Multilayer Endoprosthesis Structure for Curved Vessel Wall Adherence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing luminal endoprostheses are rigid and fail to effectively adhere to curved or compliant blood vessel walls, leading to poor adherence and potential early implant failure, while also occluding collateral vessels and not fully restoring laminar flow or vessel function.
Innovation Solution
A multilayer luminal endoprosthesis with separated layers, featuring a threadlike element armor that mimics the native vessel's structure, allowing for flexibility and optimal transmission of flexion-torsional forces, and maintaining patency of collateral vessels by preventing endothelial cell adhesion between layers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid multilayer endoprosthesis is used to provide structural support, then strength and stability are improved, but adherence to curved or compliant blood vessel walls deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The endoprosthesis is divided into multiple independent layers (first layer, second layer, third layer) that can move relative to each other. Each layer is formed by threadlike elements that are not connected to adjacent layers, allowing individual layers to adapt to vessel curvature while maintaining overall structural support through their collective arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The layers are designed to be dynamic rather than static, allowing them to move and flex independently relative to each other. This enables the rigid multilayer structure to adapt to the dynamic, curved, and compliant nature of blood vessel walls while maintaining structural integrity.
2Strength
If layers are connected to provide structural integrity, then strength is improved, but flexibility and ability to transmit flexion-torsional forces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The structural integrity is achieved through the segmented arrangement of multiple layers rather than through connections between layers. Each layer maintains its independence, allowing flexibility and force transmission, while the collective configuration of all layers provides the necessary structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
The endoprosthesis uses a composite structure of multiple separate layers that work together to provide both strength and flexibility. The combination of independent layers creates a system that exhibits both structural integrity and adaptability to mechanical forces.
3Adaptability or versatility
If layers are separated to maintain flexibility, then adaptability to vessel walls is improved, but structural support deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The separation of layers into independent segments actually enhances structural support by allowing each layer to independently bear and distribute mechanical loads. The segmented structure prevents stress concentration that would occur in a rigidly connected system.
Solution Approach 2:
While layers are separated, their combined arrangement in concentric configuration provides synergistic structural support. The merging of multiple independent layers creates a composite structure that is both flexible and strong.
4Reliability
If a continuous graft is used to reconstruct the duct, then flow exclusion from aneurysmal sac is improved, but collateral vessel patency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous graft is replaced by segmented, separate layers with gaps between them. This segmentation allows collateral vessels to pass through the structure while the layers collectively maintain flow exclusion from the aneurysmal sac through their arranged configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the endoprosthesis have different qualities: the layers provide flow exclusion where needed, while the gaps between layers allow collateral vessel patency. Each local region is optimized for its specific function.
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 solution provides improved adherence to blood vessel walls, reduces turbulence, maintains collateral vessel patency, and promotes endothelialization, leading to reduced stress on aneurysmal sacs and potential aneurysm shrinkage through laminar flow and normal endothelial function.
Implementation Method 1
allowing for flexibility and optimal transmission of flexion-torsional forces
Implementation Method 2
maintaining patency of collateral vessels by preventing endothelial cell adhesion between layers
Implementation Method 3
reduces turbulence, maintains collateral vessel patency, and promotes endothelialization, leading to reduced stress on aneurysmal sacs and potential aneurysm shrinkage through laminar flow
Data Source
AI summary
A luminal endoprosthesis (1) at least partially delimits a prosthesis lumen (2), for implantation in an anatomical structure (3) that at least partially defines at least one cavity (4) and includes a pathological portion (13). The luminal endoprosthesis (1) includes two or more layers (5, 6, 7), at least one layer (5, 6, 7) having at least one threadlike element (8) forming an armor (9). The luminal endoprosthesis (1) includes an anchoring portion (10), for anchoring to an anatomical portion (11) of the walls of the cavity (4) of the anatomical structure (3). A working portion (12) faces the pathological portion (13) of the anatomical structure (3). The two or more layers (5, 6, 7) are separated from each other at least in the working portion (12) of the luminal endoprosthesis (1), avoiding connecting elements between one layer (5, 6, 7) and at least one adjacent layer.