Side Branch Stent Eyelet Structure for Single-Layer Bifurcation Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing stent strategies for bifurcations, such as the double-kiss (DK) crush technique, result in multiple layers of stent scaffold against the vessel wall, which can negatively affect endothelialization and are in need of alternative designs and methods for improved side branch coverage.

Innovation Solution

A side branch stent with a main body portion and an extension portion extending circumferentially around less than a full circumference, featuring an eyelet for guidewire passage, allows for self-orientation and minimal overlap with a main branch stent, ensuring a single layer of stent scaffold contact in the deployed configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the double-kiss crush technique is used to provide side branch coverage, then side branch coverage is improved, but multiple layers of stent scaffold are positioned against the vessel wall which negatively affects endothelization

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveside branch coverageVSAvoidendothelization

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The stent is divided into a main body portion and a separate extension portion that can be independently deployed. The extension portion is deployed first to cover the side branch, followed by deployment of the main body portion in the main branch. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific location and function, avoiding the need for multiple overlapping stent layers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The extension portion is deployed preliminarily before the main body portion. By first establishing coverage in the side branch with the extension portion, the stent system achieves side branch coverage without requiring subsequent crushing or overlapping of multiple stent layers, thereby preserving endothelization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If multiple layers of stent scaffold are positioned against the vessel wall, then side branch coverage is achieved, but the complexity of the stent structure increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveside branch coverageVSAvoidstent scaffold layers

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The extension portion extends circumferentially around less than a full circumference of the main body portion, creating a dimensional configuration that allows the stent to cover the side branch without requiring multiple axial layers. This circumferential extension in a different spatial dimension enables single-layer coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Strength

If the extension portion extends circumferentially around less than a full circumference, then the stent can engage with the main branch stent wall, but the self-orientation capability must be precise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengagement with main branch stentVSAvoidself-orientation

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The extension portion extends circumferentially around less than a full circumference of the main body portion, creating an asymmetric configuration. This asymmetry provides a unique geometric interface that facilitates engagement with the main branch stent wall while maintaining self-orientation capability through the asymmetric geometry itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The extension portion is configured to engage with the main branch stent wall through its curved circumferential extension. The arcuate geometry of the extension portion allows it to conform to the curvature of the main branch stent wall, facilitating strong engagement while maintaining the self-orientation function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentUS20260041570A1Stent, system, and method for supporting a side branch of a body lumen at a bifurcation

Publication Date: 2026.02.12 BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED INC

AI summary

A side branch stent includes a main body portion, an extension portion extending from the main body portion circumferentially around less than a full circumference of the main body portion, and an eyelet extending from the main body portion. A stent system includes a main branch stent and a side branch stent configured to engage a side wall of the main branch stent such that the main branch stent supports a main branch and the side branch stent supports a side branch. A method includes positioning first and second guidewires in side and main branches of a body lumen, advancing the side branch stent over the first guidewire into the side branch while the second guidewire is positioned through the eyelet and extends into the main branch distal of the bifurcation, and deploying the side branch stent in the side branch with the extension portion extending into the body lumen.