Aortic Arch Custom Model

Q: “What would you say is the greatest benefit of the hands-on aortic arch model for surgeons and for your team members?”

A: “The biggest benefit is that we can easily train the surgeons with hands-on deployments without needing complex lab setups.” 

Dr. CEO Medical Device Start-up

Custom Replica of Aortic Arch

The Challenge:

Ascyrus Medical wanted a way to more easily demonstrate how their approach to treating aortic dissection has significant advantages over the current standard of care. (75% of patients experience negative aortic remodeling and 50% require reintervention.) They wanted to reduce or eliminate labs, while still giving clinicians practice with their device and procedure. And they wanted a demo and training platform that they could take anywhere & everywhere.

Model Design:

Aortic dissection is complex and surgeons face difficulties in treatment. The aortic arch model design was pared down to the essence of the procedure to demonstrate how the company differentiates its device. Pulse MDM recommended representing the targeted anatomy with a durable physical model that had a replaceable portion so that surgeons could always have an un-marred target. Then we designed the surrounding anatomy with artwork and graphics to give the model the context. The portion of the aorta that the Ascyrus stent is sutured to is easily replaceable and small to keep the consumable cost down.

Model Development:

Pulse MDM created the aortic arch according to the dimensions specified by Ascyrus. CAD images were sent for review and approval. Material samples of the suture-able portion of the aorta were sent to the client for evaluation where they had cardiac surgeons evaluate and comment on how close the feeling of suturing matched a human aorta.

Model Benefit:

Imagine walking down a hospital hallway and in a small case you have your anatomy target: in this example an Aortic Arch, and your device. You and a surgeon can duck into a conference room or any available spot where the surgeon will be able to deploy the device, place the stent stabilizing the dissection, and suture the proximal end. And when another surgeon joins the conversation you can pop on a new suture-able proximal end for a fresh trial with your product.

Ascyrus Medical Dissection Stent (AMDS)

Although this custom model is not available for sale to the public, we are delighted to make you a version that is specific to your unique medical device and procedure. Please use this link to start the process of receiving a model concept; a visual representation of how clinicians and patients will experience your product and procedure. Pulse MDM does not charge for model concepts or the conversations around them so there is no risk to see how we can help you to tell your story in the most engaging and memorable way possible.

Aortic Dissection Stent (AMDS) Procedure Overview:

The presence of dissected tissue at the distal anastomosis after standard surgical replacement leaves patients with an anastomotic entry tear that continues to pressurize the false lumen. The AMDS seals the entry tear, stops antegrade pulsatile flow (APF) and decreases pressure in the false lumen.

The AMDS is designed for rapid deployment during conventional replacement of the ascending aorta and does not require an X-ray, hybrid room, or additional vascular access. The system reduces the complexity of type A dissection care without adding significant time to the overall standard procedure.

Decreasing APF and pressure in the false lumen allow the aortic arch to stabilize or regress in size. This positive remodeling is clinically proven to reduce the complications that over time lead to mortality and invasive secondary procedures. The AMDS expands, supports, and pressurizes the true lumen to help resolve dynamic malperfusion involving the central and peripheral aortic branches. The AMDS is designed to allow uninhibited blood flow to the arch branches and intercostals to minimize the risk of stroke and paraplegia.

Aortic Dissection