Stent Delivery System Crimping with Multi-Step Balloon Pressurization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for manufacturing stent delivery systems often result in insufficient retention of the stent on the balloon catheter, leading to potential stent detachment during deployment.
Innovation Solution
A method involving multiple diameter reduction steps and pressurization steps is employed to crimp the stent onto the balloon catheter, including initial and subsequent compressions with maintenance steps, and pressurization before, during, and after these compressions to enhance retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single diameter reduction step is used to crimp the stent on the balloon catheter, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the retention of the stent on the balloon is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The diameter reduction process is divided into multiple distinct steps (first diameter reduction step, second diameter reduction step, and third diameter reduction step), each with specific compression forces and duration requirements. This segmentation allows the stent to be progressively crimped onto the balloon, ensuring adequate retention while maintaining controllable process complexity
Solution Approach 2:
A maintenance step is introduced after the first diameter reduction step, where the first compression force is maintained for a predetermined period before releasing. This preliminary action allows the stent structure to adapt and set in the compressed state, improving retention before subsequent compression steps are applied
2Reliability
If multiple diameter reduction steps are performed to improve stent retention, then the holding force increases, but the manufacturing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process employs periodic compression and release cycles through multiple diameter reduction steps. Each step applies compression force for a predetermined period, then releases it, creating a rhythmic process that allows the stent to progressively adapt to the balloon surface. This periodic action improves retention while managing manufacturing time through efficient cycling
Solution Approach 2:
The maintenance step after the first diameter reduction serves as a preliminary action that prepares the stent for subsequent compression steps. By maintaining the first compression force for a predetermined period before release, the stent structure is pre-adapted, reducing the time required for subsequent steps to achieve final retention
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
This method significantly improves the retention of the stent on the balloon catheter, reducing the risk of stent detachment and ensuring reliable deployment.
Implementation Method 1
a pressurization step of supplying fluid to the balloon to inflate the balloon and pressing the balloon against the inner side of the stent
Data Source
AI summary
A method for manufacturing a stent delivery system includes: a first diameter reduction step of compressing a stent inward in a radial direction of the stent in in a state where a balloon is inserted into a tube of the stent formed in a tubular shape to reduce diameters of the stent and the balloon, and then releasing the compression; a second diameter reduction step, performed after the first diameter reduction step, of compressing the stent inward in the radial direction of the stent to reduce the diameters of the stent and the balloon, and then releasing the compression; and a pressurization step of supplying fluid to the balloon to inflate the balloon and pressing the balloon against the inner side of the stent.