Stent Graft Intermediary Element Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Stent grafts with ring stent elements tend to rotate or tilt during deployment or post-deployment due to lack of stability, which complicates the minimization of stent material for packaging and deployment.
Innovation Solution
A separate stent element with a central portion and arms, such as 'V' or 'Y' shaped, is independently attached to the sleeve, allowing it to flex and bend independently of the ring stents, stabilizing them by associating with each other and reducing rotational and tilting issues, and can change configuration from a compact state for delivery to an expanded state post-deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If ring stent elements are used in stent grafts to maintain patency, then the prosthesis can be delivered by catheter in a compressed state, but the ring stents tend to rotate or tilt during deployment or post-deployment due to lack of stability
Solution Approach 1:
The stent graft is divided into multiple discrete ring stent elements attached at spaced intervals along the sleeve, with additional stent elements positioned between the rings. This segmentation allows each component to be independently optimized for compression during delivery while providing multiple stabilization points to prevent rotation and tilting of individual ring stents during deployment and after implantation.
2Volume of moving object
If minimal stent material is used to maintain patency, then the prosthesis can be packaged in minimal volume for catheter delivery, but the stent lacks stability and tends to rotate or tilt
Solution Approach 1:
Additional stent elements are introduced as intermediary components positioned between the main ring stent elements. These intermediate stent elements act as mediators that provide additional stabilization and prevent rotation or tilting of the ring stents, while still allowing the overall structure to be compressed to minimal volume for catheter delivery. The intermediaries distribute mechanical stresses and enhance stability without requiring excessive material.
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
This design enhances the stability of the stent graft, reduces rotational and tilting issues, facilitates easier packaging and deployment, and improves the seal and patency of the prosthesis by allowing the stent element to adapt to a more open configuration post-deployment, enhancing the overall performance and usability of the stent graft.
Implementation Method 1
The stent element can change configuration from a compact state for delivery to an expanded state post-deployment
Data Source
Figure 1~3B
Figure 4A~4B
Figure 5
AI summary
There is provided a stent element comprising a central portion (2) with two arms (3) extending therefrom, optionally in a V-shaped or Y-shaped configuration. The arms of the stent-element are resiliently deformable to facilitate packing and suitable material for forming the stent-element is nitinol or PEEK. The stent element can be used to stabilise two adjacent ring stents on a stent graft by attachment to the graft material between the ring stents, for example by sewing The stent element stabilises the ring stent without risk of fracture. A stent graft having two ring stents and the stent element located be¬ tween the ring stents is also described.