Self-Expanding Prosthesis with Tapered Transition
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-expanding endoprosthesis delivery systems face challenges such as unpredictable release and increased risk of device damage or becoming stuck during deployment, due to the self-expanding force causing lateral movement and potential embedding in the delivery sheath.
Innovation Solution
A self-expanding prosthesis composed of shape memory material that can be selectively expanded by heating to a temperature above average body temperature, allowing for precise control over expansion and deployment, with independently expandable sections and a heater system to manage temperature and expansion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a self-expanding prosthesis is released from the delivery sheath, then the prosthesis expands to its functional diameter, but the self-expanding force causes the device to spring laterally out of the sheath and may become imbedded within the sheath wall
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by incorporating a tapered transition section that opposes and controls the self-expanding force before full deployment. The taper gradually reduces confinement from the sheath, allowing the prosthesis to expand in a controlled manner rather than springing laterally. This preliminary counter-action to the expansion force prevents harmful lateral movement and embedding while maintaining reliable deployment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by varying the geometric parameters of the transition section (taper angle, length, and profile) to optimize the controlled expansion process. The gradual change in confinement parameters along the tapered section allows the prosthesis to transition smoothly from a constrained to an expanded state, preventing sudden lateral springing while maintaining deployment reliability
2Ease of operation
If the prosthesis is compressed within a delivery catheter for minimally invasive delivery, then the device can be advanced through convoluted lumens, but the device may become damaged or permanently deformed during delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by incorporating a transition section that dynamically changes the mechanical constraints on the prosthesis during delivery and deployment. The tapered transition section progressively reduces confinement, allowing the prosthesis to transition from a highly compressed flexible state (suitable for navigation through convoluted lumens) to an expanded rigid state (resistant to damage and capable of providing structural support). This dynamic transition protects the device from permanent deformation while maintaining deliverability
3Productivity
If the prosthesis is expanded by self-expanding force after release from the sheath, then the device expands to its functional configuration, but the expansion is unpredictable and may miss the desired target area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the transition section to guide and control the expansion process. The tapered geometry is designed in advance to progressively release confinement as the prosthesis expands, ensuring that expansion occurs in a predictable direction and location. This preliminary structural arrangement prevents missed targeting while maintaining rapid expansion, as the transition section is already positioned to control the expansion trajectory before deployment begins
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
Enables predictable and controlled deployment of the prosthesis within the patient, reducing complications and allowing for precise positioning and expansion, while minimizing damage to the device and patient tissue.
Implementation Method 1
a prosthesis for deploying within a human body comprising a prosthesis body having a first predetermined shape while in a first phase and a second predetermined shape while in a second phase; wherein a transition from the first phase to the second phase occurs at a temperature above a human body temperature
Implementation Method 2
a transition from the first phase to the second phase occurs at a temperature above a human body temperature
Implementation Method 3
increasing a temperature of the prosthesis above a human body temperature to change a phase of the shape memory material
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
In one preferred embodiment, a prosthesis is provided that can be selectively expanded by increasing the temperature of the prosthesis within the patient. The prosthesis is composed of a shape memory material that expands when heated to a temperature greater than an average body temperature, allowing the user to selectively heat and therefore expand the prosthesis at a desired location.