Modular Stent Grafts with Inflatable Fill Structures

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current stent graft systems face challenges in effectively treating aortic aneurysms, particularly thoracic aneurysms, due to varying aortic diameters and lengths, which complicates the design and deployment of single stent grafts, leading to incomplete sealing and potential endoleaks.

Innovation Solution

A modular stent graft system with inflatable fill structures attached to stent grafts, allowing for adjustable length and diameter to fit specific aneurysm dimensions, and the use of radially expandable scaffolds for enhanced sealing and support.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single stent graft is used to treat aortic aneurysms, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot effectively adapt to varying aortic diameters and lengths, leading to incomplete sealing and potential endoleaks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to varying aortic diameters and lengthsVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The stent graft system is divided into multiple modular segments that can be connected in series. Each module can be independently sized and configured, allowing the overall system to adapt to varying aortic diameters and lengths while maintaining a relatively simple individual component structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The stent graft incorporates an inflatable fill structure that can be expanded after deployment to dynamically adjust the sealing diameter. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the device to adapt to the specific aortic dimensions without requiring a completely different device design for each patient.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If the stent graft is designed with fixed dimensions, then the manufacturing is simple, but it cannot provide complete sealing for aneurysms of different sizes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing precisionVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The stent graft is manufactured with a predefined inflatable structure and connection interfaces that enable post-deployment adjustment. This preliminary configuration allows the device to achieve precise sealing for various aneurysm sizes without requiring custom manufacturing for each case.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing diameter of the stent graft can be changed after deployment by inflating the fill structure. This parameter change capability allows a single manufactured device to achieve precise sealing for different aneurysm dimensions without requiring multiple fixed-size variants.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If a modular stent graft system with inflatable fill structures is used, then complete sealing and reduced endoleaks are achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing reliabilityVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The inflatable fill structure is nested within or integrated with the stent graft framework. This nested configuration allows the additional sealing mechanism to be incorporated without significantly increasing the overall device complexity or footprint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The inflatable fill structure serves multiple functions: it provides sealing against the aortic wall, supports the stent graft positioning, and can be used to exclude branch vessels if needed. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 modular system provides a customizable solution for treating aortic aneurysms by ensuring complete sealing and reducing the risk of endoleaks, thereby stabilizing the aneurysm repair and preventing rupture.

Implementation Method 1

an inflatable fill structure fixed to a portion of the outside surface of the first stent graft. The inflatable fill structure includes an outer membrane that is configured to extend beyond the first end of the first stent graft when the inflatable fill structure is in a filled state

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid pressure expansion: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS11497597B2Modular stent graft systems and methods with inflatable fill structures

Publication Date: 2022.11.15 ENDOLOGIX LLC

AI summary

An apparatus includes a first stent graft that is at least partially insertable into a first blood vessel. The first stent graft has a first end, a second end, an inside surface, and an outside surface. The apparatus also includes an inflatable fill structure fixed to a portion of the outside surface of the first stent graft. The inflatable fill structure includes an outer membrane that is configured to extend beyond the first end of the first stent graft when the inflatable fill structure is in a filled state.