Segmented Bifurcation Stent for Uniform Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow diverter implants for treating bifurcation aneurysms face challenges in maintaining a uniform surface coverage after expansion, particularly at the connection points where the braided structure is often destroyed during compression for catheter insertion.
Innovation Solution
The implant consists of at least three tubular sections made of interwoven wires or interconnected struts, which are produced separately and connected at one end to form a Y-structure. This design allows for easy conversion between compressed and expanded states without damaging the braided structure, ensuring uniform surface coverage after expansion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If flow diverter implants are compressed for catheter insertion, then the implant can be delivered through the blood vessel, but the braided structure is destroyed at connection points resulting in non-uniform surface coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is divided into multiple tubular sections (first tubular section, second tubular section, third tubular section) that are produced separately and then connected. This segmentation allows each section to be independently compressed and expanded without destroying the braided structure at connection points, as the connections are designed to maintain structural integrity during deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The tubular sections are pre-formed with complete braided structures before assembly. The connections between sections are designed to preserve the braided pattern continuity, ensuring that surface coverage uniformity is maintained from the outset rather than being compromised by post-compression damage.
2Reliability
If coils are used to fill the aneurysm, then occlusion of the aneurysm is achieved, but coils may protrude from wide aneurysm necks into the blood vessel causing thrombosis
Solution Approach 1:
The implant uses a mesh structure with controlled mesh width that acts as a filter, allowing safe passage through wide aneurysm necks without protruding into the blood vessel. The mesh structure provides a barrier that prevents coil protrusion while maintaining blood flow through the parent vessel and side branches.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow diverter provides partial occlusion of the aneurysm neck rather than complete closure, redirecting blood flow away from the aneurysm sac while maintaining adequate flow through the parent vessel and branching vessels. This partial action prevents thrombosis by avoiding complete vessel occlusion.
3Reliability
If flow diverters with narrow mesh width are used to obstruct aneurysm access, then aneurysm isolation is achieved, but outgoing side branches may be covered and closed off
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is designed with varying mesh widths at different locations: narrower mesh at the aneurysm neck for effective isolation, and wider mesh or open structure at side branch openings to maintain patency. This local differentiation allows simultaneous achievement of aneurysm occlusion and side branch preservation.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant is divided into tubular sections that can be selectively positioned and configured. Different sections have different mesh characteristics tailored to their specific functions: some sections provide dense coverage for aneurysm isolation while other sections maintain openness for side branch flow.
Data Source
AI summary
An implant (1) for influencing the blood flow in the area of aneurysms which are localized at vascular branches of blood vessels. The implant is present in an expanded state, in which it is implanted in the blood vessel, and in a diameter-reduced, stretched state, in which it is movable through the blood vessel or a catheter. The implant (1) has at least three sections (2, 3) which, at least in the expanded state, are tubular and the walls of which are composed of interwoven wires (4) or interconnected struts, with at least two tubular sections (3) branching off from a first tubular section (2). The at least three tubular sections (2, 3) are made up individually and connected to one another at one end in each case in such a way that, in the expanded state, the blood flow through the first tubular section (2) into the tubular sections (3) branching off from the first tubular section (2) is ensured.