Removable Fiber Constraints for Intermediate Stent-Graft Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing delivery systems for stents and stent-grafts face challenges in precisely deploying these devices at target locations with minimal trauma and technical difficulties, particularly in navigating tortuous vasculature, while allowing for controlled expansion and accurate positioning.

Innovation Solution

A constraining mechanism using interwoven fibers forming a warp knit pattern with removable constraints allows for staged deployment of medical devices, enabling controlled expansion from a constrained to fully deployed configuration through sequential release of the constraints.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If a stent or stent-graft is compressed to a small delivery diameter for navigation through tortuous vasculature, then the device can be delivered to the target location, but the device cannot be deployed or expanded at the target site

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedelivery diameterVSAvoiddeployment capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The constraint system is segmented into multiple independent constraining fibers that can be released sequentially. Each fiber can be independently removed or cut to allow staged deployment of the device, enabling transition from compressed delivery configuration to partially deployed intermediate configurations, and finally to fully deployed configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The constraint system transitions from a static compressed state during delivery to a dynamic staged deployment process. The constraining fibers are designed to be removable or cuttable, allowing the device to dynamically change from a constrained delivery diameter to expanded deployed diameters in controlled stages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Strength

If a stent or stent-graft is deployed to full diameter immediately, then the device provides maximum radial support, but the practitioner cannot visualize or adjust the device position accurately

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradial supportVSAvoidpositioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The deployment process is segmented into multiple stages with intermediate configurations. The device can be deployed to intermediate diameters where it provides partial radial support while still allowing visualization and positioning adjustment. The segmented constraint system enables controlled transition through intermediate states before achieving full deployment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device is first positioned accurately in the intermediate constrained configuration where it is visible and adjustable. Only after accurate positioning is achieved does the practitioner proceed to remove remaining constraints to achieve full deployment and maximum radial support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If a stent or stent-graft is deployed in a single stage, then the deployment process is simple, but the device cannot be positioned accurately or adjusted during deployment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeployment processVSAvoidplacement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The constraint system is segmented into multiple independently removable fibers, creating a staged deployment process. This segmentation allows the practitioner to control deployment in steps, achieving accurate positioning at intermediate stages while maintaining a relatively simple overall system design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The deployment process is made dynamic and controllable through staged constraint removal. The system transitions from a simple single-stage deployment to a controlled multi-stage process that enables accurate positioning while maintaining operational simplicity through the modular constraint design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple constraining fibers are used to enable staged deployment, then intermediate configurations are achievable, but the constraint system becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestaged deployment capabilityVSAvoidconstraint system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple constraining fibers perform the same function of constraining the device, but they can be removed independently to create different deployment stages. This multi-functionality allows the same basic fiber structure to serve multiple purposes: delivery constraint, intermediate configuration constraint, and final deployment release.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The constraining fibers are designed to be discarded (removed or cut) in a controlled sequence. Each fiber serves its constraining function temporarily during delivery and intermediate stages, then is discarded to allow progression to the next deployment stage, simplifying the system as deployment progresses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Data Source

PatentUS12433775B2Constraining mechanisms for selective deployment and associated methods

Publication Date: 2025.10.07 WL GORE & ASSOC INC

AI summary

Various aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward medical device deployment apparatuses, systems and methods. The apparatuses, systems and methods may include at least one constraining fiber arranged about a circumference of the medical device and a warp knit configured to separate to deploy the medical device to at least one intermediate constrained configuration and to a fully deployed configuration.