Low Profile Support Frame for Intraluminal Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing expandable intraluminal medical devices face challenges in navigating through body vessels due to their large diameter, which limits their delivery and deployment, especially in curved or small-diameter vessels, and devices with grafts or valve members further complicate compression and deployment.
Innovation Solution
The development of low profile support frames for expandable intraluminal medical devices, comprising wire members forming a closed circumference with connectors, allowing for minimal bulk and enhanced compressibility, facilitating easier navigation and deployment within body vessels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the outer diameter of the delivery system is reduced to improve navigability through curved vessels and small diameter vessels, then the ability to navigate through body vessels is improved, but the compressibility of the intraluminal medical device must be increased which complicates the device construction
Solution Approach 1:
The support frame is divided into multiple individual struts rather than a continuous structure. This segmentation allows each strut to be independently compressed and configured, enabling the overall device to achieve a lower profile for navigation while maintaining structural integrity when deployed. The struts can be arranged in a collapsed configuration during delivery and then expanded to form the functional support structure at the treatment site.
Solution Approach 2:
The support frame structure is designed to nest within itself during the compressed delivery state. Individual struts and connector assemblies can be nested or folded within the delivery catheter, allowing the device to pass through small diameter vessels. Upon deployment, the nested structure expands outward to form the full-sized support frame with appropriate radial strength and profile.
2Ease of operation
If the outer diameter of the delivery system is reduced to navigate through small diameter vessels, then the ability to enter and navigate through small diameter vessels is improved, but the compressibility of the device is limited by material and construction constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The support frame struts are pre-configured with specific geometric shapes and curvature that enable them to compress into a compact configuration for delivery. The struts are designed with predetermined bend radii and cross-sectional geometries that allow them to flex during navigation while maintaining their structural integrity. After delivery, the pre-configured geometry naturally returns the struts to their expanded functional shape, providing the necessary radial strength without requiring additional complex deployment mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If graft and valve members are added to the support frame to provide functional capabilities, then the device functionality is improved, but the bulk of the support frame increases which comples compression and delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The graft material and valve members are integrated directly with the support frame struts rather than being separate components. The graft can be formed as a continuous tube that incorporates the struts as reinforcing elements, while valve members can be attached to or formed as part of the strut structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate housing or mounting structures, reducing the overall bulk while maintaining all functional capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The graft is constructed as a thin-walled flexible tube that can be compressed to a minimal profile during delivery. The valve members are designed with flexible, thin construction that allows them to fold or compress within the delivery catheter. These flexible structures provide the necessary functional properties (filtration, valve action) while occupying minimal volume during the compressed delivery state.
Data Source
Figure 1~1C
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~10
AI summary
A low profile support frame for use as an, or in an, expandable intraluminal medical device includes first and second wire members that define arcuate paths having opposing curves and third and fourth wire members that define arcuate paths having opposing curves. Connectors join the wire members, and barbs can be disposed on the connectors. The support frame has radially compressed and radially expanded configurations. The first and third wire members intersect at a first intersection and the second and fourth wire members intersect at a second intersection. The support frame can be used as an intraluminal medical device by itself or as a component in a medical device that includes other components, such as a stent, prosthetic valve, occluder, or filter.