Expandable Element for Vessel Diameter Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical devices face challenges in accurately determining vessel diameter for optimal stent selection, particularly in irregularly shaped blood vessels that change size due to blood pressure, leading to complications with stent sizing.
Innovation Solution
A measurement apparatus with an expandable element that can change configurations to accurately measure vessel diameter, using techniques like fluoroscopy and braid expansion to reshape the vessel temporarily and obtain precise measurements, allowing for appropriate stent sizing without distending the vessel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional measurement methods are used to determine vessel diameter, then the measurement process is simple, but the measurement precision is insufficient for irregularly shaped blood vessels
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement apparatus employs an expandable element that can dynamically change its configuration from a collapsed state during delivery to an expanded state at the measurement site. This dynamic transformation allows the device to adapt to irregular vessel shapes and provide accurate diameter measurements while maintaining a simple delivery profile.
Solution Approach 2:
The expandable element changes its physical parameters (diameter, shape) in response to the vessel's geometry. By adjusting the expansion parameters of the element, the apparatus can accommodate irregularly shaped blood vessels and obtain precise diameter measurements that reflect the actual vessel morphology.
2Measurement precision
If the vessel is distended to measure diameter, then the measurement accuracy improves, but the risk of vessel complications increases
Solution Approach 1:
The expandable element is designed to expand only to the extent necessary for accurate measurement without excessive distension of the vessel. The element's expansion is controlled to achieve sufficient contact with the vessel wall for measurement while avoiding over-distension that could cause complications.
Solution Approach 2:
The expandable element acts as an intermediary between the measurement apparatus and the vessel wall. It transfers the measurement function to the vessel geometry while minimizing direct trauma, allowing accurate diameter determination through controlled expansion that reflects vessel shape without causing harmful over-distension.
3Measurement precision
If the expandable element is made visible under fluoroscopy for measurement, then the measurement capability is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The expandable element incorporates radiopaque materials that make it visible under fluoroscopy. These materials alter the element's radiographic properties, allowing direct visualization and measurement of its dimensions during the procedure while maintaining the element's mechanical functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The expandable element is constructed using composite materials that combine the structural properties needed for expansion with radiopaque components for imaging visibility. This composite construction enables both measurement functionality and fluoroscopic detection without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
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 accurate determination of effective vessel diameter for stent deployment, ensuring the stent remains in place without causing complications by temporarily reshaping the vessel to facilitate proper sizing and tissue ingrowth.
Implementation Method 1
an expandable element that is moveable between a collapsed configuration for advancement and an expanded configuration for measurement
Implementation Method 2
obtaining one or more measurements may include using fluoroscopy to determine a diameter of the expandable element in its expanded configuration
Data Source
AI summary
An effective vessel diameter of a blood vessel at a deployment site may be determined using a measurement apparatus that includes an expandable element that is moveable between a collapsed configuration for advancement and an expanded configuration for measurement. The measurement apparatus may be advanced to the deployment site with the expandable element in its collapsed configuration. The expandable element may be caused to expand from its collapsed configuration to its expanded configuration and one or more measurements pertaining to the expandable element in its expanded configuration may be obtained. The one or more measurements may be used to determine an effective vessel diameter at the deployment site.