Actively Controllable Stent Grafts for Repositioning and Resealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endovascular implants face challenges in conforming to irregular luminal anatomy, requiring precise positioning and sealing, with limitations in repositioning and migration, and are dependent on radial force for vessel retention, leading to potential leakage and vascular compromise.
Innovation Solution
The invention provides actively controllable stents and stent grafts with adjustable elements that can change configuration post-deployment, allowing for precise positioning and sealing, and includes retractable retention tines for repositioning, along with a controllably releasable disconnect mechanism for post-implantation adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing endografts are deployed to seal against vessel walls, then sealing is achieved, but migration occurs and repositioning is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The stent graft incorporates actively controllable elements including variable diameter sections and retractable retention tines that can be adjusted after deployment. The delivery system includes drive wires and control mechanisms that enable dynamic repositioning and resealing operations, transforming a static implant into a dynamically adjustable device.
2Ease of manufacture
If stent diameter is fixed at deployment, then manufacturing is simplified, but precise accommodation to irregular anatomies is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The stent graft includes a variable diameter section with actively controllable elements that can change the diameter after deployment. This allows the device to be manufactured with a standard diameter while adapting to irregular anatomies in situ, combining manufacturing simplicity with anatomical versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameter of stent diameter from a fixed value at manufacturing to a variable parameter that can be adjusted after deployment. The actively controllable elements enable diameter modification to match irregular anatomic configurations.
3Ease of operation
If radial force is used for vessel retention, then deployment is simplified, but leakage and vascular compromise occur
Solution Approach 1:
The retention mechanism transitions from passive radial force to an active system with retractable retention tines that can be deployed and repositioned. The drive wires and control mechanisms enable dynamic adjustment of retention forces, improving reliability while maintaining operational simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A prosthetic heart valve can include a stent frame radially movable between a contracted configuration and a maximum expanded configuration. The stent assembly can include a plurality of longitudinally extending jack strut assemblies. Each jack strut assembly can include a proximal jack strut, a distal jack strut with a first connection part, a second connection part coupled to the first connection part of the distal jack strut, and a jack screw connecting the proximal jack strut, the distal jack strut, and the second connection portion. The distal jack strut can include a smooth bore extending longitudinally at least partially therethrough. The second connection part can include a threaded bore extending longitudinally therethrough. The jack screw can extend through the threaded bore of the second connection part and at least partially through the smooth bore of the distal jack strut.