Multi-port Stent Graft Delivery Device with Indwelling Access Sheaths

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current stent graft delivery devices face challenges in accessing and deploying stents into branch vessels, particularly when these vessels are adjacent to the main artery, due to limited space and the need for additional catheterization, which can result in permanent damage to the patient.

Innovation Solution

A multi-port stent member delivery device with a guide wire catheter, handle assembly, nose cone dilator, and sheath arrangement that includes indwelling access sheaths and guide wires to facilitate catheterization of side branches, allowing for the deployment of covered or uncovered stents through fenestrations in the stent graft.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a full pusher catheter is included in the stent graft introducer device, then the stent graft can be properly deployed, but there is not enough room within the containing sheath for additional catheterisation devices for branch vessels

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapability to catheterise branch vesselsVSAvoidspace within containing sheath
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The device segments the catheterisation function by providing separate access ports and dedicated catheterisation devices for each branch vessel that requires access. This allows multiple independent catheterisation paths without requiring a single large space-consuming device

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the radial dimension by providing multiple access ports around the circumference of the handle assembly, allowing catheterisation devices to be introduced at different angles and positions, effectively using spatial arrangement to accommodate multiple functions within limited volume

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the overall diameter of the delivery device is increased to accommodate multiple catheterisation devices, then branch vessel access is improved, but the device cannot be introduced through vessels of limited diameter

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-port catheterisation capabilityVSAvoiddiameter of delivery device
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The catheterisation devices are nested within the containing sheath during introduction, allowing them to be packed in a compact configuration that fits through vessels of limited diameter. The devices are deployed in sequence or simultaneously only after the delivery device has been successfully positioned in the target vessel

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The device transitions from a compact static configuration during introduction to an expanded dynamic configuration during operation, where catheterisation devices can be independently manipulated and positioned as needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If fenestrations are added to the stent graft to access branch vessels, then branch vessel access is enabled, but side branch grafts are required to maintain access which increases complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess to branch vesselsVSAvoidrequirement for side branch grafts
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The stent graft is designed with multiple access ports that can accommodate various catheterisation devices and techniques, making the system universal and adaptable to different branch vessel access requirements without mandating specific side branch graft configurations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2029062B1Multi-port delivery device
Publication Date: 2012.05.30 COOK WILLIAM A AUSTRALIA PTY LTD
  • EP2029062B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2029062B1 patent drawingFigure 2~2C
  • EP2029062B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A multi-port stent graft delivery device {2} has an annular access lumen (26) between a delivery catheter (24) and a main sheath (6), at least one indwelling access sheath (28, 30) within the access lumen, and an indwelling guide wire (36, 38) within the or each access sheath and a stent graft (16) retained in the delivery device. Upon deployment of the stent graft into the vasculature of a patient the indwelling guide wire can be used to facilitate stabilisation of the access sheath during cathertisation of a side branch and deployment of a side arm covered or uncovered stent therein through the advanced access sheath. A manifold associated (4) with a handle provides a plurality of access ports (41, 43). A docking balloon may also be used.