Bifurcation Catheter Linking Device for Stent Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current catheter systems for stenting bifurcated vessels face challenges in maintaining the precise alignment and preventing premature dislodgement of stents during angioplasty and vascular stenting procedures, particularly at vessel bifurcations.
Innovation Solution
A catheter system comprising two balloon catheters and a linking device that holds them in a side-by-side configuration along a longitudinal axis, allowing for advanced alignment and preventing inadvertent dislodgement, with optional steerable guidewires for precise vessel navigation and a self-releasing mechanism for independent manipulation of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple catheters are used for stenting bifurcated vessels, then stenting capability is improved, but alignment control and dislodgement prevention become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple catheters into a single integrated catheter system with a common shaft and controlling mechanism. This allows the operator to control multiple balloons and stents through a single catheter assembly, simplifying alignment control while maintaining the ability to treat bifurcated vessels effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter system is designed to perform multiple functions including delivery of main vessel stents, side branch stents, and performing angioplasty procedures. The single catheter assembly can deploy different types of stents and balloons at various locations, providing universal functionality for bifurcated vessel treatment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple catheters are used for stenting bifurcated vessels, then stenting capability is improved, but premature dislodgement risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple catheters into a single integrated system with a common shaft, the patent ensures that all stents and balloons are delivered and deployed in a coordinated manner. This unified structure prevents premature dislodgement by maintaining consistent positioning and control throughout the procedure.
3Stability of the object's composition
If catheters are held in fixed configuration, then alignment is maintained, but flexibility for separate manipulation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter system incorporates dynamic elements that allow the operator to adjust the configuration of balloons and stents during the procedure. The system can maintain a fixed aligned configuration for delivery, then allow separate manipulation and independent deployment of different components when needed, providing both stability and flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A catheter system and method are described for stenting a vessel at a bifurcation or sidebranch of the vessel. The catheter system includes a first balloon catheter, a second balloon catheter and a releasable linking device for holding the first and second balloon catheters arranged in a side-by-side configuration and aligned with one another along a longitudinal axis. The linking device allows the catheter system to be advanced as a unit and helps prevent premature or inadvertent dislodgement of the stent from the catheters, yet is releasable so that one or both of the balloon catheters can be released from the linking device and maneuvered separately from the rest of the catheter system when desired. The method utilizes the described catheter system for stenting bifurcated vessels using a modified “kissing balloons” technique.