Stent Crimping Iris Assembly With Locking Spacer Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional stent crimping devices are complex and costly due to their intricate arrangements of multiple parts and complex interactions, necessitating a need for simpler and more efficient alternatives for compressing and loading stents and stent devices like replacement heart valve implants.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a housing with a first iris and a spacer plate, featuring locking elements and movable irises that allow for radial compression of stents, with distinct positions and forces required to lock and unlock, simplifying the assembly process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional stent crimping devices are used, then reliable stent compression is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional modules: an iris assembly with multiple independently controllable arms, a compression chamber, and a delivery catheter interface. Each arm of the iris can be actuated independently to apply radial compression forces, allowing complex compression patterns to be achieved through simple modular components rather than a monolithic complex structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The iris arms are designed to be dynamically adjustable during the crimping process. The arms can move from an expanded configuration (to accommodate the stent in its native state) to a compressed configuration (to apply radial compression forces). This dynamic adaptability allows a single device structure to handle multiple stages of the crimping process without requiring multiple static components.
2Force
If conventional stent crimping devices are used, then adequate compression force is applied, but the number of components and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional elements are merged into integrated assemblies. The iris arms are connected to a common circumferential ring structure that distributes compression forces uniformly. The locking mechanism integrates the compression force application and position fixation functions into a single operational sequence, reducing the need for separate components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The iris arms serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for the stent during loading, apply radial compression forces during crimping, and maintain compressed position through their rigid structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each operation, simplifying the overall device architecture while maintaining adequate compression forces.
3Device complexity
If simpler device structures are used, then manufacturing cost decreases, but operational reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The device concentrates complexity only where locally required for reliable operation. The iris arms have reinforced structures specifically at the compression interfaces with the stent to ensure adequate force application, while other portions of the device use simpler geometries. The locking mechanism incorporates localized features (such as engagement protrusions and recesses) that provide reliable positioning without requiring complex overall device architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for radially compressing a stent includes a housing and a first iris positioned adjacent the housing. The first iris includes a circumferential ring, a plurality of arms extending radially inward from the ring, and a lever extending radially outward from the ring. The first iris includes an open position recess, a closed position recess, and a guide recess formed in the ring. The device may include a second iris positioned adjacent the housing, and a spacer plate disposed between the first and second irises. The spacer plate includes first and second locking elements disposed radially inward of the outer circumference of the spacer plate. The first locking element engages with the first iris to selectively lock in open and closed positions. The second locking element engages with the second iris to selectively lock in open and closed positions. The first and second locking elements are circumferentially spaced apart.