Bidirectional Internal Branch for Endoluminal Prosthesis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current stent grafts for endovascular aortic aneurysm repair often have unidirectional internal branches, making it difficult for surgeons to access branch vessels during procedures, especially when the direction of cannulation is unclear, leading to complications.

Innovation Solution

A method to create a bidirectional internal branch within an endoluminal prosthesis by partitioning and connecting tubular segments of graft material to form a bidirectional branch, allowing access from multiple directions and simplifying the construction process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a unidirectional internal branch is used in the stent graft, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easier, but the ease of operation for cannulation is reduced and procedural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of cannulationVSAvoidbranch structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The internal branch is divided into multiple directional openings (first opening facing proximal direction, second opening facing distal direction) within the same branch structure, allowing surgeons to access branch vessels from different directions depending on anatomical conditions, thereby improving ease of cannulation without requiring multiple separate branches

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bidirectional internal branch serves multiple functions: it provides proximal access, distal access, and can accommodate different cannulation approaches within a single structure, making the stent graft adaptable to various surgical scenarios and reducing the need for multiple specialized components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If multiple separate branches are created for different cannulation directions, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to branch vesselVSAvoidconstruction simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple directional openings (proximal and distal openings) are integrated into a single internal branch structure formed from one continuous tubular segment, combining the functionality of what would otherwise require separate branches, thereby simplifying manufacturing while maintaining ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The tubular segment is inverted (turned inside out) during the forming process, which allows the openings to be positioned and oriented correctly within the stent graft structure without requiring complex post-forming assembly operations, thus simplifying the overall manufacturing process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a bidirectional branch with multiple openings is created, then ease of operation and cannulation flexibility improve, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecannulation direction flexibilityVSAvoidopening position and orientation precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The openings are formed and positioned correctly during the initial forming process of the tubular segment, before the stent graft is assembled and implanted. This preliminary formation ensures precise positioning and orientation of openings without requiring high-precision operations during final assembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The forming process utilizes changes in material state or physical parameters (such as thermal expansion, elastic deformation, or phase transition) to achieve precise opening geometry and orientation through controlled processing rather than requiring extreme manufacturing precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3470017B1Method of making an internal bidirectional branch

Publication Date: 2023.01.18 COOK MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC

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AI summary

A method of making an internal bidirectional branch and an endoluminal prosthesis from a tubular segment of graft material. The tubular segment is partitioned into first and second sections along a length of the tubular segment. The first section has a width less than a width of the tubular segment, and the second section has a width less than the first section. The second section is partitioned into at least three sub-sections. The tubular segment is connected along a lateral edge of the first and third sub-sections of the second section. The tubular segment is turned inside out such that the bidirectional branch is positioned within a lumen of the first section and an opening of the second subsection is exposed