Scalloped Stent Graft Support Structure for Branch Vessel Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Stent grafts deployed at arterial branching points face challenges in accommodating branch vessels without obstructing blood flow, particularly when aneurysms are located near these points, as existing designs may not effectively manage blood flow into adjacent vessels.
Innovation Solution
A stent graft with scallop-shaped openings and a support structure that includes an undulating base with peaks and valleys, providing additional support to the graft material and allowing for unobstructed blood flow into branch vessels by conforming to the shape of the stent structure and vessel geometry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a stent graft includes fenestrations or branches to allow blood flow into branch vessels, then blood flow to adjacent vessels is maintained, but the structural integrity and sealing capability of the graft may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple functional segments: an undulating base portion that provides radial support, longitudinal support sections that extend along the graft, and transverse support sections that connect them. This segmentation allows each portion to specialize in specific functions - the undulating base maintains structural integrity while the longitudinal sections support the fenestration edges, resolving the contradiction between maintaining blood flow pathways and ensuring sealing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure features a nested configuration where the undulating base is positioned within the graft wall thickness, longitudinal support sections extend from the base, and transverse sections connect the longitudinal ones. This nested arrangement allows the support structure to be integrated within the graft architecture, providing enhanced structural support at the fenestration sites without compromising the overall sealing capability of the graft.
2Ease of operation
If the graft material is made thinner or more flexible to improve conformability to vessel walls, then ease of deployment is improved, but the risk of graft material tearing or separation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure implements local quality by concentrating reinforcement specifically at the fenestration sites and along the graft length where stress concentrations occur. The undulating base provides localized radial support, while longitudinal support sections are positioned at intervals along the graft. This localized reinforcement allows the graft material to remain thin and flexible for easy deployment while providing targeted strength where needed to prevent tearing and separation.
3Strength
If the support structure is made more robust to prevent graft material tearing, then structural strength is improved, but the complexity of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure merges multiple functions into a single integrated component. The undulating base, longitudinal support sections, and transverse support sections are combined into one continuous structure that simultaneously provides radial support, reinforces fenestration edges, and maintains graft integrity. This merging approach achieves the necessary structural strength without the complexity of multiple separate reinforcement components, simplifying the overall device architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
A support structure for a three-sided scallop in the edge of a stent graft including two substantially longitudinal perimeter support sections and an undulating lateral side base extending between the two support sections. The undulations extend below the edge of the lateral side of the scallop and overlap the graft material away from the edge of the lateral side.