Braided Stent with Integral Retrieval Loop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stent retrieval and repositioning systems require user-sensitive techniques and often struggle with smaller stents due to limited access, especially in smaller stents like biliary stents where the spacing between segments is smaller than standard forceps or graspers.
Innovation Solution
A braided stent design with an integral repositioning and retrieval loop formed by interlooped wires, featuring a circumferential loop at one end that allows for easy grabbing and pulling, eliminating the need for separate retrieval tools and minimizing exposure of wire ends, thereby facilitating safe and efficient repositioning and retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional retrieval systems with separate hooks or lassos are used, then retrieval capability is achieved, but device complexity increases and ease of operation decreases due to user-sensitive techniques
Solution Approach 1:
The retrieval loop is integrated directly into the stent structure by forming it from the same interlooped wires that constitute the stent body. This merging eliminates the need for separate retrieval tools such as hooks or lassos, allowing the stent to be retrieved by simply grasping and pulling the loop, thereby simplifying the overall system and improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The stent includes its own retrieval mechanism as an integral part of its structure. The retrieval loop is formed from the stent's own wires, enabling the stent to serve its own retrieval needs without requiring external specialized tools, thus reducing device complexity and improving ease of operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If standard forceps or graspers are used for retrieval, then retrieval capability is achieved, but the spacing between stent segments must be sufficiently large, which limits applicability to smaller stents
Solution Approach 1:
The retrieval loop is formed integrally from the stent's own wires, creating a dedicated retrieval structure that is always present regardless of stent size. This eliminates the dependency on adequate spacing between stent segments, as the loop provides a consistent grasping point that accommodates stents of various sizes, including smaller biliary stents.
3Ease of operation
If wire ends are exposed for retrieval purposes, then retrieval capability is improved, but the risk of damage to the stent or surrounding tissue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retrieval function is extracted from the concept of exposed wire ends and reimagined as a closed loop formed by the stent wires themselves. This loop can be grasped and pulled without requiring any wire ends to be exposed, thereby maintaining retrieval capability while eliminating the risk of wire ends causing damage to the stent or surrounding tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
The retrieval loop is designed as a simple wire formation that can be grasped and pulled without complex mechanisms. The loop structure allows for straightforward retrieval while minimizing the risk of damage, effectively providing a safe, simple retrieval solution that does not require exposed wire ends or complex protective mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A braided stent having an integral retrieval and/or repositioning loop includes a plurality of wires having first and second ends interbraided in a braided pattern to form a tubular stent having opposed atraumatic first and second open ends with each open end having a circumference; wherein said first and second wires ends are disposed at said second stent open end and said wires are looped at said second stent open end so that none of the first or second wires ends are exposed at the circumference of second stent open end; wherein at least of two of said wires are formed into a repositioning and/or retrieval loop having an elongated portion circumferentially disposed at said first opposed open end; and wherein said reposition and/or retrieval loop comprises two sections which run adjacent to each other prior to crossing to permit grabbing of both sections simultaneously by a practitioner.