Constraining Sleeve for Endoluminal Stent Graft Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoluminal device deployment systems face challenges in ease and controlled positioning of expandable implants within the vasculature, particularly in achieving a precise fit and minimizing invasive procedures.
Innovation Solution
A catheter assembly with a constraining sleeve that allows for the expansion of an expandable implant from a collapsed configuration to a larger diameter, facilitated by a coupling member that can be released to enable outward expansion and subsequent removal of the sleeve, allowing for precise positioning and deployment at the treatment site.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a constraining sleeve is used to maintain the implant in a collapsed configuration for delivery, then the implant can be delivered through a small access site, but the implant cannot be positioned or expanded until the sleeve is removed
Solution Approach 1:
The constraining sleeve is divided into multiple separable portions (first portion and second portion) that can be independently manipulated. This segmentation allows the distal portion to be released for expansion while the proximal portion remains constrained, enabling staged deployment and improved control during the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling member provides a dynamic constraint system that can transition from a locked state (maintaining collapsed configuration) to an unlocked state (allowing expansion). This dynamic mechanism enables the implant to change from a constrained delivery profile to an expanded functional profile on demand, improving deployment control.
2Reliability
If the implant is expanded by disengaging the coupling member from the sleeve, then the implant can be deployed to its functional diameter, but the sleeve must be removed which requires additional manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The sleeve is segmented into multiple portions that can be independently removed. The distal portion can be detached and removed separately from the proximal portion, simplifying the removal process and reducing the complexity of manipulation required compared to removing a single integrated sleeve.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling member is designed to be disengaged before sleeve removal, preparing the implant for expansion in advance. This preliminary action ensures the implant is ready for deployment while the sleeve is still in place, allowing for controlled timing of the expansion event.
3Measurement precision
If the implant is constrained to an intermediate configuration, then positioning control is improved, but the implant cannot achieve full expansion until the constraint is fully released
Solution Approach 1:
The separable sleeve portions enable staged release of constraints, allowing the implant to progress through intermediate configurations (partially expanded states) before achieving full expansion. This segmentation facilitates precise positioning at each stage while maintaining the ability to complete deployment efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic constraint system allows transitions between different states of constraint (fully constrained, partially constrained, fully released), enabling the implant to achieve intermediate configurations for precise positioning while maintaining the capability for rapid full expansion when needed.
Data Source
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AI summary
A removable sleeve (210) extends around an expandable stent graft (300) to constrain the expandable stent graft toward a collapsed configuration. The sleeve is held together by a coupling member (230) to constrain the expandable device toward the collapsed configuration for endoluminal delivery to a vascular treatment site. The sleeve is openable by displacing the coupling member away from the sleeve to allow outward expansion of the expandable device toward an expanded configuration. The sleeve is separate from the expandable device so as to be removable from the treatment site after deployment of the expandable device.