cardiovascular health in children undergoing TCPC.
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