Motorized Stent Delivery Handle for Precision Esophageal Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sheathed stent delivery systems face challenges such as difficulty in repositioning or removing the stent, uneven deployment, obstruction during direct visualization, high force requirements for stent placement, and increased complexity and cost due to the need for a stronger introducer to overcome frictional forces.
Innovation Solution
A stent delivery system with an elongate shaft, a stent receiving portion, and a sheath that is moveably positioned relative to the shaft, featuring a proximal and distal constraining arrangement with release wires and a handle assembly for controlled deployment and repositioning of the stent, allowing for axial mechanical force application and uniform tension release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional outer sheath/inner catheter delivery device is used, then the stent can be delivered to the body lumen, but the physician may inadvertently use excessive force and pull back the outer sheath too far, thereby prematurely deploying the stent in an incorrect position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical retraction system with a motorized actuation system that uses controlled mechanical forces to retract the outer sheath and deploy the stent. The motorized system provides precise control over the retraction speed and distance, eliminating the risk of inadvertent excessive force or jerky movements that occur with manual operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms including sensors that monitor the position of the outer sheath and the expansion state of the stent. This feedback is processed by a control system that adjusts the motorized actuation in real-time to achieve precise stent placement and prevent premature or uneven deployment.
2Productivity
If the outer sheath is manually retracted, then the stent can be deployed, but the movement may be uneven or jerky leading to improper stent position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual sheath retraction with a motorized actuation system that provides smooth, controlled, and uniform retraction of the outer sheath. The motorized system eliminates the jerky movements associated with manual operation and ensures even deployment of the stent along its entire length.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous motorized actuation that maintains steady, uninterrupted retraction of the outer sheath throughout the deployment process. This continuous controlled action ensures uniform stent expansion and prevents the intermittent, jerky movements that occur with manual retraction.
3Force
If a conventional sheathed delivery system is used, then the stent can be delivered, but high force is required to overcome friction between the stent and sheath
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the high-force manual retraction system with a motorized actuation system that can generate and apply controlled forces to overcome friction between the stent and outer sheath. The motorized system provides sufficient force while distributing the load evenly, eliminating the need for an overly strong introducer that would be required with manual operation.
4Measurement precision
If the distal portion of the stent is positioned first during sheath release, then the stent can be deployed, but accurate placement of the proximal portion becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses motorized actuation to control the retraction of the outer sheath, enabling precise and uniform exposure of the stent from both proximal and distal ends simultaneously or in a controlled sequence. This mechanical control ensures accurate placement of the proximal portion while maintaining overall deployment precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A stent delivery system includes an elongate shaft including a proximal portion, a distal portion, at least one lumen extending at least partially therethrough, and a stent receiving portion on the distal portion of the elongate shaft. A stent is positioned on the stent receiving portion of the elongate shaft, the stent having a first configuration and a second configuration. A sheath is positioned longitudinally around the inner elongate shaft, the inner elongate shaft extending coaxially at least partially within the lumen of the outer sheath, the outer sheath moveably positionable relative to the outer elongate shaft. A proximal constraining arrangement is engaged with a proximal end of the stent. A distal constraining arrangement is engaged with a distal end of the stent. A handle assembly is connected to the proximal constraining arrangement, the distal constraining arrangement, and the outer sheath. A brake assembly is positioned within the handle assembly.