Adjustable Ring Stripper for Complete Plaque Excision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for atherosclerotic plaque in arteries are inadequate, leading to incomplete plaque removal, restenosis, and risks associated with residual plaque flaps, due to limitations in existing ring strippers and plaque removal devices that often result in incomplete or unsafe procedures.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable ring stripper and related methodology that disunifies the bond between plaque and the arterial wall using expandable instruments and balloons, allowing for more effective and complete plaque removal, and subsequent stabilization with vascular grafts to prevent restenosis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a traditional ring stripper is used to remove plaque from arteries, then the procedure is simpler, but the plaque removal is incomplete and residual plaque flaps remain
Solution Approach 1:
The ring stripper employs an expandable ring structure that can dynamically change its diameter. The ring is delivered in a compressed state through the catheter, then expanded at the target site to engage and strip the plaque. This dynamic expansion capability allows the device to achieve complete plaque removal while maintaining a simple delivery profile, resolving the contradiction between removal completeness and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device segments the plaque removal function into distinct components: the expandable ring for engagement, the stripping surface for plaque separation, and the retrieval mechanism for removal. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, achieving thorough plaque removal while keeping the overall device structure manageable through modular design.
2Reliability
If plaque is not fully disunified from the arterial wall, then the procedure is safer, but restenosis occurs due to incomplete removal
Solution Approach 1:
The expandable ring acts as an intermediary between the stripping surface and the arterial wall. It distributes the stripping force uniformly across the plaque-arterial wall interface, gradually disunifying the bond without causing sudden tissue damage. This intermediary mechanism enables complete plaque removal while maintaining procedural safety by controlling the force application.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs preliminary expansion of the ring to engage the plaque before the actual stripping action begins. This preliminary engagement ensures uniform force distribution and complete disunification of the plaque from the arterial wall, preventing residual plaque flaps that would lead to restenosis, while the controlled expansion process maintains safety.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a non-adjustable ring stripper is used, then the device is simpler, but it cannot adapt to different plaque sizes and artery diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The ring stripper incorporates an adjustable diameter mechanism that allows the ring to be expanded to different sizes based on the artery diameter and plaque burden. This dynamic adjustability is achieved through a controlled expansion system that can be operated during the procedure, providing versatility without requiring multiple fixed-size devices, thus balancing adaptability with device complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The adjustable ring stripper enhances plaque removal efficacy, reduces restenosis, and ensures safer procedures by fully disengaging plaque from the arterial wall, facilitating more complete excision and reducing the risk of residual plaque-related complications.
Implementation Method 1
disunifies the bond between plaque and the arterial wall using expandable instruments and balloons
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable loop stripper for stretching an arterial wall outwardly as plaque is excavated inwardly.