Blood Vessel Support Spring Segmentation for Flexibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing treatment devices for blood circulation vessels face difficulties in easily inserting and navigating through curved portions, such as the aortic cross, due to insufficient flexibility and rigidity.
Innovation Solution
The device incorporates a spring with contiguous turns forming the support, providing axial rigidity and flexibility, along with a sleeve for axial rigidity and a guide tip with a flexible distal head and rigid proximal shank, allowing for atraumatic passage through curved vessels, and an insertion sheath with a spring for easy deployment of the endoprosthesis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the support is made rigid to enable forward movement in the blood network, then axial rigidity is improved, but flexibility to pass through curved portions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support is divided into multiple discrete springs arranged along its length, with each spring segment capable of independent deformation. This segmentation allows the support to maintain axial rigidity through the collective structure while enabling flexibility through individual spring deflection, resolving the contradiction between rigidity and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system using springs that can adjust their stiffness and configuration in response to mechanical forces. The springs provide dynamic flexibility during navigation through curved vessels while maintaining sufficient axial rigidity for forward propulsion, allowing the structure to adapt its mechanical properties based on operational requirements.
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 solution enables easy insertion and movement through curved portions of blood vessels while maintaining sufficient axial rigidity for forward movement, reducing stress on the vessel and ensuring atraumatic insertion and deployment of the endoprosthesis.
Implementation Method 1
the support comprises, over at least a portion of its length, a spring forming the support, the spring having contiguous turns over at least a portion of its length
Data Source
AI summary
The device includes at least a tubular endoprosthesis (6), deployable between a retracted state and a dilated state, and a hollow support (10) which extends longitudinally between a proximal end (18) and a distal end (16). The support (10) is provided, in the vicinity of the distal end (16), with at least a transverse retention opening. The device includes at least a releasable threadlike tie (12, 14) for holding the endoprosthesis (6) on the support (10). The tie is engaged in the retention opening (28) and actuated from the proximal end (18) of the support (10) to release the endoprosthesis (6). The support (10) includes, over at least a portion of its length, a spring (24) forming the support. The spring (24) has contiguous turns over at least a portion of its length.