Aneurysm Stent Graft Alignment System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical interventions for aneurysms often block branch vessels, leading to unpleasant or life-threatening symptoms, as existing devices struggle to effectively close the mouth of an aneurysm while maintaining patency of adjacent vessels.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a delivery member, a stent graft, and an aligning member, where the stent graft is expandable and positioned within a sheath with a side aperture that allows the aligning member to guide the stent graft to the aneurysm mouth without blocking branch vessels, ensuring precise alignment and deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a prosthesis is used to span an aneurysm, then the aneurysm mouth is blocked, but branch vessel patency is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis is divided into distinct functional segments: a first portion that selectively blocks the aneurysm mouth and a second portion that maintains patency of adjacent branch vessels. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each function, enabling effective aneurysm closure while preserving branch vessel flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The prosthesis employs different structural characteristics in different regions: the first portion has a configuration optimized for aneurysm occlusion, while the second portion has a configuration optimized for branch vessel patency maintenance. This local differentiation of structural properties enables simultaneous achievement of conflicting goals.
2Reliability
If a stent graft is deployed to treat an aneurysm, then vessel integrity is preserved, but branch vessel flow may be impeded
Solution Approach 1:
The stent graft is segmented into functional zones: a first zone for aneurysm exclusion that preserves vessel integrity, and a second zone for branch vessel patency maintenance. This allows the stent graft to simultaneously achieve vessel reinforcement and preserved blood circulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The stent graft structure is designed to perform multiple functions: providing structural support to maintain vessel integrity, excluding the aneurysm from blood flow, and preserving patency of branch vessels. This multi-functionality is achieved through the integrated design of the first and second portions.
3Reliability
If a prosthesis blocks the aneurysm mouth, then hemorrhage risk is reduced, but branch vessel symptoms worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis is divided into a first portion for hemorrhage prevention by blocking the aneurysm mouth and a second portion for preventing branch vessel symptoms by maintaining their patency. This segmentation allows the device to address both safety concerns simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The design converts the potential harmful effect of branch vessel blockage into a beneficial outcome by incorporating a second portion that specifically maintains branch vessel patency, thereby transforming what would be a harmful side effect into a protected function.
Data Source
AI summary
Intravascular devices and systems useful for blocking the opening of an aneurysm or a vessel branch are disclosed. In some aspects, the disclosure provides arrangements that align a covering material of a stent graft with an opening in the vessel wall before, during, and/or after expansion of the stent graft within the vasculature of a patient. In some instances, systems and devices include a sheath with a side aperture arranged to align a portion of the sheath and/or a portion of a stent graft contained within the sheath with the mouth of an aneurysm. Similarly, the present disclosure also provides embodiments in which the stent graft comprises an aligning member arranged to align the stent graft and/or a sheath with the mouth of an aneurysm. Other embodiments are disclosed.