Stent Delivery Sheath Anti-Catch Member Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stent delivery systems face challenges with snagging or catching of the stent during withdrawal of the delivery sheath, which can lead to stent migration, damage, and embolism risks, particularly when the stent is located along a curve.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of an anti-catch member that is positionable adjacent to the proximal end of the deployment sheath, designed to allow the sheath to pass through the stent without catching, featuring a tapered or conically shaped tubular structure with a wider distal portion and a narrower proximal portion, which reduces the risk of snagging by providing a smooth transition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional delivery sheath is used to deliver and deploy a stent, then the stent can be successfully delivered to the target site and deployed, but the proximal end of the delivery sheath may catch or snag on the stent during withdrawal, leading to stent migration, damage, or embolism risks
Solution Approach 1:
An anti-catch member is introduced as an intermediary component between the delivery sheath and the stent. This member features a tapered outer surface that interfaces with the stent during sheath withdrawal, preventing direct contact and potential snagging between the sheath's proximal end and the stent. The anti-catch member acts as a mediator that eliminates the harmful interaction while allowing successful stent deployment and safe sheath removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The anti-catch member incorporates a tapered outer surface (curved geometry) that provides a smooth transition zone during sheath withdrawal. This curved surface allows the delivery sheath to pass through the deployed stent without catching, as the tapered geometry guides the sheath's proximal end smoothly past the stent structure, preventing snagging while maintaining deployment reliability.
2Ease of operation
If the delivery sheath is withdrawn after stent deployment, then the delivery system can be removed from the patient's body, but the proximal end of the sheath may catch on the stent causing stent migration or damage
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-catch member serves as a protective intermediary during the withdrawal phase. Its tapered outer surface is specifically designed to prevent the delivery sheath's proximal end from catching on the stent, ensuring both easy removal of the delivery system and stable positioning of the stent throughout the withdrawal process.
Solution Approach 2:
The anti-catch member is positioned in advance (before sheath withdrawal) to preemptively prevent potential snagging. By having the anti-catch member already in place with its tapered surface oriented to face the direction of withdrawal, the system proactively eliminates the risk of stent migration or damage before it can occur during sheath removal.
3Productivity
If the delivery sheath proximal end passes through the deployed stent, then the delivery system can be fully withdrawn, but catching may occur leading to embolism risks
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-catch member acts as a protective barrier between the delivery sheath and the stent during withdrawal. Its tapered outer surface prevents direct interaction that could cause stent displacement or fragmentation, thereby eliminating embolism risks while allowing complete withdrawal of the delivery system and ensuring procedure completion.
Solution Approach 2:
The anti-catch member converts the potentially harmful interaction (sheath catching on stent) into a beneficial outcome by using its tapered geometry to guide the sheath smoothly past the stent. This design transforms what would be a dangerous snagging event into a controlled, safe withdrawal process that eliminates embolism risks.
Data Source
AI summary
Stent delivery systems including a deployment sheath for the stent, and an anti-catch member positionable adjacent to a proximal end of the deployment sheath and designed to allow the proximal end of the deployment sheath to be passed through the stent without catching on the stent.