Stent Loading Device Using Oscillating Crimping Head
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for loading stents into delivery tubes often result in damage due to high frictional forces, particularly when dealing with self-expanding stents made of Shape Memory Alloys, and require skilled operators and extended loading times using the 'inchworm' technique.
Innovation Solution
A stent loading device with a crimping head that induces vibrations or oscillations to reduce frictional forces, allowing for the efficient insertion of radially compressed stents into delivery tubes by adjusting the diameter of the crimping device opening and controlling the linear movement of the stent extractor, thereby reducing the force required for insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional pulling or pushing methods are used to load radially compressed stents into delivery tubes, then the loading process is simple to perform, but high frictional forces cause damage to the stents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration to the crimping head during the stent loading process. The vibration reduces static friction between the stent and delivery tube, allowing the compressed stent to be pushed or pulled through the delivery tube without excessive force that would damage the stent structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The crimping head performs periodic oscillating movements during stent loading. This periodic action creates alternating periods of high and low friction, enabling the stent to advance through the delivery tube in a controlled manner while minimizing peak forces that could cause stent damage.
2Reliability
If the 'inchworm' technique is used to load unique geometry and long stents into delivery tubes, then stent damage is prevented, but the loading time is greatly extended and skilled operators are required
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration mechanism enables continuous loading of long and complex stent geometries without the need for the slow inchworm technique. The vibration reduces friction along the entire length of the stent simultaneously, allowing the whole stent to be loaded in one continuous motion rather than incrementally.
Solution Approach 2:
The vibrating crimping head enables the loading process to proceed automatically without requiring skilled manual manipulation. The vibration does the work of reducing friction, eliminating the need for operator skill in performing complex manual loading maneuvers.
3Ease of operation
If high pushing or pulling forces are applied to overcome frictional forces during stent loading, then the stent can be inserted into the delivery tube, but the stent becomes damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration transforms the loading process from one requiring high static friction-overcoming forces to one utilizing reduced dynamic friction. The oscillating motion allows the stent to be inserted with minimal peak forces, as the vibration continuously reduces the friction coefficient during the loading process.
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 solution significantly reduces the force needed to push or pull compressed stents into delivery tubes by up to fifty percent, enabling the safe loading of unique stent designs and longer lengths without damage, and can be applied to both SMA and non-SMA stents.
Implementation Method 1
The invention induces vibrations or oscillations in the crimping head of a stent loading device, which greatly reduces the force required to push or pull compressed stents into delivery tubes
Data Source
AI summary
A stent loading device is configured to perform a method of loading a stent into a delivery tube that comprises loading a stent into an opening of a crimping device. The stent has an initial uncompressed diameter. The method further comprises crimping the stent via the crimping device in a manner reducing the diameter of the stent from the initial diameter. Still further, the method comprises forcing the stent out of the opening of the crimping device and into a passageway of a delivery tube while oscillating the crimping device. The passageway of the delivery tube has a diameter that is less than the initial diameter of the stent and receives the stent in its compressed state.