Gear drive mechanism for heart valve delivery apparatus

Abstract

To solve the problem in which, despite recent advancements in percutaneous valve technology, there remains a need for improved transcatheter heart valves and delivery devices for such valves.SOLUTION: A prosthetic valve delivery apparatus can comprise a handle, a gearbox, an input torque shaft, and a plurality of output torque shafts. The input torque shaft can extend distally from the handle, and can have a distal end portion operatively connected to the gearbox. The output torque shafts can be operatively connected to and extend distally from the gearbox. Rotation of the input torque shaft can cause rotation of the output torque shafts via the gear box.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to implantable, mechanically expandable prosthetic devices, such as prosthetic heart valves, and methods for and delivery assemblies including such prosthetic devices. [Background technology]

[0002] The human heart may suffer from a variety of valvular diseases. These valvular diseases may result in significant dysfunction of the heart, eventually necessitating repair of the native valve or replacement of the native valve with a prosthetic valve. There are several known repair devices (e.g., stents) and prosthetic valves, as well as several known methods of implanting these devices and valves in humans. Due to the drawbacks associated with traditional open-heart surgery, percutaneous and minimally invasive surgical approaches have been attracting attention. In one technique, the prosthetic device is configured to be implanted in a less invasive procedure by catheterization. For example, a collapsible transcatheter prosthetic heart valve may be corrugated into a compressed state, introduced percutaneously into a compressed state on a catheter, and mechanically expanded or expanded to a functional size at a desired location using a self-expanding frame or stent. Despite recent developments in percutaneous valve technology, there remains a need for improved transcatheter heart valves and delivery devices for such valves. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 6,730,118 [Patent Document 2] US Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0153689 [Patent Document 3] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 995,528 [Patent Document 4] U.S. Patent No. 6,730,118 [Patent Document 5] U.S. Patent No. 7,393,360 [Patent Document 6] U.S. Patent No. 7,510,575 [Patent Document 7] U.S. Patent No. 7,993,394 [Patent Document 8] U.S. Patent No. 8,652,202 [Patent Document 9] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 978459 [Patent Document 10] US Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 0158497 [Patent Document 11] US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0296962 Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] Disclosed herein are embodiments of improved prosthetic implant delivery assemblies and frames for prosthetic implant delivery assemblies, as well as related methods and devices for such assemblies. In some embodiments, the disclosed assemblies are configured to deliver a replacement heart valve into a patient's heart.

[0005] In one exemplary embodiment, the prosthetic valve delivery device can include a handle, a gearbox, an input torque shaft, and a plurality of output torque shafts. The input torque shaft can extend distally from the handle and can have a distal end operably connected to the gearbox. The output torque shaft can be operably connected to the gearbox and can extend distally from the gearbox. Rotation of the input torque shaft can rotate the output torque shafts via the gearbox.

[0006] In some embodiments, the prosthetic valve delivery device can further include a motor disposed within the handle. The motor can be operably connected to a proximal end of the input torque shaft. When actuated, the motor can rotate the input torque shaft.

[0007] In some embodiments, the gearbox can include a drive gear and a plurality of driven gears. The drive gear can be operatively connected to and driven by the input torque shaft. The driven gears can be configured to be driven by the drive gear. Each driven gear can be operatively connected to one of the output torque shafts and can rotate the output torque shaft.

[0008] In some embodiments, the drive gear can include an internal gear and the driven gear can include a pinion gear located inside the internal gear.

[0009] In some embodiments, the drive gear can be attached to a distal end of the input torque shaft, and each driven gear can be attached to one of the output torque shafts.

[0010] In some embodiments, the drive gear can have teeth that mesh with the teeth of each driven gear.

[0011] In some embodiments, the gearbox may further comprise at least one idler gear configured to transfer rotational motion from the drive gear to one of the driven gears.

[0012] In some embodiments, the multiple output torque shafts may comprise three output torque shafts.

[0013] In some embodiments, each output torque shaft may include a connector at a distal end of the output torque shaft configured to form a removable connection with an actuator on the prosthetic heart valve.

[0014] In some embodiments, the input torque shaft can define a central axis of rotation collinear with the central longitudinal axis of the transport apparatus, and each output torque shaft can define an axis of rotation offset from the central longitudinal axis of the transport apparatus.

[0015] In some embodiments, the prosthetic heart valve delivery device can be used in combination with a prosthetic valve that includes a radially expandable and compressible frame and a plurality of actuators configured to radially expand and compress the frame. Each output torque shaft can be removably coupled to a screw of the actuator and can transmit rotational motion from the torque shaft to the screw. Rotating the screw can radially expand or compress the frame.

[0016] In some embodiments, the input torque shaft can extend over at least a majority of the length of the delivery device.

