Modular Stent Graft Coupling via In Situ Barb Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current stent graft systems are pre-assembled and lack adaptability to the actual vessel geometry, limiting their positioning and deployment flexibility, especially in complex vascular structures like the aortic arch and branch outlets.
Innovation Solution
A stent graft system with an expandable tubular mesh structure and outwardly projecting barbs, facilitated by a laser-guided catheter for on-site coupling, allowing for optimal adaptation and deployment in endovascular procedures, including aneurysm and A-dissections treatment with neuroprotection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If stent grafts are pre-assembled before introduction into the blood vessel, then the connection is secure and stable, but the adaptability to actual vessel geometry is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The stent graft system is divided into separate modular components (first stent graft and second stent graft) that can be introduced independently through catheters and then coupled together in situ. This segmentation allows each component to be positioned and adapted to the actual vessel geometry before final assembly, resolving the contradiction between connection stability and adaptability.
2Ease of operation
If stent grafts are assembled before introduction, then the deployment process is simpler, but positioning flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static pre-assembled configuration to a dynamic in-situ assembly process. The stent grafts are introduced in a compressed state through catheters, then expanded and coupled at the target location, allowing positioning adjustments during the procedure while maintaining deployment simplicity through the self-expanding and barb-coupling mechanisms.
3Length of moving object
If branch outlets are folded and deployed subsequently, then the prosthesis can be introduced through smaller vessels, but positioning precision is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The first stent graft is deployed and positioned precisely in the main vessel first, establishing a stable foundation. Then the second stent graft with barbs is introduced and coupled to the first graft at the precise location where branch outlet connection is needed. This preliminary positioning of the main graft enables subsequent precise branch positioning, resolving the contradiction between small access size and positioning precision.
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
Enables precise, minimally invasive endovascular repair of the aortic arch and descending aorta with adjustable stent diameters, reducing the risk of embolism and allowing for optimal blood flow to coronary arteries, while using Nitinol and PTFE materials for enhanced flexibility and durability.
Implementation Method 1
The material of the mesh structure of the first stent graft can be a shape memory alloy, preferably Nitinol
Implementation Method 2
the at least one second stent graft has at a distal end outwardly projecting barbs, via which the at least second stent graft can be coupled to the first stent graft in the expanded mode
Implementation Method 3
the first stent graft may be coated with a layer, particularly a polymer, such as in particular polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)
Data Source
AI summary
A stent graft system (1) with a first stent graft (2) expandable in respect of a diameter, and with at least a second stent graft (3). The first stent graft (2) at least in some areas has a tubular net structure (4) which, in an expanded mode, has a net structure (4) with substantially round annular meshes (5). The at least second stent graft (3) has, at a distal end (6), outwardly extending barbs (7) via which the at least second stent graft (3) can be coupled to the first stent graft (2) in the expanded mode. The distal end (6) of the at least second stent graft (3) passes through a round annular mesh (5) of corresponding diameter and, with its outwardly extending barbs (7), engages on the round annular mesh (5). Also, a method for coupling stent grafts as a stent graft system.