One-piece bifurcation graft with trunk extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoluminal prostheses for vessel bifurcations are prone to endoleaks and mechanical dislocation due to differences in stent element geometry and circumferential rigidity, leading to potential thrombus formation and vessel rupture, and require complex deployment systems that can cause obstruction and increased risk of complications.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece endoluminal prosthesis with a trunk portion free from reinforcing stent material, featuring a graft sleeve with identical stent segments for both branching portions, allowing for identical circumferential rigidity and simplified deployment, along with a catheter system that reduces mechanical complexity and facilitates single-access deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different stent element geometries are used for branching portions, then each branch can be optimized for its specific vessel, but circumferential rigidity differences cause endoleaks and mechanical dislocation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different stent element geometries in different branching portions (first and second branching portions have different stent configurations) to adapt to different vessel characteristics, while maintaining identical stent geometry in the trunk portion to ensure uniform circumferential rigidity and prevent endoleaks and mechanical dislocation
2Manufacturing precision
If complex deployment systems are used to place endoluminal prostheses, then precise positioning can be achieved, but vessel obstruction and risk of complications increase
Solution Approach 1:
The deployment system is segmented into separate functional components: a catheter for delivery, a constraining sheath for controlled release, and a graft actuator for positioning. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function with reduced complexity, minimizing vessel obstruction while achieving precise positioning of the endoluminal prosthesis
3Strength
If reinforcing stent material is added to the trunk portion, then structural strength is improved, but deployment complexity and mechanical failure risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the stent material from the trunk portion, making it essentially free from reinforcing stent material. The trunk portion relies on the natural strength of the graft sleeve and the anchoring provided by the branching portions with their stent elements, thereby simplifying the deployment system and reducing mechanical failure risk while maintaining adequate structural strength
4Reliability
If multiple catheters are introduced from different access points, then complete vessel support can be achieved, but trauma and procedural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the function of multiple catheters into a single catheter that delivers the entire endoluminal prosthesis including both branching portions and the trunk portion. This single-catheter approach achieves complete vessel support while reducing procedural complexity and patient trauma compared to introducing multiple catheters from different access points
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an endoluminal prosthesis to be deployed at a vessel bifurcation, comprising a one-piece graft sleeve with a branching portion, defining a first prosthesis lumen and having, in its deployed state, a first diameter, said branching portion being reinforced by stent elements, and a trunk portion, defining a second prosthesis lumen in fluid communication with said first prosthesis lumen and having, in its deployed state, a second diameter. The trunk portion is essentially free from reinforcing stent-material (FIG. 4).