Expandable Introducer With Folded Liner for Reduced Insertion Profile
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Percutaneous medical procedures often require large medical devices that apply undesirable forces to vessel walls, necessitating the development of an introducer with a reduced insertion profile that can expand to protect the vessel wall.
Innovation Solution
An introducer comprising a layered tubular member with an inner liner, reinforcing member, and outer sheath, featuring folded portions and perforations, allowing for radial expansion to accommodate larger devices while minimizing vessel wall stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a large medical device is inserted through a patient's vasculature, then the device can perform the required medical procedure, but undesirable forces are applied to the vessel walls
Solution Approach 1:
The introducer employs a nested structure where the inner liner is folded back upon itself multiple times, creating a compact delivery configuration. This nesting allows the introducer to achieve a small insertion profile while containing the full length and capability of the inner liner for subsequent expansion.
Solution Approach 2:
The introducer transitions from a static folded configuration during insertion to a dynamic expanded configuration during device passage. The inner liner is designed to radially expand when forces are applied, transforming the structure from a compact protective sheath to an expanded protective barrier, thereby adapting to different operational requirements.
2Length of moving object
If the inner liner is folded back upon itself to reduce insertion profile, then the introduction is facilitated, but the lumen becomes occluded
Solution Approach 1:
The inner liner is segmented into multiple sections that can be folded back upon itself in a controlled manner. This segmentation allows the liner to be compressed into a compact form for insertion while maintaining the ability to expand and open the lumen when needed, preventing occlusion during the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner liner is pre-folded into a compact configuration before insertion to achieve a small insertion profile. However, the folding is designed to be reversible, and the liner is prepared to expand when forces are applied during device passage, ensuring lumen patency is restored when needed.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the inner liner is made inelastic to prevent expansion during insertion, then insertion forces are reduced, but the liner cannot expand to protect vessel wall during device passage
Solution Approach 1:
The inner liner is designed with dynamic mechanical properties that allow it to remain collapsed during insertion but expand when radial forces are applied. The material and structural design enable the liner to transition from a non-expanding protective sheath during insertion to an expanding protective barrier during device passage, providing adaptability to different operational phases.
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
The introducer provides a reduced insertion profile with expandable capabilities, protecting vessel walls and facilitating the passage of medical devices without excessive force.
Implementation Method 1
the inner liner is configured to radially expand from the delivery configuration to an expanded configuration
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An introducer (10) including a layered tubular member (14) having an inner liner (20) including at least one folded portion (34) extending along a distal region (26) of the inner liner in a delivery configuration; a reinforcing member (40) disposed over at least a portion of the inner liner, the reinforcing member including a plurality of longitudinal spines (44) defining a plurality of openings (46) disposed between adjacent longitudinal spines, wherein each folded portion is circumferentially overlapped by one of the plurality of openings; and an outer sheath (30) disposed over the reinforcing member, wherein the outer sheath includes at least one perforation (32) circumferentially overlapping each folded portion; and a tip member (28) fixedly attached to a tapered distal region of the layered tubular member. The inner liner may extend to a distal end of the layered tubular member. At least a portion of each folded portion may terminate proximal of the distal end of the layered tubular member.