Self-Expanding Stent Loading Device with Expandable Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices face challenges in securely loading self-expanding stents into transfer or delivery tubes without causing damage, as they often struggle to maintain the stent's position during insertion and release it properly after loading.
Innovation Solution
A reusable loading device comprising a compliant member, an expandable member, and a retrieval member, which allows for the crimping and secure loading of self-expanding stents into transfer or delivery tubes by expanding and contracting to accommodate the stent, minimizing potential damage and facilitating easy assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a stent is loaded in the crimped state using conventional devices, then the stent can be inserted into the delivery tube, but the device struggles to securely hold the stent in position during insertion, potentially causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The mandrel is designed with expandable arms that can dynamically change from a compressed state during insertion to an expanded state for securing the stent. This dynamic transformation allows the same device to perform both insertion and securing functions effectively, preventing stent damage while maintaining positioning stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mandrel is segmented into multiple independent arms that can be individually controlled to expand and contract. This segmentation allows precise control over stent positioning and securing, enabling the device to adapt to different stages of the loading process and minimize stent damage risk.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a reusable loading device is designed with expandable components, then the device can accommodate stent loading and release, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The expandable arms are nested within each other in a compact configuration when not in use. This nesting approach allows the complex expandable mechanism to be stored in a small space, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the adaptability to expand and secure stents during the loading process.
Solution Approach 2:
The mandrel with expandable arms serves multiple functions: it acts as a loading tool, a securing mechanism, and a release device. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized devices, thereby managing complexity while enhancing adaptability for different stages of stent loading and delivery.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If conventional loading devices are used, then stent insertion can be performed, but the devices are not easily assembled and disassembled for repeated use
Solution Approach 1:
The expandable arms are designed to be removable from the mandrel body, allowing easy disassembly for maintenance, sterilization, or replacement. This extraction design enables repeated use of the device while simplifying assembly and disassembly processes, addressing both reusability and manufacturing ease.
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
The device ensures safe and efficient crimping and loading of self-expanding stents, reducing the risk of damage and allowing for repeated use, while being easy to fabricate and assemble, thus addressing the challenges of stent loading and handling.
Implementation Method 1
an expandable member, a portion of which is removably mounted within the lumen of the complaint member, the expandable member being configured to move from an unexpanded diameter to an expanded diameter
Implementation Method 2
an expansion member configured to slidably engage the lumen of the expandable member, the expansion member having a tapered end with a diameter less than that of lumen of the expandable member
Data Source
AI summary
A loading device for self-expanding stents that utilizes a rod with a stop on one end, a compressible sleeve that is slidably mounted on the rod and a compressible member slidably mounted on the rod and configured to increase the diameter of the compressible sleeve when forced against it.