Segmented Endoprosthesis Structure for Flexibility and Radial Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoprostheses face challenges in achieving sufficient flexibility, conformability, radial force, and preventing migration while maintaining deliverability and minimizing foreshortening.
Innovation Solution
The endoprosthesis is designed with a single wire forming non-helically arranged circumferential segments, featuring undulating struts and transition segments at varying angles, with a polymeric covering, and anti-migration elements to enhance flexibility and anchoring, while minimizing foreshortening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional endoprosthesis designs are used, then structural strength and radial force are maintained, but flexibility and conformability to body lumens are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The endoprosthesis is divided into multiple circumferential segments arranged helically around the longitudinal axis, with each segment capable of independent deformation. This segmentation allows the structure to maintain radial strength through the continuous helical pattern while enabling flexibility through local segment movement and deformation during deployment and conforming to body lumens.
Solution Approach 2:
The endoprosthesis transitions from a rigid pre-formed structure to a dynamic configuration that can adapt to body lumens. The helical circumferential segments are designed to deform and reconfigure during deployment, allowing the device to conform to various body lumen shapes while maintaining structural integrity and radial force through the continuous helical architecture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the endoprosthesis is made more flexible for better conformability, then adaptability to body lumens improves, but radial force and structural strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The endoprosthesis incorporates a polymeric covering material that works in conjunction with the metallic helical structure. This composite construction allows the polymeric layer to provide flexibility and conformability to body lumens while the underlying helical metal structure maintains radial force and structural strength, creating a synergistic effect where each material compensates for the other's limitations.
3Ease of operation
If conventional endoprosthesis designs are used, then delivery capability is achieved, but foreshortening occurs during deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The endoprosthesis is pre-formed and pre-configured in a compressed state within the delivery system, with the helical circumferential segments arranged to minimize foreshortening during deployment. The preliminary arrangement of segments allows the device to expand to its full length during deployment without significant foreshortening, maintaining the intended dimensional characteristics while enabling successful delivery through constrained catheters.
4Ease of manufacture
If the endoprosthesis structure is simplified for easier manufacturing, then production complexity is reduced, but migration resistance and anchoring characteristics may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The endoprosthesis features discrete circumferential segments separated by axial gaps, creating a segmented helical structure. This segmentation pattern is designed to be manufacturable through standard processes while the specific arrangement of segments and axial gaps creates effective anchoring characteristics that prevent migration. The segmented design allows for controlled deformation and tissue engagement that simplifies manufacturing compared to continuous structures while maintaining migration resistance.
Data Source
AI summary
An endoprosthesis includes a body portion extending from a first end to a second end along a central longitudinal axis. The body portion is formed from a single wire extending from the first end to the second end and forming a plurality of circumferential segments extending non-helically around the axis. The plurality of circumferential segments includes a first end circumferential segment forming the first end, a second end circumferential segment forming the second end, and at least one medial circumferential segment disposed between the first and second end circumferential segments. Each circumferential segment includes an undulating arrangement of first struts and second struts defining peaks and valleys, the first and second struts being disposed at first and second angles, respectively, relative to the axis in a side view of the body portion. Peaks and valleys of adjacent circumferential segments may be axially aligned with each other parallel to the axis.