Polygonal Inner Member for Medical Device Delivery Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical device delivery systems face challenges with friction, kinking, and fluid flow issues during the deployment and retrieval of stents within body lumens, which can hinder smooth operation and effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
The use of an inner member with a polygonal transverse cross-section, surrounded by an outer member, allows for reduced friction, enhanced resistance to kinking, and improved fluid flow, while maintaining support for the stent, through specific design features such as regions with hexagonal or other polygonal cross-sections and strategically placed gaps for fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the outer member is retracted to allow stent deployment, then the stent can be delivered to the lumen wall, but friction between the outer member and inner member increases causing difficult retraction
Solution Approach 1:
The inner member features a polygonal cross-section (triangle, square, rectangle, or pentagon) rather than a circular cross-section. This asymmetric geometry creates specific interaction patterns with the outer member that reduce friction during retraction, allowing the outer member to slide more easily over the inner member while maintaining structural support.
2Reliability
If the inner member has a circular cross-section for smooth flow, then fluid flow is good, but the system exhibits increased kinking resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The polygonal cross-section of the inner member provides inherent resistance to kinking due to its geometric shape. The multiple flat sides and corners create structural rigidity that prevents the tube from collapsing or bending excessively, while still allowing the necessary flexibility for navigation through the body's vasculature.
Data Source
AI summary
Medical device delivery systems, as well as related methods and components, are disclosed.