Expandable Medical Device Support Member for Catheter Pushability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing expandable medical devices face challenges in deliverability due to high delivery force requirements and insufficient column strength, which can lead to damage of the device and/or the delivery catheter.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a support member, such as a braided wire structure with a support member, to enhance the pushability and column strength of the expanding device, allowing it to be delivered through a delivery catheter without causing damage, and enabling controlled expansion within the body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the expandable device is designed with sufficient column strength to be pushable through the delivery catheter, then deliverability is improved, but the device becomes more complex and requires additional structural components
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two functional components: the expandable device proper and a separate support member (pushable member). The support member provides the necessary column strength and pushability during delivery, while the expandable device maintains its compliance and expandability function. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member acts as an intermediary element between the operator and the expandable device during delivery. It transmits the pushing force from the operator through the delivery catheter to the expandable device, enabling controlled delivery without requiring the expandable device itself to have high column strength. After delivery, the support member is removed or left behind, and the expandable device performs its intended function.
2Ease of operation
If the expandable device is made more rigid to increase pushability, then delivery through the catheter is facilitated, but the device's ability to expand and conform to the vessel wall is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the pushability function (handled by the rigid support member) from the expandability function (handled by the compliant expandable device). The support member can be pushed through the catheter with ease due to its rigid structure, while the expandable device remains compliant and capable of expanding to conform to the vessel wall geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member transitions from being the primary load-bearing structure during delivery to being removed or non-functional after delivery. The expandable device transitions from a compressed state during delivery to an expanded state after delivery, where it becomes the primary functional element. This dynamic role switching allows the system to have high pushability during delivery and high adaptability during use.
3Productivity
If high force is applied to deliver the expandable device through the catheter, then delivery is achieved, but damage to the device and/or catheter may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The support member serves as a protective intermediary that absorbs and distributes the delivery forces. It has sufficient column strength to withstand the pushing forces without buckling, protecting the expandable device from damage. The support member also protects the delivery catheter from damage by preventing excessive forces from being applied directly to the catheter wall during delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member is designed with sufficient structural strength beforehand to prevent damage during the delivery process. It acts as a pre-positioned protective element that absorbs potential damage forces before they can affect the expandable device or the delivery catheter, ensuring safe delivery without requiring excessive force application.
Data Source
AI summary
This application describes various embodiments of an expandable device that includes at least one support member. The support member (or members) is integrated into the structure of the expandable device and increases its column strength, which thus augments pushability of the expanding device through a delivery catheter. The support member allows force applied while pushing from the proximal end of the expandable device to be translated to the distal end of the device and therefore avoid bunching or deformation without increasing the profile of the device to a degree that would prohibit passage through a lumen of a specific required size. Thus, the expandable devices described herein address at least some of the shortcomings discussed above.