Stent Compression Iris Mechanism for Simpler Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional stent crimping devices are complex and costly due to their intricate arrangements of multiple parts, necessitating a need for simpler and more cost-effective alternatives for compressing and loading stents, such as balloon expandable stents and replacement heart valve implants.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a housing with a first iris having a circumferential ring and inward arms, where rotation of the ring shifts inner hinge points to change the central opening size, allowing for radial compression and loading of stents using a simplified mechanism with fewer components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional stent crimping devices are used, then stent compression function is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional modules: an iris assembly with multiple arms that can independently move radially, a rotation assembly for controlling the iris, and a compression assembly. This segmentation allows each module to perform its specific function efficiently while simplifying the overall design and reducing interdependence between components.
Solution Approach 2:
The iris arms are designed with dynamic movement capability, transitioning between extended and retracted positions through rotation. This dynamic configuration allows the device to adapt its compression force and opening size during operation, enabling reliable stent compression while maintaining a compact and simple structure through motion rather than complex mechanical linkages.
2Reliability
If conventional stent crimping devices are used, then stent compression function is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into integrated assemblies: the iris arms combine compression function with radial positioning, the rotation assembly integrates control mechanisms, and the housing unifies support and alignment features. This merging reduces the total number of discrete parts, simplifies manufacturing processes, and lowers assembly complexity while maintaining reliable stent compression performance.
3Productivity
If iris arms are rotated to change opening size, then stent loading efficiency improves, but mechanical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The iris arms act as intermediaries between the rotation assembly and the stent. By rotating the iris arms within the housing, the device controls the opening size and guides the stent into position without requiring direct mechanical interaction between the rotation mechanism and the stent. This intermediary approach improves loading efficiency while keeping the mechanical system simple and modular.
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 device provides efficient radial compression and loading of stents with reduced complexity and cost, enhancing the ease and efficiency of stent deployment.
Implementation Method 1
Rotation of the first circumferential ring in a first circumferential direction is configured to shift the first inner hinge point of a first arm of the first plurality of arms from a first side of a first radius extending through a central longitudinal axis of the first iris and the first outer hinge point of the first arm of the first plurality of arms to a second side of the first radius
Implementation Method 2
A radially outward force exerted against the first arm of the first plurality of arms urges the first circumferential ring in a second circumferential direction opposite the first circumferential direction when the first inner hinge point of the first arm of the first plurality of arms is disposed on the first side of the first radius
Data Source
AI summary
A device for radially compressing a stent includes a housing and a first iris including a first circumferential ring and a first plurality of arms extending inward from the ring, each arm defining a first outer hinge point and a first inner hinge point. Rotation of the ring in a first direction is configured to shift the inner hinge point from a first side to a second side of a first radius extending through a central longitudinal axis of the iris and the first outer hinge point. A radially outward force exerted against the arms biases the ring in a first direction in a first configuration and in a second direction in a second configuration. A method of loading a stent includes inserting a stent into the iris, and rotating the ring to shift the arms from the first to the second configuration.