Segmented Endoprosthesis Holder for Curved Vessel Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoprosthesis holders face challenges in maintaining the axial position of stents within bodily lumens during deployment, especially in curved and tortuous vessels, due to axial displacement caused by frictional contact between the sheath and stent, and lack sufficient flexibility to conform to these paths without kinking.
Innovation Solution
The endoprosthesis holder features proximal and distal connector structures with an intermediate connector structure that includes transverse and axial structures, providing engagement with the stent to resist axial displacement and offering flexibility and torsional stiffness through its design, preventing kinking and maintaining stent position during reconstrainment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the endoprosthesis holder is made flexible to conform to curved vessels, then adaptability to tortuous lumens is improved, but torsional stiffness deteriorates causing kinking
Solution Approach 1:
The endoprosthesis holder is divided into multiple segments including proximal connector structures, distal connector structures, and intermediate connector structures with transverse and axial structures. These segmented components can flex relative to each other to conform to curved vessel paths while the overall structure maintains torsional stiffness through the interconnected architecture that prevents kinking.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder employs composite construction combining materials with different mechanical properties - flexible materials in regions requiring conformability to vessels and stiffer materials in regions requiring torsional resistance. This composite approach allows simultaneous achievement of flexibility for navigation and stiffness for structural integrity.
2Ease of operation
If the sheath is retracted to expose the stent, then stent deployment is enabled, but axial displacement of the stent occurs due to frictional contact
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is pre-configured with engagement features such as outward protrusions and retention structures that engage the stent before sheath retraction begins. This preliminary engagement ensures that when the sheath is retracted to deploy the stent, the holder maintains axial position control, preventing unwanted displacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The endoprosthesis holder acts as an intermediary component between the sheath and stent. During sheath retraction, the holder engages both the sheath and stent, mediating their interaction to enable stent deployment while simultaneously preventing axial displacement that would otherwise occur due to frictional contact between the sheath and stent.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the holder structure is made rigid to prevent kinking, then structural stability is improved, but flexibility to navigate curved lumens deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is segmented into multiple connector structures that can flex independently, allowing the overall structure to bend and conform to curved lumens while each segment maintains structural stability. The segmentation enables controlled flexibility without compromising the integrity of individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder incorporates dynamic characteristics with fixed and movable portions. The structure can adapt its rigidity - remaining stiff in regions requiring structural stability while allowing controlled flexing in regions requiring navigation through curved paths. This dynamic behavior enables the holder to maintain stability when needed and flex when required.
Data Source
AI summary
An endoprosthesis holder includes a proximal connector structure having an outer surface. A distal connector structure has an outer surface. An intermediate connector structure is connected to the proximal and distal connector structures such that the intermediate connector structure is between the proximal and distal connector structures. The intermediate connector structure includes one or more intermediate transverse structures and one or more axial structures. The one or more intermediate transverse structures are connected to one another and to the proximal and distal connector structures by the one or more axial structures. The intermediate connector structure has an outer surface. An outward protrusion is connected to one or more of the outer surfaces of the proximal connector structure or distal connector structure or intermediate connector structure.