Stent Retainer Interlocking Mechanism for Graft Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current stent-grafts face challenges in securely attaching graft material to a stent without perforating the material, leading to endoleaks and increased manufacturing costs due to manual suturing or inadequate pressure in sandwich designs.
Innovation Solution
A stent assembly with a retainer that has complementary retaining members and receiver regions, allowing secure attachment of the graft material without perforation, using laser-cut metal or polymer components that interlock with the stent.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual suturing is used to attach graft material to stent, then secure attachment is achieved, but manufacturing cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical suturing system with an automated mechanical retention system. The retainer assembly includes retaining members that engage with receiver regions on the stent, providing secure attachment without requiring manual needle and thread operations. This substitution eliminates the need for specialized suturing skills and reduces manufacturing time while maintaining attachment reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer assembly is designed to self-secure the graft material to the stent through its structural features. The retaining members automatically engage with the receiver regions when the retainer is positioned on the stent, eliminating the need for manual knotting and tying operations. This self-service mechanism significantly reduces manufacturing complexity and time requirements.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If small diameter needles and thread are used for suturing, then perforation size is minimized, but manufacturing cost increases and work difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for small diameter needles and thread by replacing the suturing mechanical system with a retainer assembly that uses larger, easier-to-manage retaining members. These retaining members engage with receiver regions on the stent to provide secure attachment without requiring the precision and skill needed for fine needle suturing, thereby reducing manufacturing difficulty and cost.
3Reliability
If graft material is sandwiched between inner and outer stents, then attachment is achieved, but endoleaks may occur and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the attachment function into separate components: the retainer assembly with retaining members and the stent with receiver regions. This segmentation allows the graft material to be securely attached without requiring complex sandwich structures between inner and outer stents. The retaining members are positioned on the outer stent and engage with receiver regions to provide secure attachment, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A stent assembly includes a stent, a graft material and a retainer. The graft material is secured between the stent and the retainer by retaining members on the retainer and complimentary receiver regions on the stent. In order to secure the graft material, the retainer is oriented relative to the stent so that the retaining members align with the receiver regions. The orientation of the retainer relative to the stent allows the retaining members to cooperate with the receiver regions. As a result, the graft material is secured against the stent without perforating the graft material.