Lumen Stabilizing Device with Segmented Support Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional stents often cause fluid buildup and encourage biofilm growth, leading to tissue extension into the lumen path and debris accumulation, due to their design which applies force unevenly and creates anchoring points that trap debris.
Innovation Solution
A lumen stabilizing device with a central core and radially extending support elements, such as bristles or fins, that distribute force uniformly and inhibit biofilm growth by providing numerous discrete contact points, allowing for fluid flow while maintaining the lumen open.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional stents are used to hold the lumen open, then the lumen is kept open, but fluid buildup occurs and biofilm growth is encouraged
Solution Approach 1:
The stent is segmented into multiple discrete contact points (struts or bars) rather than a continuous tube. This segmentation allows fluid to pass through the spaces between struts, preventing fluid buildup while maintaining lumen openness. The discrete contact points distribute force evenly across the lumen wall, reducing anchoring points that would otherwise trap debris and encourage biofilm growth.
Solution Approach 2:
The stent structure creates a porous configuration with spaces between the struts or bars, allowing fluid flow through the device. This porosity prevents fluid accumulation and reduces the conditions favorable for biofilm growth, while still providing structural support to keep the lumen open.
2Reliability
If conventional stents apply force against the lumen wall to anchor in place, then the stent is secured, but tissue extends into the lumen path and debris accumulates
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous force application of conventional stents is segmented into multiple discrete contact points. This distribution of force reduces the creation of strong anchoring points where tissue could extend and where debris could accumulate. The segmented structure maintains reliable anchoring through multiple distributed contacts rather than a few concentrated points.
3Strength
If conventional stents are designed as hollow tubular structures, then they provide structural support, but they create anchoring points that trap debris
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow tubular structure is segmented into multiple struts or bars with spaces between them. This segmentation maintains structural support strength while eliminating the continuous surface that creates anchoring points for debris trapping. The segmented design allows fluid and debris to pass through rather than accumulate.
Solution Approach 2:
The stent structure is designed with porous characteristics through the spaces between struts, allowing fluid and debris to flow through rather than being trapped. This porous configuration reduces debris accumulation while maintaining the structural support needed to keep the lumen open.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for stabilizing a lumen in an open position having a core with a longitudinal axis along the length of the core, and support elements that can be bristles, fibers, or discs, secured to the core, extending radially outward from the core, and having ends that can contact and hold open a lumen, while maintaining the position of the device in the lumen.