Stent Delivery Balloon Ridges for Compact Profile
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional stent delivery systems have a limited applicability due to the increased outer diameter of the distal portion caused by the ridge portions of the balloon projecting outward, which can lead to positional displacement and detachment of the stent from the balloon.
Innovation Solution
The stent delivery system features a balloon with recessed concave portions at the top of its ridge portions, allowing these ridge portions to be sandwiched between the stent's struts, thereby minimizing the outer diameter and preventing stent displacement and detachment, achieved through a manufacturing method that inflates the balloon to project into the spaces between the struts and then reduces pressure to form the concave portions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the ridge portions of the balloon project outward to engage the stent, then the engagement strength between stent and balloon is improved, but the outer diameter of the distal portion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The balloon surface is designed with localized ridge portions that project outward only in the spaces between stent struts, while the top portions of these ridges are recessed to maintain a compact outer diameter. This local differentiation allows engagement strength to be concentrated where needed without increasing the overall outer diameter of the distal portion.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the entire ridge portion project outward to maximize engagement, the invention inverts the approach by recessing the top portion of the ridge. This inversion maintains engagement capability through the sidewalls while reducing the outer diameter, solving the contradiction between engagement strength and compact size.
2Reliability
If the ridge portions project outward to engage the stent, then the stent is prevented from detachment, but the applicability to lumens is limited due to increased outer diameter
Solution Approach 1:
The ridge portions are strategically localized to project only in the inter-strut spaces where engagement is needed, while the top portions are recessed to maintain a small overall profile. This allows reliable stent engagement without increasing the outer diameter, thereby maintaining adaptability to various lumen sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement mechanism transitions from a radial projection (increasing outer diameter) to a longitudinal positioning system where the ridge sits within the inter-strut space. This dimensional repositioning maintains engagement reliability while reducing the outer diameter footprint, improving lumen applicability.
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
This design minimizes the outer diameter of the distal portion, enhances engagement strength between the stent and balloon, and reduces the likelihood of positional displacement and detachment, allowing for a more compact and effective stent delivery system.
Implementation Method 1
an inflatable balloon disposed on an outer periphery of a distal portion of a hollow shaft portion and a stent disposed on an outer periphery of the balloon and having struts expanded by inflation of the balloon
Implementation Method 2
The ridge portions of the balloon are formed by inflating, when the stent delivery system is manufactured, the balloon so that part of the balloon projects into spaces between struts and the projected portions are sandwiched by the struts
Data Source
AI summary
A stent delivery system, and associated manufacturing method, are such that the outer diameter of the distal portion of the stent delivery system is relatively small. The stent delivery system includes a hollow shaft portion, an inflatable balloon disposed on the outer periphery of a distal portion of the shaft portion, and a stent disposed on the outer periphery of the balloon and having struts expanded by inflation of the balloon. The balloon has a ridge portion with which the stent is engaged. The ridge portion is sandwiched in a space between the struts, and a top portion of the ridge portion has a concave portion recessed toward the axis of the shaft portion.