Over-the-scope stent introducer for large self-expanding stents
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional stent delivery systems struggle to deploy larger stents through the working channel of an endoscope, limiting their use for larger self-expanding or non-expanding stents in gastrointestinal applications.
Innovation Solution
A novel over-the-scope stent introducer system that couples externally over the endoscope, utilizing its maneuverability to position and deploy stents, featuring an elongate inner member with a stent abutting restraint and a pusher, and an elongate outer member with a stent carrying chamber, allowing for axial movement between pre-deployment and deployment positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional stent delivery systems are used, then small stents can be delivered through the endoscope working channel, but larger stents cannot be delivered
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from delivering stents through the internal working channel of the endoscope to delivering them externally over the endoscope scope. This dimensional change allows much larger stents to be delivered since they are no longer constrained by the narrow working channel diameter, but instead by the larger outer diameter of the endoscope itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an introducer assembly as an intermediary device that couples to the endoscope. This introducer serves as a mediator that provides a larger delivery pathway over the endoscope, enabling the delivery of large stents while maintaining the benefits of endoscopic guidance. The introducer assembly includes an outer tube that receives the endoscope and an inner tube that delivers the stent.
2Volume of moving object
If blind stent placement is used, then large stents can be delivered, but precision and safety are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The introducer assembly serves multiple functions: it acts as a delivery system for large stents, provides a guide for precise positioning using the endoscope, and enables controlled deployment. By coupling the introducer to the endoscope, the system combines the large-bore capability of external delivery with the precision guidance of endoscopic visualization.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention incorporates feedback by using the endoscope to visualize the delivery process and stent placement in real-time. The endoscope provides visual feedback that allows the operator to precisely position the stent at the target site and monitor deployment, eliminating the guesswork inherent in blind placement methods.
3Ease of operation
If the endoscope working channel is used for stent delivery, then the procedure is guided and precise, but the stent size is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention moves the delivery pathway from the internal working channel dimension to the external dimension over the endoscope. This allows the delivery system to bypass the size constraint of the working channel while still maintaining endoscopic guidance through the coupling mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The delivery system is segmented into distinct components: the endoscope for guidance, the introducer assembly for delivery, the inner tube for stent containment, and the outer tube for structural support. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together as an integrated system.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
AI summary
Over-the-scope stent introducers (10, 110) for detachably engaging at least a portion of the outside of an endoscope insert and for delivering a stent are provided. Embodiments include an inner member (20, 120) defining a channel. The inner member includes an outer surface (36, 136) , inner endoscope engaging surface (34, 134) , and stent abutting restraint (38, 138) disposed at the first end portion (22, 122) . Embodiments also include an outer member (50, 150) having a distal section (52, 152) having an opening (58, 158) and proximal section (54, 154) having an opening (60, 160) defining a passageway (62, 162) therebetween that is sized to slideably receive at least a portion (42, 142) of the inner member (20, 120) , and a stent carrying inner chamber (64, 164) disposed at the passageway (62, 162) of the distal section (52, 152) , the inner chamber (64, 164) being configured to releasably contain a stent.