[0017] In another representative embodiment, the prosthetic valve delivery assembly can include a prosthetic valve and a delivery device. The prosthetic valve can include a radially expandable and compressible frame and a plurality of actuators configured to radially expand and compress the frame. The delivery device can include a handle, an input torque shaft extending from the handle, a gear mechanism coupled to a distal end of the input torque shaft, and a plurality of output torque shafts coupled to the gear mechanism and extending distally from the gear mechanism. The gear mechanism can transmit rotational motion of the input torque shaft to the output torque shafts. Each output torque shaft can be removably coupled to one of the actuators such that rotation of the output torque shafts can cause the actuators to radially expand or compress the prosthetic valve.

[0018] In some embodiments, the distal end of the input torque shaft, the gear mechanism, and the output torque shaft can be configured for insertion into a patient's vasculature.

[0019] In some embodiments, the gear mechanism can include a drive gear operably connected to the distal end of the input torque shaft and a plurality of driven gears configured to be driven by the drive gear. Each driven gear can be operably connected to one of the output torque shafts.

[0020] In another exemplary embodiment, a method of implanting an artificial heart valve can include inserting the distal ends of the artificial heart valve and the delivery device into the patient's vasculature and rotating the input torque shaft. The artificial heart valve can be in a radially compressed state, and the delivery device can include an input torque shaft, a gear mechanism coupled to the input torque shaft along the distal end of the delivery device inserted into the patient's vasculature, and a plurality of output torque shafts removably coupled to an actuator on the artificial heart valve. Rotating the input torque shaft can rotate the output torque shafts via the gear mechanism. Rotating the output torque shafts can actuate the actuator, thereby expanding the artificial heart valve from the radially compressed state to the radially expanded state.

[0021] In some embodiments, the act of inserting the distal ends of the artificial heart valve and the delivery device into the patient's vasculature can include advancing the distal ends of the artificial heart valve and the delivery device through the aorta such that the input torque shaft extends through and across the aortic arch and the output torque shafts and the gear mechanism are disposed within the ascending aorta.

[0022] In some embodiments, the method of implanting an artificial heart valve can further include removing the output torque shafts from the actuator.

[0023] In some embodiments, the output torque shafts can be rotated at a rotational speed different from that of the input torque shaft.

[0024] In some embodiments, at least one of the output torque shafts may rotate in a different direction than the input torque shafts.

[0025] In some embodiments, the gear mechanism can include a drive gear operably connected to a distal end of the input torque shaft and a plurality of driven gears configured to be driven by the drive gear, each of which can be operably connected to one of the output torque shafts.

[0026] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a prosthetic heart valve. [Diagram 2] 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary frame of the prosthetic heart valve of FIG. 1 in a radially expanded configuration. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 shows the frame of FIG. 2 in a radially folded configuration. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary prosthetic valve delivery device that can be used to implant the prosthetic heart valve of FIG. 1. [Figure 4A] FIG. 2 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a handle for a transport device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the input torque shaft, gearbox, and output torque shaft of the prosthetic valve delivery device of FIG. 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the input torque shaft, gearbox, and output torque shaft shown in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the gearbox of FIGS. 4 to 6. [Figure 8A] FIG. 7 is an end view of the gearbox of FIGS. 5 and 6 showing the operation of the gears inside the gearbox. [Figure 8B]FIG. 7 is an end view of the gearbox of FIGS. 5 and 6 showing the operation of the gears inside the gearbox. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is an end view showing the inside of an alternative embodiment of a gearbox. [Figure 10] 2 is a perspective view of the distal end of the delivery device and prosthetic valve shown in FIG. 1, showing the prosthetic valve in a radially expanded state. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view showing the prosthetic valve of FIG. 10 and a distal end of an output torque shaft removably coupled to the actuator of the prosthetic valve. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0028] Described herein are examples of prosthetic implant delivery assemblies and components thereof that can improve a physician's ability to control the size of a mechanically expandable prosthetic implant, such as a prosthetic valve (e.g., a prosthetic heart valve or venous valve), stent, or graft, during an implantation procedure, and can facilitate separation of the prosthetic implant from the prosthetic implant delivery assembly. The present disclosure also discloses frames for use with such prosthetic implants.

[0029] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary prosthetic heart valve 100. The illustrated prosthetic valve is adapted to be implanted in the native aortic valve annulus. However, in other embodiments, it may be adapted to be implanted in other native valve annulus of the heart (e.g., pulmonary, mitral, and tricuspid valves). The prosthetic valve 100 may also be adapted to be implanted in other tubular organs or passageways in the body. The prosthetic valve 100 may comprise a stent or frame 102, a valve structure 110, and inner and / or outer sealing means. The prosthetic valve 100 may comprise an inflow end 104 and an outflow end 106.

