Interconnected Leg Extensions for Endoluminal Prosthesis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoluminal prostheses face challenges in treating vascular conditions near bifurcations, particularly in delivering and securing large, single-piece prostheses and assembling modular systems, which can lead to complications like endoleaks and leg separation.
Innovation Solution
An interconnected endoluminal prosthesis with a flexible bridge connecting two stent grafts, allowing for a bifurcated design with a main tubular body and distal openings, enabling easier deployment and secure attachment to the vascular wall, reducing the risk of complications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single piece prosthesis is used, then sealing and leakage prevention are improved, but delivery difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis is divided into a main body and separate leg extensions that can be delivered independently. The leg extensions are inserted through the aortic lumen and engaged with the main body at the bifurcation, allowing easier delivery while maintaining sealing through the interconnected components.
2Ease of operation
If a modular system is used, then delivery ease is improved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The leg extensions are designed to be interconnected with each other and with the main body through integrated structures. The leg extensions include proximal and distal portions that connect to form a continuous prosthesis assembly, reducing the number of separate components that need to be assembled while maintaining modular delivery capabilities.
3Ease of operation
If a modular system is used, then delivery ease is improved, but reliability worsens due to potential endoleaks and separation
Solution Approach 1:
The leg extensions are pre-formed and interconnected with the main body in a controlled manner during manufacturing. The proximal and distal portions of the leg extensions are designed with predetermined connection structures that ensure reliable engagement with the main body, preventing separation and endoleaks while maintaining ease of delivery.
Data Source
AI summary
An endoluminal prosthesis includes two stent grafts with a flexible bridge extending between and connected to the stent grafts. The prosthesis can be part of a prosthesis assembly for treatment of branched vascular systems and can function as an interconnected leg extension prosthesis in combination with a main bifurcated prosthesis. In treating abdominal aortic aneurysms, the prosthesis can be deployed within both iliac arteries.