Braided Loading Basket for Precise Stent Delivery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing stent delivery systems are complicated to assemble, often requiring multiple tools and manual handling, which can lead to improper stent loading and deployment.

Innovation Solution

A loading basket with a braided surface and specific geometric configurations is attached to a stent delivery system, securely holding the stent during advancement and allowing for controlled radial expansion and deployment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If manual loading process with multiple tools and fixtures is used, then stent can be loaded into delivery system, but assembly complexity increases and loading precision decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveloading process simplicityVSAvoidnumber of tools and fixtures
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The loading basket integrates multiple functions (stent reception, positioning, and retention) into a single component that is part of the delivery system. This eliminates the need for separate tools and fixtures, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining loading capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The loading basket serves as an intermediary component between the stent and the delivery system. It provides a standardized interface that simplifies the loading process by mediating the interaction between the stent and delivery catheter, reducing the need for multiple specialized tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If manual pushing of stent into delivery system is required, then loading can be completed, but positioning precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveloading operation simplicityVSAvoidstent positioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The loading basket is pre-configured with specific geometric features (conical section, cylindrical section, transition section) that automatically guide and position the stent during loading. This preliminary structural preparation ensures precise positioning without requiring manual adjustment, maintaining both operational simplicity and positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Different sections of the loading basket have different geometric properties tailored for specific functions: the conical section for initial stent engagement, the cylindrical section for stable positioning, and the transition section for controlled deployment. This localized optimization ensures precise stent positioning while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Manufacturing precision

If loading basket with complex geometric configuration is used, then stent positioning precision improves, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestent positioning accuracyVSAvoidloading basket manufacturing simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The loading basket is divided into distinct geometric sections (conical, cylindrical, transition) that can be manufactured separately using standard techniques and then assembled. This segmentation allows each section to be optimized for its specific function while simplifying the overall manufacturing process through modular construction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The loading basket utilizes controlled variations in geometric parameters (diameter, length, angle) across different sections to achieve precise stent positioning. By systematically varying these parameters rather than using complex non-standard geometries, the design maintains manufacturing simplicity while achieving high positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3498234B1Loading basket for a stent delivery system
Publication Date: 2025.11.05 BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED INC
  • EP3498234B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3498234B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3498234B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A loading basket is secured at its proximal end to a portion of a delivery device. The stent engages with the interior of the stent basket when loaded onto the delivery device to prevent shifting or movement of the stent during delivery of the stent to a desired location within the bodily lumen. In at least one embodiment, the loading basket has a proximal end, a distal end, and a braided surface. The loading basket comprises a proximal end portion, a proximal transition portion, a body portion, a distal transition portion, a distal end portion, and an angled inward distal end. When loaded onto the delivery device, the outer surface of the stent contacts at least the angled inward distal end of the delivery device and movement of the stent is prevented