Tapered Flexible Extension for Stent Deployment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing deployment systems for endoluminal prostheses face issues with smooth edge removal to avoid disrupting the prosthesis placement and lack of tactile feedback during placement, which can lead to improper deployment.

Innovation Solution

A stent deployment system with a flexible sheath and tapered extension, a rigid tube, and a thrust block that provides tactile feedback and allows for smooth retraction of the deployment system without catching on the prosthesis, featuring a bead of adhesive to reduce sharpness and a cylindrical sleeve for enhanced guidance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a deployment system uses a rigid structure for prosthesis delivery, then structural stability is improved, but the risk of catching on the prosthesis during removal increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidcatching on prosthesis during removal

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies flexible materials to the deployment system components that contact the prosthesis during delivery and removal. The sheath and extension are made of flexible materials that can conform to the prosthesis shape and smooth edges, preventing catching during withdrawal while maintaining structural integrity during delivery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs tapered extensions with curved surfaces instead of sharp edges. The tapered geometry creates smooth transitions and rounded contact surfaces that reduce friction and prevent the deployment system from catching on the prosthesis during removal, while still providing adequate structural support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a deployment system provides minimal contact with the prosthesis, then smooth removal is improved, but tactile feedback during placement is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesmooth removalVSAvoidtactile feedback during placement

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements different contact characteristics at different locations of the deployment system. The distal portion provides controlled contact for tactile feedback during placement, while the proximal portion and removal interface minimize contact for smooth withdrawal. This localized differentiation of contact properties resolves the contradiction between feedback and smooth removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The deployment system incorporates tactile feedback mechanisms through controlled contact between the deployment components and the prosthesis. The flexible sheath and tapered extension provide tactile cues to the operator during placement while maintaining the ability to withdraw smoothly once deployment is complete.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Strength

If a deployment system uses sharp edges for structural integrity, then mechanical strength is improved, but the risk of disrupting prosthesis placement increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical strengthVSAvoiddisrupting prosthesis placement

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces sharp edges with tapered, curved surfaces on the deployment system components. The tapered geometry maintains mechanical strength through optimized stress distribution while creating smooth contact surfaces that prevent disruption of the prosthesis placement during insertion and removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The deployment system uses flexible sheathing materials that can withstand mechanical stresses while presenting a smooth, non-abrasive surface to the prosthesis. This flexible enclosure maintains structural integrity during manipulation while preventing damage to the prosthesis placement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUS8465536B2Prosthesis deployment system

Publication Date: 2013.06.18 COOK MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC

AI summary

A stent deployment system includes a handle and a flexible sheath coupled the handle. A flexible tube extends from the handle through the sheath. A tapered flexible extension is coupled to the flexible tube, the tapered flexible extension has a taper angle of between about 5 degrees and 15 degrees towards the handle. A bead of adhesive can be supplied at an end of the tapered flexible extension. A thrust block is coupled to the flexible tube, and an endoluminal prosthesis is positioned around the flexible tube between the thrust block and the tapered flexible extension with a space situated between the endoluminal prosthesis and the thrust block.