[0030] In the illustrated embodiment, the sealing means comprises an outer skirt (not shown in FIG. 1 ), which may be secured to the exterior surface of the frame 102 by sutures, adhesives, and / or other suitable techniques or mechanisms. The outer skirt may help establish a seal against the natural tissue at the implantation site to prevent or minimize valve leakage. In alternative embodiments, the prosthetic valve 100 may have a skirt or sealing member attached to the interior of the frame 102 or to the inside and outside of the frame 102. The skirt may be formed from any of a variety of biocompatible synthetic materials, including natural tissue (e.g., pericardial tissue) or biocompatible fibers (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibers).

[0031] The valve structure 110 may include three leaflets 112 that collectively form a leaflet structure that may be configured to fold in a tricuspid configuration. The lower edge of the leaflet structure 110 desirably has an undulating, curved, wavy shape. Forming the leaflets with this wavy geometry reduces stress on the leaflets, thereby improving the durability of the prosthetic valve. Additionally, the wavy shape may eliminate or at least minimize folds and ripples in the belly (central region of each leaflet) of each leaflet 112 that may cause premature calcification in the corresponding region. The wavy geometry also reduces the amount of tissue material used to form the leaflet structure, thereby resulting in a smaller, more compressed profile at the inflow end 104 of the prosthetic valve 100. The leaflets 112 may be formed of pericardial tissue (e.g., bovine pericardial tissue), biocompatible synthetic materials, or various other suitable natural or synthetic materials known in the art and described in U.S. Patent No. 5,399,633.

[0032] The prosthetic valve 100 can define a longitudinal axis extending through the inflow end 104 and the outflow end 106. The prosthetic valve 100 can also include one or more actuators 130 including sleeves 134 configured to radially expand and compress the frame 102 as described in more detail below in connection with FIG. 2. In the illustrated embodiment, the prosthetic valve 100 includes three such actuators 130; however, in other embodiments, a greater or lesser number of actuators can be used. The leaflets 112 can have commissure attachments that cover the sleeves 134 of the actuators 130. FIG. 2 shows the frame 102 of FIG. 1 including the actuators 130 without the valve structure 110 or an outer skirt for illustrative purposes. The frame 102 can be made of any of a variety of suitable materials, such as stainless steel or nickel-titanium alloy (“NiTi”), for example, Nitinol. The frame 102 may include a number of interconnected lattice struts 108 arranged in a lattice pattern and forming a number of apexes 114 at the outflow end 124 of the frame 102. The struts 108 may also form similar apexes 114 at the inflow end 126 of the frame 102. The lattice struts 108 are shown as being oblique or offset at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the prosthetic valve 100 and radially offset from the longitudinal axis. In other implementations, the lattice struts 108 may be offset a different amount than in FIG. 2, or some or all of the lattice struts 108 may be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the prosthetic valve 100.

[0033] The lattice struts 108 can be pivotally coupled to one another. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the ends of the struts 108 that form the apexes 114 at the outflow end 124 and inflow end 126 of the frame 102 can have respective openings or holes 116. The struts 108 can also be formed with openings or holes 118 spaced along the length between the ends of each strut. Respective hinges can be formed at the apexes 114 and at the connections / locations where the struts 108 overlap between the ends of the frame via fasteners 122, which can comprise rivets or pins that extend through the holes 116, 118. The hinges can allow the struts 108 to pivot relative to one another as the frame 102 expands or contracts, such as during assembly, preparation, or implantation of the prosthetic valve 100. For example, the frame 102 (and thus the prosthetic valve 100) can be manipulated into a radially compressed or contracted configuration (see, e.g., FIG. 3) and inserted into a patient for implantation. After insertion into the body, the prosthetic valve 100 can be manipulated into an expanded state (e.g., FIG. 2) and then released from the delivery device as described further below.

[0034] The frame 102 can be formed using any suitable technique. Suitable techniques can include forming the individual components of the frame (e.g., the struts 108 and fasteners 122) separately and then mechanically assembling and connecting the individual components to form the frame 102. The struts 108 and fasteners 122 can be formed, for example, by laser cutting them from a sheet or tube of metal, or by electroforming (electroplating or electrodeposition) or physical vapor deposition. In some embodiments, electroforming or physical vapor deposition can be used to form subcomponents of the frame 102, or to form the entire frame 102, including the pivotable connections between the struts 108. In one implementation, for example, electroforming or physical vapor deposition can be used to form the struts 108 with the integral fasteners 122. The individual struts 108 can be assembled together into a frame by inserting the integral fasteners 122 of each strut into corresponding holes in adjacent struts. In some embodiments, electroforming or physical vapor deposition can be used to form the entire frame 102 into its final cylindrical shape. In other embodiments, the entire frame can be formed in a flat form using electroforming or physical vapor deposition, and then the ends of the flat frame can be connected together to form the final cylindrical shape of the frame.

