Drug Eluting Stent Testing Apparatus with Movable Shaft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drug eluting stents face challenges in accurately testing their performance under various forces within the body, such as compressive and tensile forces, which are not adequately addressed by existing testing methods.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus that simulates these forces by using a movable shaft to apply tension or compression to a drug eluting prosthesis placed within a conduit, while flowing fluid through it, and includes a particle counter or filter to measure the particle shed rate, allowing for comparison of initial and force-exposed particle shed rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing testing methods are used for drug eluting stents, then the testing process is simple, but the accuracy of performance data under in-body forces is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The testing apparatus applies dynamic tensile and compressive forces to the drug eluting stent during fluid flow testing, simulating the dynamic mechanical environment the stent experiences in the body. The movable shaft system enables real-time application of varying forces during the test, transforming a static testing approach into a dynamic one that accurately reflects in-body conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus applies forces that exceed normal physiological conditions to stress the stent beyond typical operating parameters. By applying tensile and compressive forces greater than those normally experienced in the body, the system identifies potential failure modes and performance limitations that would not be detected under normal conditions alone.
2Productivity
If multiple stents are tested simultaneously, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The testing apparatus is divided into multiple independent testing channels, each capable of holding and testing a stent individually. The conduit system is segmented into multiple parallel pathways, allowing simultaneous testing of multiple stents while maintaining independent control over each testing parameter. This segmentation enables high-throughput testing without requiring complex interdependencies between test subjects.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus is designed with universal components that can accommodate multiple stents of different sizes and types simultaneously. The movable shaft system and force application mechanism are configured to work across all testing channels, providing a multi-functional platform that increases productivity without requiring separate specialized equipment for each stent type.
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
This apparatus provides more accurate data on how a drug eluting stent performs under simulated in-body forces, enabling better evaluation of its functionality and potential failure, and can test multiple stents simultaneously.
Implementation Method 1
the drug eluting prosthesis is exposed to a tensile or compressive force
Implementation Method 2
the drug eluting prosthesis is exposed to a tensile or compressive force
Implementation Method 3
a pump for providing a flow of fluid through the conduit and the drug eluting prosthesis
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and devices are provided for testing a drug eluting prosthesis. A drug eluting prosthesis is placed within a conduit that is coupled at one end to a first conduit frame and at a second end to a second conduit frame. The first conduit frame is coupled to the second conduit frame using a movable shaft, such that the first conduit frame and the second conduit frame can move relative to each other. When the first conduit frame and the second conduit frame are moved relative to each other, they expose the conduit and the drug eluting prosthesis to compressive or tensile forces. While the drug eluting prosthesis is being exposed to compressive or tensile forces, a fluid flow is provided through the conduit to test the particle shed rate of the drug eluting prosthesis.