Self-Expandable Vascular Stent with Segmented Cell Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices for treating vasculature and bodily ducts, such as stents and flow diverters, are inadequate for effectively addressing aneurysms, stenoses, and embolic obstructions, requiring improved methods and devices for deployment and retrieval within the body.
Innovation Solution
A self-expandable vascular treatment device with a plurality of cell structures that transition from a compact delivery position to a radially expanded position, featuring a proximal end portion, cylindrical main body portion, and distal end portion, allowing for deployment within bodily ducts or vasculature, and a method for embolic obstruction retrieval using a delivery catheter and elongate flexible wire.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a self-expandable member with cell structures is used to treat vasculature and bodily ducts, then the device can provide radial force for engaging obstructions and treating aneurysms, but the device complexity increases due to the need for precise cell structure configurations in proximal and distal end portions
Solution Approach 1:
The self-expandable member is divided into distinct segments: a proximal end portion with open-ended cell structures, a distal end portion with open-ended cell structures, and a main body portion with closed-cell structures. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized for its specific function while simplifying the overall design process by treating each segment independently.
Solution Approach 2:
Different cell structure configurations are applied to different portions of the self-expandable member based on local requirements. The proximal and distal end portions use open-ended structures for flexibility and engagement, while the main body uses closed-cell structures for radial strength and stability, optimizing performance for each specific location.
2Ease of operation
If the self-expandable member is designed with linear rail segments in outer-most cell structures, then the device can be effectively deployed and retracted within a delivery catheter, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The linear rail segments are pre-formed as integral parts of the self-expandable member during manufacturing, establishing the deployment geometry in advance. This preliminary configuration ensures that when the member is deployed from the delivery catheter, the linear segments guide the expansion and retraction movements without requiring complex real-time adjustments.
3Volume of moving object
If the self-expandable member is made with a longitudinal slit, then the device can be compressed to a smaller delivery profile, but the structural strength is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The longitudinal slit divides the self-expandable member into separate longitudinal segments that can compress independently. This segmentation allows the structure to collapse into a compact configuration for delivery while maintaining the ability to expand to full radial strength at the treatment site.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-expandable member utilizes curved and undulating cell structures that can flex and compress along the longitudinal slit while maintaining radial integrity when expanded. The curved geometry allows compact storage and facilitates expansion to the required radial strength for treating obstructions and aneurysms.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables effective deployment and retrieval of the device within the body, providing sufficient radial force for engaging and removing embolic obstructions while minimizing vessel wall injury and allowing for retraction into a delivery catheter.
Implementation Method 1
the expandable member being movable from a first delivery position to a second placement position, in the first delivery position the expandable member being in an unexpanded position and having a nominal first diameter and in the second position the expandable member being in a radially expanded position and having a second nominal diameter greater than the first nominal diameter
Data Source
AI summary
Devices including a self-expandable member having a proximal end portion and a main body portion. The self-expandable member is movable from a first delivery position to a second placement position, in the first delivery position the expandable member being in an unexpanded position and having a nominal first diameter and in the second position the expandable member being in a radially expanded position and having a second nominal diameter greater than the first nominal diameter for deployment within a vessel or duct of a patient. The expandable member includes a plurality of cell structures with the cell structures in the main body portion extending circumferentially around a longitudinal axis of the expandable member and the cell structures in the proximal end portion extending less than circumferentially around the longitudinal axis of the expandable member to form first and second peripheral rails that vary in width along their lengths.