Tracheal Stent Anchor Suture Preventing Migration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Tracheal stents in the proximal airway are prone to migration, causing complications such as inflammation and frictional irritation, which existing protrusions or studs on the stent surface fail to effectively prevent, especially in the subglottic space.

Innovation Solution

An anchor suture system where one end is anchored to the stent's interior wall with a T-bar member and the other end secured externally by a pad and clamps, preventing disconnection and securing the stent without additional irritation to the tracheal wall.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If protrusions or studs are incorporated on the stent surface to prevent migration, then stent stability is improved over time, but the stent is highly prone to migration prior to seating and inflammation is exacerbated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestent stabilityVSAvoidinflammation and frictional irritation

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The suture anchor is installed before stent deployment to create preliminary anchoring points in the tracheal wall. This preliminary action prevents stent migration from occurring in the first place, eliminating the need for protrusions that would otherwise cause frictional irritation and inflammation during the migration process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The suture acts as an intermediary element between the stent and the tracheal wall, providing a secure connection without requiring direct mechanical engagement through protrusions. This intermediary approach allows the stent to be firmly anchored while maintaining a smooth surface that does not irritate the tracheal tissue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a rigid or flexible bronchoscope is used to treat complex stenosis, then airway patency can be maintained, but stent migration becomes particularly problematic in the proximal subglottic space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveairway patency maintenanceVSAvoidstent position stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The suture anchor is installed through the bronchoscope before stent deployment, creating preliminary anchoring points that prevent migration in the challenging proximal subglottic space. This preliminary anchoring ensures stent stability is established before the stent is even in place, addressing the specific migration risks of this anatomical location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the mechanical protrusion-based anchoring system with a suture-based anchoring system that can be installed through the bronchoscope. This substitution allows for more reliable anchoring in the proximal subglottic space while maintaining the benefits of bronchoscopic treatment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If surgical resection is used for short segment stenosis, then effective treatment is achieved, but complex stenosis and proximal tracheal stenosis cannot be effectively treated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment effectivenessVSAvoidtreatment applicability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The suture anchor system provides a universal anchoring solution that can be applied across all types of stenosis (short segment, complex, and proximal tracheal) that require stent placement. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for surgical resection in many cases and provides consistent effectiveness across different stenosis types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The suture anchor serves as an intermediary that enables stent placement and stabilization in anatomical locations previously inaccessible to effective treatment. By providing a reliable anchoring mechanism, it extends the applicability of stent-based treatment to proximal tracheal stenosis and complex cases that were previously untreatable with minimally invasive approaches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8512414B2Airway anchor suture to prevent airway stent migration

Publication Date: 2013.08.20 NAT JEWISH HEALTH

AI summary

An airway stent with an integral suture anchor is used to prevent migration of the stent within the airway. The suture anchor is incorporated by percutaneous placement of a suture through the neck and into the stent. The distal end of the suture includes an anchor element to secure the suture to the stent. The opposite end of the suture is tensioned and held in place by a suture clamp and a pledget routed over the stent and placed against the neck. Airway stents such as tracheal stents are effective at maintaining airway patency however; a common complication is stent migration. The integral suture anchor provides a reliable, economical, and non-intrusive solution to stent migration.