Systems and methods for fatigue testing stents
US7363821B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 28, 2006 |
| Grant date | Apr 29, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 21, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2203/0266
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Systems and methods for fatigue testing one or more stents based on measured electrical resistance levels of each stent. Pairs of lead lines from an ohmmeter are connected to a respective stent. The respective stent is mounted onto an expander having an interior tapered portion into which a correspondingly tapered expansion pin is received. Cyclic loading strains are applied to the respective stent as an expansion pin is inserted into a corresponding one of the expanders. Stent fracture or failure occurs when cyclic loading exceeds the stents architectural and material capacity. Such fracture fatigue or failure is identified by increased electrical resistance levels. Resistance may be continuously monitored to more readily identify the onset of fatigue or failure. The expansion pins extend from a movable plate, and the expanders comprise a part of corresponding stations that extend from a fixed plate.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.