Flexible Web Stent Connections for Torsional and Bending Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stents lack sufficient flexibility and stability, particularly in handling torsional, bending, and axial forces, while maintaining a high degree of flexibility and control over porosity for various anatomical applications.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of flexible, polymeric connecting elements, such as polymeric webs, between adjacent stent elements to stabilize the structure and enhance flexibility, allowing for controlled porosity and resistance to forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional open frame stent design is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but flexibility and stability under torsional, bending, and axial forces are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines rigid stent elements with flexible polymeric connecting elements into a unified stent structure. The polymeric elements are integrated between adjacent stent elements, merging the functions of structural support and flexibility into a single device, thereby improving stability without requiring separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The stent employs composite construction by combining metallic or rigid stent elements with polymeric connecting elements. This composite approach leverages the strength of rigid materials and the flexibility of polymeric materials, achieving enhanced mechanical performance under various forces while maintaining structural integrity.
2Strength
If polymeric covering is added to create stent-graft, then stability and flexibility improve, but porosity control becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The polymeric covering is segmented into discrete connecting elements rather than forming a continuous barrier. These segmented polymeric elements connect adjacent stent elements while leaving interstices between them, enabling controlled porosity. The segmentation allows fluid or tissue passage while maintaining structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The polymeric material is applied locally only where needed to connect adjacent stent elements, rather than forming a complete continuous covering. This localized application maintains porosity in regions where open architecture is desired while providing stability at specific connection points, thereby simplifying porosity control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If flexible polymeric connecting elements are incorporated, then flexibility and stability improve, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The polymeric connecting elements are attached to the stent elements in advance during the manufacturing process, before final stent assembly or deployment. This preliminary attachment simplifies subsequent handling and deployment, as the flexible elements are already integrated and do not require separate installation steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The polymeric connecting elements serve as intermediaries between adjacent stent elements, providing a flexible connection that simplifies the overall structure. Rather than requiring complex mechanical joints or multiple components, the polymeric material acts as a simple bonding intermediary that is easier to manufacture and assemble.
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 solution provides stents with improved flexibility, stability, and controlled porosity, enabling effective deployment and conformability to varying anatomical conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible, preferably polymeric connecting elements provide a means for keeping the stent elements equally spaced and allow the construction of a stent having good flexibility and a useful resistance to forces that may be applied to the device in vivo such as torsional forces, bending forces, axial tension or compression
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A stent (60) incorporating flexible, preferably polymeric, connecting elements (32) into the stent wherein these elements connect adjacent, spaced-apart stent elements (62). Preferably the spaced-apart adjacent stent elements are the result of forming the stent from a helically wound serpentine wire having space provided between adjacent windings. Other stent forms such as multiple, individual spaced-apart ring-shaped or interconnected stent elements may also be used. The connecting elements are typically web-shaped and result from creating slits or apertures in a covering of graft material applied to the stent and then, for example, applying heat to cause the slits or apertures to enlarge. The remaining graft material forms the interconnecting webs between the adjacent stent elements.