Stent Delivery Balloon Thiol Layer Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing stent delivery systems face challenges with balloon-expandable stents, where the stent may shift or drop off during insertion due to friction, and the process of inflating the balloon after crimping complicates manufacturing and can lead to balloon cracking or pinhole formation.
Innovation Solution
A stent delivery system with a tube-shaped shaft body and a balloon at its distal end, where a stent drop-off preventing layer containing compounds with multiple thiol groups is formed on the balloon surface, supported by ionized gas plasma, to prevent stent shifting and balloon damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the stent is securely fixed to the balloon part, then the stent placement stability is improved, but the friction between the stent and blood vessel causes the stent to shift on the balloon during insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical parameter of the balloon surface by forming a thiol group-containing layer, which fundamentally alters the surface properties to achieve both strong stent fixation and smooth insertion without the traditional friction problem
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite structure consisting of the balloon base material combined with a thiol group-containing layer, creating a multi-functional surface that provides both adhesion for stent fixation and low friction for smooth insertion
2Ease of manufacture
If the balloon is inflated after crimping the stent, then the stent expansion function is achieved, but the manufacturing process becomes complicated and the balloon may crack or form pinholes
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies preliminary action by forming the thiol group-containing layer on the balloon surface before stent crimping, which pre-establishes the protective and adhesive properties needed to prevent balloon damage during subsequent manufacturing and deployment steps
Solution Approach 2:
The thiol group-containing layer acts as an intermediary between the balloon and stent, providing a protective interface that prevents direct stress concentration points that would lead to balloon cracking or pinhole formation during inflation
3Ease of operation
If the stent is mounted on the straight tube section of the balloon, then the stent can be easily positioned, but the stent may shift distally or proximally so that one end portion is located on the tapered section
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the surface parameter of the balloon by introducing a thiol group-containing layer with specific adhesive properties, which creates strong fixation points that prevent stent shifting in the axial direction while maintaining easy positioning
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
The system effectively prevents stent drop-off and shifting during insertion, and reduces the risk of balloon cracking or pinhole formation, ensuring stable stent placement and durability.
Implementation Method 1
the compound with the thiol groups is supported on the balloon surface by irradiation with an ionized gas plasma
Implementation Method 2
a stent drop-off preventing layer containing a compound with a plurality of thiol groups is formed on at least a portion of a surface of the balloon, and at least that portion of the stent which makes contact with the stent drop-off preventing layer is made of a metal
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
To provide a stent delivery system that can limit / prevent drop-off or shifting of a stent from the balloon. A stent delivery system that is equipped with a main tube-shaped shaft, a balloon provided on the tip of the main shaft, and a stent fitted so as to encircle the balloon, wherein a layer for preventing stent drop-off containing a compound with multiple thiol groups is formed on at least a portion of the balloon surface, and at least the portion of the stent that contacts said stent drop-off preventing layer is made of metal.