Stent Delivery Coupling Assembly with Rotatable Projections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional stent delivery systems face challenges in securely engaging and moving stents of varying sizes within a given catheter size, requiring multiple pad diameters and complex friction fits, which can lead to stent distortion and limited compatibility.

Innovation Solution

A stent delivery system featuring a coupling assembly with a rigid plate or sprocket stent engagement member having projections and recesses, allowing a single size engagement member to secure a range of stent sizes within a catheter, using spacers and tilting mechanisms to navigate tortuous anatomy and facilitate resheathing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional friction-fit pads are used to engage stents, then stents of varying sizes can be secured within a catheter, but multiple pad diameters are required and stent distortion occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with various stent sizesVSAvoidnumber of pad diameters required

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling assembly uses a single pad diameter that can engage stents of various sizes through a universal engagement mechanism. The pad is configured with a curvature radius that allows it to effectively engage different stent outer diameters without requiring multiple pad sizes, thereby achieving multi-functionality with a single component design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The engagement pad is designed with specific local geometric properties, including a curvature radius between 0.5-2.0 times the stent outer diameter, and engagement features positioned at specific locations (e.g., 12 o'clock position) to optimize engagement with the stent surface. This localized quality control enables effective engagement across different stent sizes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If conventional friction-fit pads are used to engage stents, then stents can be secured within a catheter, but stent distortion occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestent engagement and movementVSAvoidstent distortion

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling assembly incorporates rotational and tilting capabilities that allow dynamic adjustment during stent engagement and delivery. The assembly can rotate to align engagement features with stent pores and tilt to accommodate tortuous anatomy, enabling smooth stent movement without distortion while maintaining secure engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If a single pad diameter is used to engage various stent sizes, then device complexity is reduced, but engagement security may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of pad diametersVSAvoidstent engagement security

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If the coupling assembly is rigid to maintain engagement, then stent security is improved, but navigation through tortuous anatomy becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestent engagement securityVSAvoidnavigation through tortuous anatomy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling assembly includes flexible components such as the distal restraint and engagement pad that can bend and conform to tortuous vascular anatomy while maintaining stent engagement. These flexible elements allow the assembly to navigate complex vessel paths without compromising the security of stent attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUS11413176B2Medical device delivery

Publication Date: 2022.08.16 COVIDIEN LP

AI summary

A stent delivery system includes a core member and a coupling assembly rotatably coupled to the core member distal segment. The coupling assembly includes first and second plates and first and second spacers. The first plate is rotatably coupled to the core member and includes an outer surface having three or more projections separated by recesses. The first spacer is coupled to the core member and disposed between the first plate and a proximal restraint. The second plate is rotatably coupled to the core member and includes an outer surface having three or more projections separated by recesses. The second spacer is coupled to the core member and disposed between the first plate and the second plate. A stent extends along the core member distal segment such that an inner surface of the stent is engaged by one or more projections of the first plate or the second plate.