[0035] In other embodiments, the lattice struts 108 are not coupled to one another by respective hinges (e.g., fasteners 122), but are otherwise pivotable or bendable relative to one another to allow the frame 102 to radially expand and contract. For example, the frame 102 can be formed (e.g., via laser cutting, electroforming, or physical vapor deposition) from a single material (e.g., a metal tube). Further details regarding the assembly of the frame 102 are disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,993,333 and 5,993,357.

[0036] Further details regarding transcatheter prosthetic heart valves, including the manner in which the valvular structure 110 may be coupled to the frame 102 of the prosthetic valve 100, are described, for example, in US Pat. Nos. 5,399,410; 5,493,633; 5,543,367;

[0037] Each of the actuators 130 may include a screw or threaded rod 132, a first anchor member in the form of a sleeve or cylinder 134, and a second anchor member in the form of a threaded nut 136. The rod 132 extends through the sleeve 134 and the nut 136. The sleeve 134 may be secured to the frame 102, such as by one of the fasteners 122 that form a hinge at the connection of the two struts 108. The nut 136 may be secured to the frame 102 at a location axially spaced from the attachment location of the sleeve 134, such as by one of the fasteners 122 at the connection between the two struts 108. Each actuator 130 is configured to increase the distance between the mounting locations of the respective sleeve 134 and nut 136, thereby causing the frame 102 to expand axially and compress radially, and to decrease the distance between the mounting locations of the respective sleeve 134 and nut 136, thereby causing the frame 102 to contract axially and expand radially.

[0038] For example, the lower end of each screw 132 (the portion extending through nut 136) can have external threads that engage the internal threads of nut 136, while the upper portion of screw 132 (the portion extending through sleeve 134) can be axially fixed relative to sleeve 134 but can freely rotate relative to sleeve 134. In this manner, rotating screw 132 in a first direction causes nut 136 to move axially along the threads away from sleeve 134, radially compressing the frame (the nut applies a distally directed force to the frame), while rotating screw in a second direction causes nut 136 to move axially along the threads toward sleeve 134, radially expanding the frame (the nut applies a proximally directed force to the frame).

[0039] In another embodiment, the screw 132 of each actuator 130 can have external threads along an upper portion of the screw 132 that engage with the internal threads of a corresponding sleeve 134, while a lower portion of the screw 132 can be axially fixed relative to the anchor member 136 but can freely rotate relative to the anchor member 136. In this embodiment, the anchor member 136 need not have internal threads and therefore would not be referred to as a "nut." Rotation of the screw 132 in this example moves the sleeve 134 toward or away from the anchor member 136, radially expanding or compressing the frame depending on the direction of rotation of the screw.

[0040] In another embodiment, the screw 132 of each actuator can have external threads along the top and bottom of the screw 132 that engage with the internal threads of the sleeve 134 and nut 136. The internal threads of the sleeve 134 and nut 136 are threaded in opposite directions. Thus, by rotating the screw 132 in a first direction, both the sleeve 134 and the nut 136 move toward each other along the length of the screw, causing the frame to expand radially. By rotating the screw 132 in a second direction, both the sleeve 134 and the nut 136 move away from each other along the length of the screw, causing the frame to compress radially.

[0041] Each screw 132 may include an attachment member 138 along a proximal end of the screw that is configured to form a removable connection with a corresponding drive shaft of a delivery device to transmit torque of the delivery device to the screw. The attachment member 138 in the illustrated configuration includes a notch 140 and a protrusion 142 that may engage a corresponding protrusion on the drive shaft of the delivery device as described in more detail below.

[0042] When expanding the frame 102 from a radially compressed state to a radially expanded state, it is desirable to rotate each of the screws 132 synchronously. Additionally, an appropriate amount of torque must be transmitted from the handle of the delivery system to the screws 132. In some embodiments, torque can be transmitted directly from the handle of the delivery device to each of the screws 132 via separate drive shafts that extend from the handle to substantially the entire length of the delivery device to the prosthetic valve coupled to the distal end of the delivery device. In this configuration, the torque to each screw 132 must be transmitted via a relatively long drive shaft with a relatively small diameter. As shown in the following mathematical formula, the amount of torque that can be transmitted along the length of the shaft is inversely proportional to the length of the shaft and directly proportional to the diameter of the shaft. For a solid shaft with a circular cross section, T=D 4 πGθ / 32L holds true, and in the case of a tubular shaft, T=(OD 4 -ID 4 )πGθ / 32L, where T=torque, D=diameter, G=shear modulus, L=shaft length, OD=tube outer diameter, and ID=tube inner diameter. Additionally, flexure of the delivery device as it advances through the patient's vasculature can stretch one or more of the drive shafts and contract one or more of the drive shafts, thereby adversely affecting the ability of the drive shafts to achieve synchronous rotation of the actuators at the desired torque. Therefore, it can be advantageous to have a mechanism along the distal end of the delivery system adjacent to the prosthetic valve to actuate the actuators 130. This can allow for the use of one robust torque shaft to transmit torque from the handle along most of the length of the delivery device, rather than multiple smaller shafts. This can also allow for the length of the individual drive shafts that actually transmit torque directly to the actuators to be minimized, facilitating the application of torque to the actuators and avoiding the extension and contraction of the drive shafts.

