Radiopaque Marker with Deformable Gap for Vascular Stent Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vascular devices, such as stents, face challenges in accurate positioning and tracking due to the complexity of treating vascular disorders near critical tissues, especially in cranial areas where access is restricted, leading to difficulties in confirming correct placement during procedures.
Innovation Solution
A radiopaque marker system is introduced, featuring an elongated body made of biocompatible materials like platinum alloy or tantalum, which can be securely attached to stent struts using a mechanism that allows for unobstructed insertion and subsequent securement, enhancing visibility under imaging techniques and preventing unintended removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If a radiopaque marker is attached to a stent strut, then visibility under imaging techniques is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The marker body is formed as a single integrated piece with the gap feature built-in, combining the marker function with the attachment mechanism in one component rather than using separate parts
Solution Approach 2:
The marker body is made from a flexible or malleable radiopaque material that can be deformed to close the gap, allowing the marker to transition from an open state during insertion to a closed state for secure attachment
2Reliability
If the marker body is deformed to close the gap, then the marker is securely attached to the strut, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The marker body transitions from a static open configuration during insertion to a dynamic closed configuration after attachment, allowing the structure to adapt its state based on the operational phase
Solution Approach 2:
The physical state of the marker body changes through deformation, altering the gap dimension from open to closed, which secures the marker to the strut while maintaining manufacturing feasibility
3Ease of operation
If the gap remains open for strut insertion, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of marker retention decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The marker structure dynamically transitions from an open state that allows easy strut insertion to a closed state that provides reliable retention, with the gap serving as a temporary feature only during the insertion phase
Solution Approach 2:
The gap is pre-formed in the marker body to facilitate strut insertion before the marker is deployed, and subsequent deformation closes the gap to secure the marker in place
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 radiopaque marker system provides reliable and quick placement of highly visible markers on vascular devices, improving locatability and reducing the risk of misplacement during vascular procedures, especially in sensitive areas like the brain.
Implementation Method 1
an elongated body formed of a biocompatible radiopaque material that enhances locating the marker when using at least one imaging technique
Data Source
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AI summary
A marker to assist locating a device such as an expandable stent within vasculature of a patient, including an elongated body formed of a biocompatible radiopaque material that enhances locating the marker when using at least one imaging technique. The body has a first end, a second end, an inner surface, an outer surface, and at least two opposing edges extending between the first and second ends and establishing a boundary between the inner surface and the outer surface. The inner surface of the body defines a passageway extending between the first and second ends. In a first condition, the body defines a gap between the at least two opposing edges, the gap enabling unobstructed communication of the passageway with the outer surface of the body. In a second condition, the gap is obstructed to substantially prevent communication of the passageway with the outer surface of the body.