Stent Loading Member for Self-Expanding Stent Delivery

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The assembly of stent delivery systems is often complicated, and plastic self-expanding stents tend to permanently deform when stored in a compressed state for a prolonged period, making them difficult to load into delivery systems without damaging them.

Innovation Solution

A stent loading and deployment device comprising an outer and inner elongate tubular member, with a stent loading member and a stent engaging member, allows for easy loading and deployment of radially distensible stents by sliding mechanisms and handles, minimizing manual handling and potential damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If plastic self-expanding stents are stored in a compressed state for a prolonged period, then they can be conveniently transported and stored, but they tend to permanently deform and lose their ability to self-expand

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestent self-expanding abilityVSAvoidstorage duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The stent delivery system is divided into multiple components: an outer catheter, an inner pusher catheter, and a stent loading member. This segmentation allows the stent to be loaded and delivered in a controlled manner, minimizing compression time and preventing permanent deformation during storage and delivery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The stent is pre-loaded into the delivery system in a compressed state immediately before the procedure, rather than being stored compressed for prolonged periods. The loading member facilitates this preliminary action, allowing the stent to be inserted into the outer catheter just prior to deployment, thus maintaining its self-expanding ability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of manufacture

If traditional stent loading methods are used, then stents can be loaded into delivery systems, but the process is complicated and requires multiple components and tools

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveloading process simplicityVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The loading member integrates multiple functions into a single device: it serves as both the loading tool and the pusher mechanism. By combining the loading and pushing functions in one component, the system eliminates the need for separate loading tools and multiple catheters, simplifying the overall process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The loading member is designed to be universal, working with different stent types and delivery system configurations. Its distal end can engage various stent designs, and it performs multiple operations (loading, positioning, and pushing) throughout the procedure, reducing the need for specialized tools for each step.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If stents are loaded by hand pushing, then the loading can be completed, but it is difficult, time-consuming and has the potential to damage the stent

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveloading easeVSAvoidstent integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The loading member acts as an intermediary between the operator and the stent. Instead of directly pushing the stent with fingers, the operator manipulates the loading member, which in turn engages and pushes the stent into the outer catheter. This intermediary mechanism provides controlled, uniform force distribution, preventing stent damage while simplifying the operator's task.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The manual finger-pushing action is replaced with a mechanical system involving the loading member that engages the stent with its distal end. This mechanical substitution provides more precise control over the loading force and direction, reducing the risk of stent deformation or damage while making the operation easier and faster.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10925761B2Apparatus for loading and delivering a stent

Publication Date: 2021.02.23 BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED INC

AI summary

A stent loading and deployment device includes an outer elongate tubular member having opposed proximal and distal ends and an inner elongate tubular member having opposed proximal and distal ends and slidably disposed within the outer tubular member. When the distal ends of the outer tubular member and the inner tubular member are axially aligned, a stent deployment region is defined there in between. The device further includes a stent loading member having opposed proximal and distal ends and slidably disposed between the outer tubular member and the inner tubular member. The distal end of the stent loading member is slidable to a distal position past the distal end of the outer tubular member for receiving a stent and is further slidable toward the proximal end of the outer tubular member to a location past the stent deployment region for disengagement of a stent from the stent loading member.