Extendable Flushing System for Stent Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional stent delivery systems face challenges with control, accuracy, and ease of placement due to the need for excessive force and difficulty in repositioning the stent, as well as the requirement for two hands, which limits the physician's ability to perform other tasks during the procedure.
Innovation Solution
An extendable flushing system integrated with a stent delivery system, featuring flexible tubing and a shuttle assembly that allows for controlled movement between extended and compressed configurations, enabling precise stent deployment and flushing without interfering with the delivery system's operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional push-pull delivery device is used, then the stent can be deployed, but the physician cannot achieve controlled retraction of the outer sheath and may inadvertently use excessive force, leading to premature stent deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional manual push-pull mechanical system with a rotational mechanical system. The outer sheath is rotated instead of pulled, and the stent is deployed by rotation rather than linear extraction. This substitution provides controlled, incremental movement through rotational mechanics, eliminating the jerking and excessive force problems of manual pulling while maintaining ease of operation through natural hand rotation motions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a rotational mechanism as an intermediary between the physician's manual operation and the stent deployment process. This intermediary converts simple rotational input into controlled linear movement of the outer sheath and stent, providing mechanical advantage and precise control. The rotational mechanism acts as a mediator that translates easy hand rotation into the controlled forces needed for accurate stent placement.
2Productivity
If manual retraction of the outer sheath is performed, then the stent can be deployed, but two hands are required, preventing the physician from performing another task
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the two-handed manual push-pull operation with a single-handed rotational operation. The rotational mechanism is designed to be operated with one hand, allowing the physician to perform other tasks simultaneously with the other hand. This mechanical substitution transforms a complex two-handed manipulation into a simple one-handed rotational motion, improving procedure efficiency without sacrificing ease of operation.
3Manufacturing precision
If the outer sheath is pulled back too far, then the stent is exposed, but the stent prematurely expands into the body lumen at an incorrect position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the linear pull-back mechanism with a rotational mechanism that provides controlled, incremental exposure of the stent. The rotational system allows the physician to rotate the outer sheath step-by-step, exposing the stent gradually and precisely at the desired position. This mechanical substitution transforms the difficult task of controlled linear retraction into easy controlled rotation, improving placement accuracy without significantly increasing 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
The system enhances control and accuracy during stent placement, allowing for easier repositioning and single-handed operation, thereby improving the overall efficiency and safety of the stent deployment process.
Implementation Method 1
flexible tubing having an extended configuration and a compressed configuration
Data Source
AI summary
An extendable flushing system, a delivery system including an extendable flushing system and a method of flushing a delivery system are provided. The extendable flushing system includes flexible tubing having an extended configuration and a compressed configuration, a first tubing end and a second tubing end. The extendable flushing system also includes a flush port and a shuttle assembly. The flush port includes a first lumen operably connected to the first tubing end and an opening configured to receive fluid therethrough. The shuttle assembly is operably connected to the second tubing end forming a fluid flow path with the flush port and the shuttle assembly. The shuttle assembly is configured to be fluidly connected to a lumen of an elongate device. The shuttle assembly is movably positionable relative to the flush port and configured to move the flexible tubing between the compressed configuration and the extended configuration.