Endovascular Device Compression for Point-of-Care Catheter Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endovascular devices (EDs) are difficult to compress and crimp at the point of care due to the use of large, heavy, and impractical equipment, leading to stress relaxation of materials like non-shape memory metals and polymers, making it challenging to package and deliver them in a fully expanded configuration.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for radial compression of reversibly compressible EDs using a collapsible compressor with a tapered structure and lateral support, allowing EDs to be compressed into a delivery sheath at the point of care, using a push wire and compressor support for efficient loading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If traditional pneumatic compression dies are used to compress EDs, then the EDs can be compressed to a significantly smaller diameter, but the equipment becomes large, heavy, and difficult to sterilize
Solution Approach 1:
The compression system is divided into separate functional components: a compression member with internal lumen, a compression device with actuator, and a support structure. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates sterilization by enabling disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
A compression member acts as an intermediary between the compression device and the ED. This intermediary component can be sterilized separately and transferred to the surgical site, eliminating the need to sterilize the entire complex compression system.
2Ease of operation
If EDs are compressed and stored in a compressed position, then they can be loaded into delivery catheters, but stress relaxation occurs in the materials
Solution Approach 1:
The ED is compressed and loaded into the delivery catheter at the time of deployment rather than being pre-compressed and stored. This preliminary action of compression occurs only when needed, before the ED is delivered to the target site, avoiding prolonged stress relaxation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static compressed state to a dynamic compression process. The ED remains in its relaxed state until compression is applied at the moment of deployment, allowing the material to maintain its structural integrity and avoid stress relaxation.
3Ease of operation
If hand-held crimping tools are used, then the equipment becomes portable, but the tools are large, heavy, and impractical to provide with every packaged ED
Solution Approach 1:
The compression function is extracted from a separate heavy hand-held tool and integrated into the delivery catheter system itself. The compression member and device become part of the standard ED packaging, eliminating the need for separate portable crimping tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression device, support structure, and delivery catheter are merged into a single integrated system. This combination reduces the overall weight and complexity compared to separate hand-held tools while maintaining portability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables EDs to be packaged and delivered in a non-compressed state, avoiding stress relaxation and facilitating immediate deployment, while being suitable for use in surgical settings without large, immobile equipment.
Implementation Method 1
an interior surface of the tapered structure is frictionally engaged with the outer surface of the ED
Implementation Method 2
collapse of the compressor upon reception within the delivery sheath exerts a radial force upon the ED sufficient to compress the ED into the compressed position
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to systems and methods for compressing reversibly compressible endovascular devices for loading into delivery catheters prior to deployment in lumen of a vessel.