Stent Graft Diameter Reduction Loop for Aortic Curvature Conformance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical devices, such as stent grafts, face challenges in conforming to the curvature of the aorta, leading to malposition and procedural failures due to the 'Bird Beak' configuration, which complicates the treatment of aneurysms and ulcers in the thoracic aorta or aortic arch.
Innovation Solution
A diameter reducing arrangement is introduced, featuring a strand section with immovable ends secured to the stent graft, which forms double-stranded tails and loops to constrict the device, allowing for alignment and re-alignment, preventing malposition by constraining the stent graft and enabling it to conform to the aortic curvature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a stent graft is inserted into the aorta to treat aneurysms or ulcers, then the patient receives treatment for the vascular condition, but the stent graft may fail to conform to the curvature of the aorta, leading to malposition and procedural failures
Solution Approach 1:
The stent graft incorporates a diameter reduction loop that can dynamically change the diameter of the proximal end from an expanded configuration to a constricted configuration. This dynamic adjustment allows the proximal end to conform to the curved geometry of the aorta during deployment, preventing malposition while maintaining treatment effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the geometric parameter of the stent graft by reducing the diameter of the proximal end relative to the distal end. This parameter change creates a tapered or constricted proximal section that can better adapt to the curved aortic anatomy, improving alignment and procedural success while treating the underlying vascular condition.
2Strength
If the stent graft is made rigid to maintain structural integrity, then the device provides stable support, but it cannot conform to the curved geometry of the aorta, causing malposition
Solution Approach 1:
The stent graft is divided into functionally distinct segments: a distal section with larger diameter for structural support and a proximal section with reduced diameter for curvature conformance. The diameter reduction loop creates this segmentation, allowing each portion to fulfill its specific function while maintaining overall structural integrity of the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The diameter reduction loop provides a dynamic mechanism that allows the proximal end to be constricted during deployment to match the curved aortic geometry, then potentially expanded later if needed. This dynamic capability enables the rigid stent structure to adapt to curved anatomy without compromising its inherent strength and structural integrity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the diameter of the proximal end is reduced to match the aortic curvature, then the stent graft can conform to the curve, but the device becomes more complex with additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The diameter reduction loop is integrated with the stent graft structure itself, merging the curvature-adaptation function into the main device body. This integration reduces the need for separate alignment devices or complex multi-component systems, achieving curvature conformance while minimizing additional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The diameter reduction loop serves multiple functions: it constrains the proximal end to the curved aortic geometry during deployment, provides a mechanism for potential later expansion, and maintains structural continuity with the rest of the stent graft. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components.
Data Source
AI summary
A medical device system includes a tubular medical device and a diameter reducing arrangement. The tubular medical device comprises a tubular graft body having proximal and distal ends. The diameter reducing arrangement is configured for constricting the medical device, and includes a strand section having first and second ends and being immovably secured to the medical device at the first end and at the second end. The second end is a first circumferential distance from the first end by way of a path along the strand section In a constricted configuration of the medical device a first portion of the strand section extends back on itself to form a first double-stranded tail leading to a first loop, the first tail extending circumferentially against the graft body, constricting the medical device by the strand section restricting the first circumferential distance between the first and second ends of the strand section.