[0043] 4 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a prosthetic valve delivery device 200 that can be used to percutaneously deliver and implant a prosthetic heart valve, such as the prosthetic heart valve 100, into a patient's heart. The delivery device 200 of FIG. 4 includes a handle 210, an outer shaft or catheter 220 extending distally from the handle 210, an input torque shaft 224 extending distally from the handle 210 through the outer shaft 220, a gear box or gear mechanism 230 operatively connected to a distal end of the input torque shaft 224, a number of output torque shafts 240, and a nosecone 250. The nosecone 250 can be mounted on a distal end of an innermost shaft 252 that serves as a guidewire lumen, the innermost shaft 252 can extend coaxially through the input torque shaft 224, and can have a proximal end coupled to the handle 210.

[0044] The outer catheter 220 may be a steerable catheter and may be manipulated by a user during advancement through a patient's vasculature by adjusting the curvature of the outer catheter 220. In certain embodiments, the delivery device may have one or more pull wires extending through the outer catheter, the proximal ends of the pull wires being coupled to an adjustment knob on the handle 210. The adjustment knob is configured to vary the tension in the one or more pull wires, which is effective to vary the curvature of the outer catheter 220 and shaft 224. Further details regarding the manipulation mechanism for controlling the curvature of the delivery device are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,399,943.

[0045] Each output torque shaft 240 may have a proximal end connected to the gearbox 230 and a distal end removably connected to a respective screw 132 of the actuator 130, as described further below. Each output torque shaft 240 may comprise, for example, a rod, a rigid tube, a cable, a laser cut tube, a hypotube, or any other elongated annular structure (e.g., any tubular or cylindrical structure). The proximal end of the input torque shaft 224 may be operably connected to an actuator, such as a motor 212, housed within or coupled to the handle 210. The motor 212 may be, for example, an electric motor powered by a battery, which may also be housed within the handle 210. In an alternative embodiment, the motor 212 may be a hydraulically or pneumatically driven motor. The motor 212 is operable to actuate or rotate the input torque shaft 224, which in turn actuates or rotates the output torque shaft 240 via the gearbox 230, which in turn rotates the screw 132 to radially expand and compress the prosthetic valve, as described in more detail below. Further details regarding a motorized handle that can be used to apply torque to the torque shaft 224 are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,399,633. The input torque shaft 224 can have a larger diameter than the delivery system throughout the majority of the delivery apparatus, with multiple torque shafts extending from the handle to the prosthetic valve.

[0046] The delivery device 200 can have various user interface controls for controlling operation of the delivery device. For example, as can be seen with reference to FIG. 4A, the handle 210 can have one or more buttons 280a, 280b that control operation of the motor 212. The button 280a can be operable to rotate the torque shaft 224 in a first direction to radially expand the prosthetic valve 100. The button 280b can be operable to rotate the torque shaft 224 in a second direction opposite the first direction to radially compress the prosthetic valve 100.

[0047] The handle 210 may also include a processor and memory for storing and executing software capable of controlling the deployment of the prosthetic valve. For example, instead of or in addition to the buttons 280a, 280b, a button 282 may be provided for controlling the operation of a motor. In one implementation, the button 282 may be operable to activate the motor 212 when pressed by a user, which may initiate a deployment procedure, whereby the prosthetic valve is automatically expanded according to a predetermined algorithm. For example, the prosthetic valve may be expanded in a pulsed or stepped manner as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,399,363. The handle 210 may also include a stop button 284 operable to stop or interrupt the expansion of the prosthetic valve at any time during the expansion process. The handle 210 may also include a visual display 286, which may display text, diagrams, and / or other information regarding the deployment of the prosthetic valve.

[0048] The delivery device can further include another motor (which can be housed within the handle 210) and additional buttons 288a, 288b (e.g., on the handle) for controlling the bending of the outer catheter 220 and shaft 224. For example, button 288a can be operable to rotate the motor in a first direction to apply tension to one or more pull wires to bend or curve the outer catheter 220, such as when moving around the aortic arch. Button 288b can be operable to rotate the motor in a second direction, opposite the first direction, to reduce tension in the one or more pull wires to straighten the outer catheter.

