Pseudoelastic Antenna Support for Vascular Implantation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional implantable antennas face challenges in terms of size and flexibility, making them less suitable for minimally invasive implantation and accommodating motion within the body, particularly in vascular applications.
Innovation Solution
The use of pseudoelastic and superelastic materials, such as Nitinol, for the antenna support structure, which provides a tubular or backbone shape that can deform reversibly under large strains, allowing for flexible implantation and reduced tissue stress, and incorporating these materials into the antenna design with insulating coatings for enhanced durability and shape memory properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional antennas are constructed in enclosures for implantable devices, then the antenna structure is stable and protected, but the device requires substantial room which is overly restrictive for minimally invasive implantation
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna support structure utilizes pseudoelastic materials that can dynamically change their mechanical properties. The structure transitions from a compressed low-profile state during implantation to an expanded functional state after deployment, allowing the antenna to adapt its volume and shape based on operational requirements while enabling minimally invasive insertion through small access points
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and mechanical parameters of the support structure by utilizing pseudoelastic materials that exhibit reversible deformation under stress. The material properties are selected to allow the structure to be compressed to a fraction of its operational size for implantation, then recover its original dimensions and shape once deployed, effectively changing the volume parameter from a fixed large size to a variable size that adapts between compressed and expanded states
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional rigid antenna structures are used, then the antenna maintains stable shape and orientation, but it cannot accommodate motion within the body and creates excessive tissue stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible support structure made from pseudoelastic materials that can bend, deform, and flex while maintaining structural integrity. This flexible shell approach allows the antenna to conform to moving anatomical structures and accommodate body motions without creating excessive stress on surrounding tissues, while the pseudoelastic properties ensure the structure returns to its original configuration after deformation
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure utilizes composite construction combining pseudoelastic material properties with antenna functional elements. The composite design integrates the shape memory and superelastic characteristics of the base material with conductive elements and insulating coatings, creating a multi-functional structure that maintains electrical performance while providing mechanical flexibility and motion accommodation
3Adaptability or versatility
If the antenna structure is made flexible to accommodate motion, then tissue stress is reduced and adaptability improves, but the structural strength and durability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent exploits the temperature-dependent parameter changes of pseudoelastic materials. At implantation temperature, the material exhibits superelastic behavior with high flexibility and low stiffness to accommodate motion. The material parameters are selected so that the yield stress and elastic modulus provide sufficient structural strength while maintaining the ability to deform reversibly under physiological loads, effectively balancing flexibility and strength through careful material parameter selection
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
This approach enables more adaptable and durable implantable antennas that can be compressed for insertion and expand within the body, providing stable communication and power delivery while minimizing tissue stress and accommodating anatomical motion.
Implementation Method 1
use of one or more pseudoelastic and/or superelastic materials (referred to herein as 'p/s elastic') such as p/s elastic metal alloys, such as Nitinol, and/or p/s elastic polymers to provide at least a portion of the associated support structure for the implantable antenna
Implementation Method 2
use of one or more pseudoelastic and/or superelastic materials (referred to herein as 'p/s elastic') such as p/s elastic metal alloys, such as Nitinol
Data Source
AI summary
As described herein vascular anchoring systems are used to position an implant in a vascular area such as a bifurcated vasculature with relatively high fluid flow, for instance, in an area of a pulmonary artery with associated left and right pulmonary arteries. Implementations include an anchoring trunk member having a first anchoring trunk section and a second anchoring trunk section. Further implementations include a first anchoring branch member extending from the anchoring trunk member. Still further implementations include a second anchoring branch member extending from the anchoring trunk member.