Composite Prosthesis Support Structure Kink Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for attaching a support structure to composite vascular grafts made of dissimilar materials, such as textile and polymeric components, face challenges due to differences in melting temperatures and properties, leading to weakened grafts or compromised structural integrity.
Innovation Solution
A composite prosthesis design featuring a biocompatible inner layer and an outer textile layer with a support structure composed of a core component and a sheath component, where the sheath has a lower melting temperature than the core and the graft, allowing secure attachment without damaging the graft, using a biocompatible elastomeric bonding agent and methods like co-extrusion or heat application to connect the support structure to the textile layer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a PTFE coil is directly attached to a textile graft through melting methods, then kink and crush resistance is enhanced, but the textile layer is weakened due to excessive melting temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into two distinct components: an inner PTFE coil providing structural support and an outer polymeric sheath providing attachment functionality. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer polymeric sheath acts as an intermediary between the PTFE coil and the textile graft. This intermediate layer enables attachment at a lower temperature that does not damage the textile, while still providing secure fixation of the support structure.
2Reliability
If a wrapped support structure is attached in a manner that prevents removal, then structural integrity is maintained, but adaptability for patient-specific customization is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment method is made dynamic and adjustable. The outer sheath provides initial secure attachment for structural integrity, but allows for controlled removal or adjustment post-implantation, enabling patient-specific customization without compromising the underlying graft.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different polymeric materials with different melting temperatures are joined, then functional requirements are met, but manufacturing complexity increases due to material incompatibility
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the temperature parameter of the attachment process by using a two-component support structure with different melting points. The outer sheath melts at a lower temperature suitable for textile grafts, while the inner PTFE coil remains stable. This parameter differentiation simplifies manufacturing by enabling attachment at temperatures compatible with both materials.
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 enhances kink and crush resistance while allowing for the support structure to be removable without damaging the graft, enabling customization and maintaining the structural integrity of the prosthesis, thus addressing the challenges of joining dissimilar materials effectively.
Implementation Method 1
the second component being polymeric and having a lower melting temperature than that of the first component and the body; melting the second component, and not the first component or the body, so as to cause the second component to connect the first component to the body
Data Source
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AI summary
A prosthesis (10) including a support structure (22) for enhancing kink and/or crush resistance. The support structure (22) is connected to an outer surface (16) of the prosthesis (10) and includes at least two components (23, 24), one of which has a lower melting point than the other. The component with the lower melting point is used to connect the support structure (22) to the outer surface of the prosthesis (10).