[0049] The buttons 280a, 280b, 282, 284, 288a, 288b can be any of a variety of shapes and sizes. Additionally, any of a variety of switches or dials can be provided to perform any of the functions described above. For example, a three-position switch can replace the buttons 280a, 280b. The switch can be moved between a first position that rotates the motor 212 in a first direction to expand the artificial valve, a second neutral position where the motor 212 is stopped, and a third position that rotates the motor 212 in a second direction to compress the artificial valve. In an alternative embodiment, the display 286 can be a touch screen with a user interface, and any of the buttons 280a, 280b, 282, 284, 288a, 288b can be replaced with buttons on a touch screen display.

[0050] In some embodiments, the handle 210 may communicate (via a wireless or wired communications link) with a separate control unit that includes a display and / or a processor for running software, in which case the handle 210 need not include those functions.

[0051] In alternative embodiments, the delivery device need not include a motor for rotating the input torque shaft 224, but instead the input torque shaft 224 can be manually rotated by a user. For example, the proximal end of the torque shaft 224 can be connected to a rotatable knob or wheel mounted on a handle, the handle operable to rotate the torque shaft 224 when the user rotates the knob or wheel.

[0052] 5 shows a perspective view of the distal end of the input torque shaft 224, the gear box 230, and the output torque shaft 240. For purposes of illustration, the outer catheter 220 has been omitted from FIG. 5. The input torque shaft 224 may comprise a heavy-duty torque transmission cable connected at its proximal end to the handle 210 and at its distal end to the gear box 230. The gear box 230 may transmit torque from the input torque shaft 224 to each of the output torque shafts 240. The gear box 230 may also be configured to reduce or increase the rotational speed and / or torque of the input torque shaft 224, as desired, to rotate the output torque shaft 240 at a different rotational speed and / or torque than the input torque shaft.

[0053] FIG. 6 shows an internal cross-sectional view of the gearbox 230 and the distal end of the input torque shaft 224. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the gearbox 230 in an exploded state. As can be seen with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, the input torque shaft 224 can be housed within a fixed (non-rotatable) flexible shaft 226 that extends through a lumen of the outer shaft 220. The fixed flexible shaft 226 can have a proximal end connected to the handle 210 and a distal end 254 that can extend axially beyond the outer shaft 220 into a proximal opening 256 of the gearbox housing 232. The distal end 254 can be secured within the opening of the gearbox housing 232, such as by adhesive, friction fit, fasteners, welding, and / or other suitable techniques or mechanisms to secure the gearbox relative to the outer shaft 220 and the flexible shaft 226.

[0054] The gearbox 230 defines a gear train including a drive gear and a number of driven gears for transmitting the rotational motion of the input torque shaft to each of the output torque shafts. In the illustrated embodiment, a distal end 258 of the input torque shaft 224 can extend axially beyond the distal end of the flex shaft 226 where it is connected to a drive gear 234, which is further connected to a number of driven gears 242. Each of the driven gears 242 is connected to a respective output torque shaft 240 to rotate the respective output torque shaft 240. In the illustrated embodiment, the distal end 258 of the input torque shaft 224 extends into a central opening 260 of the drive gear 234, which can include an internal gear having teeth on an inner surface of the gear. The distal end 258 can be secured within the central opening 260, such as by adhesive, friction fit, fasteners, welding, and / or other suitable techniques or mechanisms. The driven gear 242 may be a pinion gear having external teeth that mesh with the teeth of the drive gear 234 .

[0055] The gearbox 230 in the illustrated configuration further comprises a proximal plate 238 housed within the drive gear 234, a distal plate 239 attached to the distal end of the housing 232, and an inner shaft or tubular portion 236 extending from the proximal plate 238 to the distal plate 239. The tubular portion 236 can be secured to the proximal plate 238 and the distal plate 239 to maintain the proximal plate 238 and the distal plate 239 parallel to each other with an appropriate spacing from each other. The tubular portion 236 defines a lumen to allow the innermost shaft 252 (FIG. 4) to extend through the gearbox 230 without interfering with the gears 232, 242. A guidewire (not shown), commonly known in the art, can extend through the innermost shaft 252 and can be used to guide the delivery device 200 through the patient's vasculature. Each output torque shaft 240 may be secured within an opening in a respective gear 242, such as by adhesive, friction fit, welding, and / or other suitable techniques or mechanisms. The output torque shafts 240 may be free to rotate relative to the proximal and distal plates 238, 239 while remaining perpendicular to the proximal and distal plates 238, 239.

[0056] Each output torque shaft 240 may have a proximal end supported within a respective opening 262 in the proximal plate 238 and an intermediate portion supported within a respective opening 264 in the distal plate 239. The output torque shafts 240 may rotate within corresponding openings 262, 264 in the proximal and distal plates 238, 239, which helps maintain proper alignment of the driven gears 242 within the drive gear 234. Each output torque shaft 240 has a distal end that is removably connected to a respective screw 132 of the actuator 130, as described further below.

