Variable Stiffness Cannulae With Interrupted Spiral Openings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current delivery systems for intraluminal medical devices face challenges in achieving the right balance of pushability and flexibility to effectively navigate and deploy devices within body vessels, as existing cannulae lack optimal stiffness and flexibility profiles.
Innovation Solution
The development of cannulae with strategically designed patterns of openings along their axial length, allowing for customizable stiffness and flexibility, where the distance between openings, opening size, and orientation can be manipulated to achieve desired local and global stiffness, enabling effective navigation and deployment of intraluminal medical devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If cannulae are made with uniform wall structure, then manufacturing is simple, but stiffness and flexibility cannot be optimized for different segments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different wall structures at different locations along the cannula. Specifically, the proximal portion has a first wall structure with different stiffness characteristics than the distal portion's second wall structure. This allows each segment to be optimized for its specific function: the proximal portion for manipulation and control, and the distal portion for navigation and deployment, thereby achieving localized stiffness control without requiring completely different cannula designs.
2Strength
If cannula wall thickness is increased, then pushability and stiffness are improved, but flexibility and ability to navigate vessels deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the cannula into distinct proximal and distal portions with different wall structures. The proximal portion can be designed with thicker walls or reinforced structure to provide high pushability for manipulating the medical device, while the distal portion uses thinner walls or a more flexible structure to enable navigation through tortuous vessels. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing each segment to have optimized thickness for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating different wall structures at different locations along the cannula. Specifically, the proximal portion has a first wall structure with different stiffness characteristics than the distal portion's second wall structure. This allows each segment to be optimized for its specific function: the proximal portion for manipulation and control, and the distal portion for navigation and deployment, thereby achieving localized stiffness control without requiring completely different cannula designs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If cannulae are made fully flexible, then navigation through vessels is improved, but pushability and ability to deliver devices deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the cannula into distinct proximal and distal portions with different wall structures. The proximal portion can be designed with thicker walls or reinforced structure to provide high pushability for manipulating the medical device, while the distal portion uses thinner walls or a more flexible structure to enable navigation through tortuous vessels. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing each segment to have optimized thickness for its specific function.
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosure relates to cannulae, delivery systems, methods of making cannulae, and methods of making delivery systems. A cannula comprises an elongate tubular member having a circumferential wall extending between a proximal end and a distal end and defining an interior lumen. A pattern of openings arranged in an interrupted spiral extends circumferentially along the elongate tubular member.