Self-Expanding Stent with Anchoring Flanges for Ductus Arteriosus Patency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical devices are not specifically designed to maintain patency of the ductus arteriosus in neonates, leading to high rates of reintervention, morbidity, and mortality.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the deployment of a self-expanding stent within the ductus arteriosus, with flanges anchoring at the pulmonary artery and aortic ostia to ensure complete coverage and prevent closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If adult coronary artery stents are repurposed for ductus arteriosus, then device availability is improved, but device complexity and mismatch with pediatric anatomy worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The stent is divided into multiple segments that can be deployed sequentially through a catheter system, allowing the complex device to be delivered through small pediatric access points while maintaining the ability to provide comprehensive ductal support
Solution Approach 2:
The stent incorporates varying strut densities and configurations along its length, with denser struts in regions requiring stronger support and sparser struts in regions requiring flexibility, matching the specific anatomical requirements of different ductal segments
2Stability of the object's composition
If stent flanges are designed to anchor at ostia, then stent stability is improved, but risk of obstructing pulmonary artery or aorta worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The flanges are designed with asymmetric strut configurations where the inner struts are shorter and the outer struts are longer, creating a geometry that anchors securely at the ostium while naturally preventing protrusion into the pulmonary artery or aorta
Solution Approach 2:
The flange structure employs asymmetric design elements including varying strut lengths and angles that provide directional stability, ensuring the stent remains properly positioned without encroaching on adjacent vascular structures
3Reliability
If stent body covers entire ductus length, then patency maintenance is improved, but device length and delivery complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The stent body is constructed from multiple connected segments that can be compressed into a small profile for catheter delivery, then expanded sequentially to cover the entire ductal length, reducing delivery complexity while maintaining full coverage capability
Solution Approach 2:
The segmented stent structure allows each segment to nest within the delivery catheter in a compact configuration, similar to nested dolls, enabling the long stent to be delivered through a small-bore catheter without excessive delivery system complexity
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 solution effectively maintains patency of the ductus arteriosus, reducing the need for reintervention and improving patient outcomes by ensuring adequate blood circulation.
Implementation Method 1
a self-expanding stent
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are methods for maintaining a patent ductus arteriosus in a pediatric patient. The method includes deploying a first end of a self-expanding stent at a first end of a lumen defined by a ductus arteriosus; anchoring at least a portion of a first flange of the first end of the stent such that the first flange at least partially circumferentially covers one of: a pulmonary artery ostium or an aortic ostium; deploying a second end of the stent, such that a stent body covers an entire length of the lumen defined by the ductus arteriosus; and anchoring a least a portion of a second flange of the second end of the stent such that the second flange at least partially circumferentially covers the other of the pulmonary artery ostium or the aortic ostium. The methods described herein may be used to increase pulmonary dependent circulation or systemic circulation.