[0057] When the input torque shaft 224 is actuated by the motor 212, it rotates, which in turn rotates the drive gear 234. Rotating the drive gear 234 rotates the driven gears 242, as shown in more detail in Figures 8 and 9. Each driven gear 242 rotates the output torque shaft 240, which in turn rotates the respective screw 132 of the actuator, which acts to radially expand and compress the frame 102 of the prosthetic valve. In one particular embodiment, the internal gear 234 can have 31 teeth, a modulus of elasticity of 0.2, a pressure angle of 20°, and a backlash of 0.1 mm. In other embodiments, the internal gear 234 can have any other parameters. The number of pinions 242 in the gear box 230 can be equal to the number of output torque shafts 240. Each pinion 242 can have 10 teeth, a modulus of elasticity of 0.2, a pressure angle of 20°, and a backlash of 0.1 mm. In other embodiments, the ring gear 234 and pinion 242 can have various other parameters depending on the particular application.

[0058] 8A and 8B further illustrate the operation of the gearbox 230. The internal gear 234 can have a number of teeth 235 that can engage with respective teeth 243 of the pinion 242. As shown in FIG. 8A, rotating the internal gear 234 in a clockwise direction causes a corresponding clockwise rotation of the pinion 242. As shown in FIG. 8B, rotating the internal gear 234 in a counterclockwise direction causes a corresponding counterclockwise rotation of the pinion 242. The pinions 242 can be connected to respective output torque shafts 240, such that rotating the pinions 242 causes a corresponding rotation of the output torque shafts 240 in the same direction. Thus, the gearbox 230 can convert a single input torque from the input torque shaft 224 into a number of output torques equal to the number of output torque shafts 240 connected to the gearbox 230. The gearbox 230 can also shift the axis of rotation from the central axis of the input torque shaft 224 (which is collinear with the central longitudinal axis of the transport apparatus) to an axis of rotation of the output torque shaft 240 that is offset from the longitudinal axis of the transport apparatus. Shifting the axis of rotation also advantageously shifts the screw 132 of the actuator 130 away from the central longitudinal axis of the frame 102.

[0059] In the illustrated embodiment, the gear ratio of the drive gear to the driven gear is greater than 1 (e.g., 3.1:1 for an internal gear with 31 teeth and a pinion with 10 teeth), causing the output torque shaft 240 to rotate faster than the input torque shaft 224. In an alternative embodiment, the gearbox can be configured to have a gear ratio of the drive gear to the driven gear less than 1, such that the output torque shaft rotates slower than the input torque shaft.

[0060] FIG. 9 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the gearbox. The gearbox of FIG. 9 is similar to the configuration shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B except that one or more idler gears can be added to change the direction of rotation from the internal gear 234 to one or more of the driven pinion gears 242. In the illustrated embodiment, two driven pinion gears 242 mounted on respective output torque shafts 240 have teeth 243 that engage with the internal teeth 235 of the gears 234 as described above. An idler pinion gear 274 can be mounted on a respective shaft 276 within the internal gear 234 and can have teeth 275 that mesh with the teeth 235 of the internal gear 234. A third driven pinion gear 279 is mounted on one of the output torque shafts 240 and has teeth 279 that mesh with the teeth of the idler pinion gear 274. Thus, in use, rotating the internal gear 234 causes the pinion gears 242 and their respective output shafts 240 to rotate in the same direction, and the pinion gears 278 and their respective output shafts 240 to rotate (through the idler gears) in the opposite direction. Such an arrangement may be advantageous where one or more of the screws 132 of the actuator 130 are threaded in a different direction than the others (e.g., one or more screws 132 are right-hand threads while one or more screws are left-hand threads). In alternative embodiments, the gearbox may have more than one idler gear, such as two idler gears to change the direction of rotation of two of the driven pinion gears, or three idler gears to change the direction of rotation of all three driven pinion gears.

[0061] 10 and 11 show the distal end of the delivery device 200 removably connected to the frame 102 of the prosthetic valve 100. As shown, each output torque shaft 240 can have a distal end 266 configured to mate with a corresponding attachment member 138 of the screw 132 of the actuator 130. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the distal end 266 can be formed with a protrusion 268 shaped to be received in the notch 140 of the attachment member 138 and a notch shaped to receive the protrusion 142 of the attachment member 138. A sleeve 270 can extend over the distal end 266 of each output shaft 240 and the mating attachment member 138 of the screw 132 to maintain the connection between the output shaft 240 and the screw 132. Each sleeve 270 can extend proximally from the prosthetic valve to the delivery device and is configured to move longitudinally to uncover the mating connection between the attachment member 138 and the distal end 266 of the output shaft. In certain embodiments, for example, each sleeve 270 can be connected to a wire or shaft that can be manipulated by a user to cause proximal movement of the sleeve 270 relative to the associated shaft 240. Once the sleeve 270 is retracted proximally and no longer covers the connection between the screw 132 and the shaft 240, the shaft 240 can be released / uncoupled from the screw 132 by slightly retracting or pulling the shaft 240 relative to the screw 132.

