Braided Stent Delivery Structure for Low-Friction Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stent delivery systems experience frictional forces during deployment and loading due to the interaction between the outer deployment tube and the self-expanding stent, making it difficult to maneuver the stent into and out of the system.
Innovation Solution
A stent delivery system with a braided member positioned between the stent and the outer shaft, coupled with tether members, reduces friction by allowing the outer shaft to retract relative to the inner shaft, exposing the stent and enabling it to self-expand without direct contact with the deployment tube.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the outer deployment tube directly contacts the self-expanding stent during delivery, then the stent can be constrained in a compressed configuration, but frictional forces increase making loading and deployment difficult
Solution Approach 1:
A friction-reducing member is introduced as an intermediary component between the outer deployment tube and the self-expanding stent. This member has a low coefficient of friction on its outer surface, reducing frictional forces during stent loading and deployment while allowing the outer tube to effectively constrain the stent in compressed configuration
2Ease of operation
If the outer deployment tube retracts to deploy the stent, then the stent can self-expand, but direct contact between the tube and stent creates frictional resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The friction-reducing member serves as a mediator that allows smooth relative motion between the outer deployment tube and the stent during retraction. Its low-friction outer surface enables the tube to retract easily while the stent self-expands, minimizing frictional resistance throughout the deployment process
Data Source
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AI summary
An example stent delivery system is disclosed. The example stent delivery system includes an outer shaft having a distal end region, an inner surface and a lumen extending therein. The delivery system also includes an inner shaft extending within the outer shaft lumen, the inner shaft having a stent receiving region disposed along a distal end region thereof. Additionally, the delivery system includes a stent disposed along the stent receiving region and a braided member positioned radially outward from an outer surface of the stent and radially inward from the inner surface of the outer shaft, the braided member being attached to an outer surface of the inner member proximal of the stent. Additionally, the delivery system includes a plurality of tether members coupled to the braided member, wherein longitudinal retraction of the outer shaft relative to the inner shaft exposes the stent from the braided member.