Stent Graft Diameter Reduction for Aortic Curvature

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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 or ulcers in the thoracic aorta or aortic arch.

Innovation Solution

A diameter reduction system for medical devices, comprising a tubular graft body with a stent and a diameter reducing arrangement using a strand section that constricts the stent, where the strand section is secured at both ends and forms double-stranded tails and loops to constrict the stent graft, allowing for alignment and re-alignment within the aortic curvature.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the stent graft is inserted in a curved aorta, then the stent graft can treat aneurysms or ulcers in the thoracic aorta or aortic arch, but the stent graft forms a 'bird beak' configuration that prevents proper conforming to the aortic curvature

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to conform to aortic curvatureVSAvoidbird beak configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The stent graft is pre-formed with a curved shape that matches the aortic curvature before insertion. The proximal end of the stent graft is pre-bent to conform to the expected curvature of the aorta, allowing it to properly align and seal when deployed in the curved anatomical structure, thereby preventing the bird beak configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Volume of moving object

If the stent graft is inserted in a compressed state to maintain low profile, then the device can be delivered endoluminally, but the stent graft cannot expand to its functional diameter without the diameter reduction arrangement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprofile diameter during insertionVSAvoidfunctional diameter
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The stent graft is designed with dynamic diameter characteristics, allowing it to transition from a compressed low-profile state during delivery to an expanded functional state after deployment. The diameter reduction arrangement at the proximal end dynamically adjusts to maintain conformance to the curved aorta while the stent graft expands to its full functional diameter distally.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4487815A1Medical device system
Publication Date: 2025.01.08 COOK MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC
  • EP4487815A1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1D
  • EP4487815A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4487815A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

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 (14). The diameter reducing arrangement includes a strand section (24) 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 (24). In a constricted configuration of the medical device a first portion of the strand section (24) extends back on itself to form a first double-stranded tail (24) leading to a first loop, the first tail (24) 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.