C-Shaped Endoluminal Stent for Tracheal Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stents are not suitable for lumens with non-circular cross-sections, such as the trachea, as they can impede the functionality of the trachealis muscle and block side branching airways, failing to provide adequate support while preserving mucus clearance.
Innovation Solution
An endoluminal stent with an elongate framework having a C-shaped cross-section and an opening between opposing edges, designed to be positioned along the posterior wall of the trachea adjacent to the trachealis muscle, allowing for mucus clearance and support without obstructing side branches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a circular stent is used to support the trachea, then structural support is provided, but the functionality of the trachealis muscle is impeded and mucus clearance is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The stent employs a non-circular, D-shaped or C-shaped cross-section that matches the natural anatomy of the trachea. This asymmetric geometry provides structural support to the anterior wall while leaving the posterior wall open to preserve trachealis muscle function and enable mucus clearance, thereby resolving the contradiction between support strength and physiological functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The stent design applies support selectively to specific regions of the trachea. The anterior portion of the stent framework provides rigid support where needed, while the posterior region maintains an open configuration that allows muscle contraction and mucus flow, thus providing locally differentiated quality to address different functional requirements.
2Strength
If a circular stent is deployed in branching airways, then luminal support is achieved, but side branching airways are blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The non-circular stent configuration creates asymmetric support distribution that naturally accommodates branching airway anatomy. The open posterior region and customized framework geometry allow side branches to remain accessible while maintaining central luminal support, preventing blockage of adjacent airways.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a stent is designed to conform to the trachea's D-shaped cross-section, then anatomical compatibility and functionality are preserved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stent framework is divided into multiple segments or struts that can be independently formed and then assembled. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured using standard techniques, while the overall D-shaped or C-shaped configuration achieves anatomical compatibility, thereby reducing overall manufacturing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An endoluminal stent and associated methods for placing the endoluminal stent in a lumen of a trachea of a patient. The stent includes an elongate framework having a first open end, a second open end opposite the first open end, and a lumen extending from the first open end to the second open end. The elongate framework includes a first edge extending from the first open end to the second open end, a second edge extending from the first open end to the second open end, and an opening between the first edge and the second edge extending from the first open end to the second open end such that the stent has a C-shaped cross-section. The stent may be implanted in a trachea with the opening positioned along a posterior wall of the trachea adjacent the trachealis muscle.