Tapered Stent Graft Extraction Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

The extraction of endovascular stent grafts and other circulatory system implants often results in significant damage to the vessel wall, leading to high morbidity due to the prongs engaging with the vessel wall during removal.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a cylindrical body with a distal opening, an opposing opening, and a side wall surrounding a hollow bore, along with a trough and handle, is designed to facilitate atraumatic extraction by sliding over the implant and releasing the prongs from the vessel wall, with the sidewall of the device located between the implant and the vessel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the stent graft is extracted using conventional methods, then the implant can be removed from the vessel, but significant damage is caused to the vessel wall due to prong engagement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveextraction capabilityVSAvoidvessel wall damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The extraction device acts as an intermediary between the stent graft and the vessel wall. The device includes a cylindrical body with a hollow bore that receives the stent graft, and a sidewall that positions itself between the graft and vessel wall during extraction. This intermediary structure prevents direct contact and damage between the graft prongs and the vessel wall.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The device extracts the harmful element (the stent graft with engaged prongs) from the vessel by enclosing it within the cylindrical body. The prongs are captured inside the hollow bore, effectively taking them out of direct interaction with the vessel wall during the extraction process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of operation

If the sidewall thickness tapers from distal to proximal end, then the hollow bore diameter increases proximally facilitating graft removal, but the structural strength of the device may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegraft passage facilitationVSAvoidsidewall structural strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The sidewall exhibits local quality variation through its tapered thickness. The distal end has greater thickness for strength and engagement, while the proximal end has reduced thickness to enlarge the hollow bore diameter for easier graft removal. Each section's thickness is optimized for its specific functional requirement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The tapered sidewall creates a dynamic transition in the hollow bore diameter along the device length. This gradual expansion provides a funnel-like effect that facilitates graft passage while maintaining structural integrity where needed, adapting the device's geometry to the extraction process requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20250032283A1Devices and methods for stent graft extraction

Publication Date: 2025.01.30 HJARTA CARE LLC

AI summary

A device for extracting an endovascular implant from a vessel includes a cylindrical body, a trough, and a handle. The cylindrical body includes a distal opening, an opposing opening opposite the distal opening, and a side wall surrounding a hollow bore of the cylindrical body. The trough extends from the cylindrical body proximate the opposing opening and includes a first side wall and a second side wall. The handle extends from the trough. A thickness of the sidewall at the distal opening tapers toward the opposing opening such that the hollow bore proximate the distal opening is narrower than the hollow bore proximate the opposing opening.