Transcatheter Stent Tension Routing and Locking Mechanisms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transcatheter stented prosthesis delivery devices face issues with tension member wear and damage due to abrupt transitions, leading to asymmetric crimping and reduced structural integrity of the stent frame during deployment.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of transition elements with smooth, rounded surfaces to guide tension members as they change direction, reducing friction and wear, and locking mechanisms to ensure predictable positioning and uniform crimping of the stent frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If tension members are routed through abrupt transitions in the delivery device, then the device structure is simpler, but the tension members experience wear and damage leading to reduced reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates rounded transition surfaces and curved routing paths for tension members instead of sharp angles or abrupt transitions. This curvature distributes mechanical stress evenly along the tension member, preventing wear and damage while maintaining structural integrity throughout the delivery device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate structural elements such as guide surfaces, transition zones, and routing channels that mediate between the tension member and the delivery device framework. These intermediaries provide smooth transition paths that protect the tension member from direct contact with sharp edges or abrupt geometric changes.
2Length of moving object
If tension members are used to compress the stented prosthesis during delivery, then the prosthesis can be delivered through catheters, but asymmetric crimping occurs reducing manufacturing precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs curved guide surfaces and rounded transition zones that ensure uniform distribution of compressive forces across the stent frame during crimping. This curvature prevents localized stress concentrations that would cause asymmetric deformation, ensuring uniform crimping while maintaining the ability to deliver through catheters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements differentiated routing paths and localized guide surfaces for tension members at various positions around the stent frame. Each tension member is guided through specifically designed paths that ensure equal and uniform compression forces are applied to all sections of the stent, preventing asymmetric crimping.
3Measurement precision
If the stent frame is locked in position during delivery, then positioning precision is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediate locking elements such as sutures, wires, or specialized locking components that connect the stent frame to the delivery device. These intermediaries provide reliable positioning and locking functionality while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure, avoiding the need for complex mechanical locking systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements pre-configured locking mechanisms that are prepared in advance during device assembly. The locking elements are pre-positioned and pre-tensioned to ensure accurate stent frame positioning is achieved automatically upon deployment, eliminating the need for complex real-time adjustment mechanisms.
Data Source
Figure 1~2B
Figure 3~4B
Figure 5A~5B
AI summary
The disclosure relates to transcatheter stented prosthesis delivery devices including transition elements that route, constrain, support and reduce damage to tension member wear as tension in the tension members is varied to adjust the compression of a stented prosthesis loaded onto the delivery device. Various disclosed tension elements include inserts, edge treatments and guides proximate a distal portion of the delivery device upon which the stented prosthesis is loaded. In some embodiments, the transition feature is positioned proximate a location where at least one tension member transitions from a first orientation that is not parallel to the distal portion to a second orientation that is generally parallel to the distal portion. Further embodiments disclose configurations and methods of selectively locking and unlocking a longitudinal and/or rotational position of the stent frame with respect to the distal portion of the delivery device.