Stent-Graft Attachment via Continuous Anchoring Machine Stitching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current stent-graft attachment techniques are labor-intensive, prone to human error, and increase the risk of fluid leakage due to suture holes in the graft fabric, which can enlarge over time, and require marking that may contaminate or damage the fabric.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method of continuous anchoring machine stitching with loop points to attach the stent to the graft material, eliminating the need for suture holes and manual marking, thereby reducing manufacturing tolerances and the risk of leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If hand-stitching techniques are used to attach stent to graft, then flexibility and precision in attachment are improved, but labor intensity and manufacturing time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical stitching process with an automated machine stitching system. The stitching machine automatically positions and sews the stent to the graft fabric using pre-marked patterns, eliminating manual labor while maintaining attachment precision through programmed control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies patterns to the graft fabric before the stitching process to pre-determine stitch locations and paths. This preliminary marking guides the automated stitching machine, ensuring precise attachment without requiring manual measurement or positioning during the actual stitching operation.
2Strength
If suture holes are created in graft fabric for attachment, then stent-to-graft connection is achieved, but risk of fluid leakage increases due to hole enlargement over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the graft fabric itself as a flexible membrane that is stitched through, creating small puncture holes. The flexibility of the fabric allows these holes to remain small and sealed rather than enlarging over time, maintaining both attachment strength and leakage resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The suture acts as an intermediary element that passes through small holes in the graft fabric to secure the stent. The suture distributes stress around the hole area, preventing hole enlargement while maintaining secure attachment between the stent and graft.
3Manufacturing precision
If graft fabric is marked with patterns for stent placement, then positioning accuracy is improved, but fabric contamination or damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a pattern copy or template that represents the desired stent placement geometry. This pattern is transferred to the graft fabric using non-contact or minimal-contact methods such as printing or projection, providing precise positioning guidance without requiring direct marking that could contaminate or damage the fabric.
4Strength
If multiple puncture holes are made in graft fabric for stitching, then stent attachment is secured, but opportunities for fluid leakage through graft increase
Solution Approach 1:
The graft fabric's flexibility allows it to conform around the stitch holes, maintaining structural integrity and preventing hole enlargement. The fabric acts as a sealed membrane that accommodates necessary punctures while minimizing leakage pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple stitch holes into a continuous stitching line or pattern that distributes attachment force across many small points rather than a few large holes. This merging approach secures the stent attachment while minimizing total fabric disruption and leakage risk.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2D
Figure 2E
AI summary
The disclosure relates to stent-grafts having a continuous anchoring machine stitching and methods of attachment of a stent to the graft material. The continuous anchoring machine stitching (40) includes a series of loop points (45) used to attach the stent (20) to the graft material (30).