Device for loading self-expanding stents
Inventors
Ellsworth, Thomas D. • Jessop, Israel James • Vaughan, Dennis
Assignees
Interested in licensing this patent?
MTEC can help explore whether this patent might be available for licensing for your application.
Publication Number
US-9254201-B2
Publication Date
2016-02-09
Expiration Date
Abstract
A loading device for self-expanding stents that utilizes a rod with a stop on one end, a compressible sleeve that is slidably mounted on the rod and a compressible member slidably mounted on the rod and configured to increase the diameter of the compressible sleeve when forced against it.
Core Innovation
The disclosed invention provides a reusable expanding mandrel loading device for a self-expanding stent. The device is configured to load the self-expanding stent into a transfer tube or delivery tube by crimping the stent onto a compressible sleeve and then enabling transfer while minimizing stent damage.
The device includes a collet and a compliant sleeve arrangement, where the collet expands when acted on by an expansion mandrel having a tapered end and an oversized outer diameter. In the described mechanical sequence, an expansion mandrel expands the collet/sleeve to an enlarged diameter, and a retrieval rod with a stop moves or releases the expanded assembly so the stent can be transferred while limiting damage.
The disclosed loading device includes alternatives, including a mandrel without a lumen that uses a simple push rod, and an alternative replacing the collet and sleeve with a single polymeric expanded/collapsible tube. Another alternative embodiment uses a rod/stop together with a slidable compressible sleeve and a slidable compressive member that is less compliant than the compressible sleeve.
In that alternative, relative motion of the compressive member towards the stop causes pressure that reduces an overall length and increases a diameter of the compressible sleeve. A dimensional relationship is described where the stop diameter exceeds the compressible sleeve diameter.
Claims Coverage
The document provides two independent claims covering a loading device for a self-expanding stent. Both independent claims share the same core structure for crimping the self-expanding stent onto an increased-diameter compressible sleeve using a rod stop and relative sliding motion.
Rod with stop and separable sliding compressive components
A loading device comprising a rod having a stop on one end; a compressible sleeve slidably mounted on the rod; and a compressive member slidably mounted on the rod, wherein the compressible sleeve is separable from the compressive member and the stop and wherein relative motion of the compressive member towards the stop causes the stop to abut a first end of the compressible sleeve and the compressive member to abut an opposing end of the compressible sleeve, exerting pressure to reduce an overall length and increase a diameter of the compressible sleeve.
Crimping self-expanding stent onto increased-diameter compressible sleeve
A loading device wherein a self-expanding stent is crimped onto the compressible sleeve when the diameter of the compressible sleeve is increased.
Compressing member less compliant than compressible sleeve
A loading device wherein the compressive member is less compliant than the compressible sleeve.
Stop diameter greater than compressible sleeve diameter
A loading device wherein the stop has a diameter greater than that of the compressible sleeve.
Across the independent claims, the invention centers on using a rod-mounted stop and separable, slidably mounted compressive elements to press the compressible sleeve so that its overall length is reduced and its diameter is increased, enabling crimping of a self-expanding stent onto the enlarged-diameter sleeve.
Stated Advantages
Documented Applications
No documented applications found
Interested in licensing this patent?