Stent Flexible Web Structure to Minimize Luminal Protrusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stents with metallic elements and flexible polymeric connecting elements can protrude into the luminal space, leading to clinical complications such as stenosis and altered blood hemodynamics.
Innovation Solution
The development of an endoprosthesis with flexible connecting elements that fold between the inner and outer circumference when compacted, providing stability and minimizing protrusion into the lumen, using materials like nitinol and polymeric coverings with controlled porosity and section modulus to enhance flexibility and radial force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If flexible polymeric connecting elements are used between metallic stent elements, then flexibility and radial force are improved, but the connecting elements may protrude into the luminal space causing stenosis and altered blood hemodynamics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses thin polymeric films or sheets as connecting elements between metallic stent elements. These thin films provide the necessary flexibility and radial force while minimizing protrusion into the luminal space due to their reduced thickness compared to traditional polymeric connecting elements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different material properties to different regions of the stent assembly. The metallic stent elements provide structural strength and radial force, while the thin polymeric connecting elements provide flexibility without significant protrusion. This local differentiation of material quality optimizes both mechanical performance and hemodynamic compatibility
2Ease of operation
If the stent is compacted to a small diameter for delivery, then ease of insertion is improved, but the flexible connecting elements may fold in a way that increases protrusion into the lumen
Solution Approach 1:
The thin polymeric films used as connecting elements are designed to compress and fold within the reduced diameter of the stent during delivery without protruding significantly into the lumen. Their thin profile allows them to accommodate the compacted state while maintaining minimal interference with blood flow
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 reduces interference with blood flow and minimizes clinical complications by maintaining flexibility and radial force while optimizing hemodynamics and deployment control.
Implementation Method 1
the flexible connecting elements are biased to fold substantially between the inner circumference and the outer circumference when the endoprosthesis is compacted
Implementation Method 2
These devices are typically made from nitinol metal alloys and typically rely on the super elastic and biocompatible character of the metal
Implementation Method 3
Nitinol stents that rely on the shape memory attributes of that material are also known
Data Source
AI summary
A stent and method of making incorporating flexible, preferably polymeric, connecting elements into the stent wherein these elements connect element(s) across an intervening space. The polymeric connecting elements are designed to fold within the space between the outer diameter of the stent and the inner diameter of the stent.