[0062] Other configurations and devices for forming a removable connection between the drive shaft of the delivery device and the rotatable screw of the prosthetic valve frame, such as that described in U.S. Patent No. 5,399,433, can be used to form a removable connection between each torque shaft 240 and screw 132.

[0063] To deliver the prosthetic valve 100 using the delivery device 200 for implantation at a desired location within the heart (e.g., the native aortic valve), the prosthetic valve 100 can first be radially compressed or corrugated into a compressed state, as shown in Figure 3. Alternatively, the prosthetic valve 100 can start in a radially expanded state, as shown in Figure 2. A distal end 266 of the output torque shaft 240 can be connected to the attachment member 138 of the screw 132, and a sleeve 270 can be disposed over the distal end 266 and the attachment member 138.

[0064] After the output torque shaft 240 is connected to the mounting member 138, and the prosthetic valve 100 is in a radially expanded state, the output torque shaft 240 can be rotated (e.g., in a clockwise direction), thereby rotating the screw 132 and radially compressing the frame 102. The delivery device 200 and prosthetic valve 100 can then be inserted and advanced through the patient's vasculature to the desired implantation site using conventional techniques and devices. For example, the prosthetic aortic valve can be delivered in a retrograde approach by advancing the delivery device through the femoral artery and aorta to the native aortic valve.

[0065] At or adjacent to the implantation site, the handle 210 can be actuated, such as by pressing a button (e.g., button 280a or button 282), turning on a switch, turning a dial, or using an alternative method to turn on the motor 212 to rotate the output torque shaft 240 (e.g., in a counterclockwise direction), thereby rotating the screw 132 and radially expanding the frame 102 of the prosthetic valve 100. For example, during retrograde delivery of the prosthetic valve to the aortic location, the delivery device is advanced through the descending aorta, the aortic arch, and the ascending aorta to position the prosthetic valve within the native aortic annulus. The input torque shaft 224 is desirably sized such that the input torque shaft 224 extends through the aortic arch, and the gearbox 230 and the output torque shaft 240 are located within the ascending aorta when the prosthetic valve is located at the desired implantation site. In this manner, flexure and resulting elongation and contraction of the output torque shaft 240 can be avoided during valve deployment. Thus, even in the case of uniform and predictable expansion of the artificial valve, all output torque shafts 240 can be rotated synchronously with the same torque.

[0066] Advantageously, the prosthetic valve 100 is fully operational while connected to the delivery device 200 (allowing antegrade blood to flow unidirectionally through the valve and preventing retrograde blood from flowing through the valve). Thus, the physician can test the operation of the prosthetic valve before it is released from the delivery device. If necessary, the prosthetic valve 100 can be refolded, repositioned, and then re-expanded within the body by reversing the rotation of the motor 212 (e.g., rotating the motor in a clockwise direction). Reversing the rotation of the motor 212 can be achieved, for example, by pressing the button 280b.

[0067] If the physician is still not satisfied with the position and / or operation of the prosthesis, the prosthesis can be refolded and removed from the body. Another advantage provided by the actuator 130 is that the prosthesis can be expanded to a final expanded diameter within the range of optimal expanded diameters for the patient's annulus. In certain embodiments, the actuator 130 is a self-locking actuator, meaning that the threads of the screw 132 that engage with the threads of the anchors 134 and / or 136 can resist a pushing or pulling force acting on the actuator and retain the expanded diameter of the frame 102 after the prosthesis is released from the delivery device. After the frame 102 has been radially expanded to a desired size, the sleeve 270 can be retracted and the output torque shaft can be removed from the screw 132. The delivery device 200 can then be removed from the patient.

[0068] General requirements It is understood that the disclosed embodiments can be adapted to deliver and implant prosthetic devices in any of the heart's native annulus (e.g., pulmonary, mitral, and tricuspid annulus) and can be used with any of a variety of delivery techniques (e.g., retrograde, antegrade, transseptal, transventricular, transatrial). The disclosed embodiments can also be used to implant prostheses in other lumens of the human body. Furthermore, the delivery assembly embodiments described herein can be adapted to deliver and implant a variety of other prosthetic devices, such as stents and / or other prosthetic repair devices, in addition to prosthetic valves.

[0069] For the purposes of this description, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the disclosed embodiments are described herein. The disclosed methods, devices, and systems should not be construed as limiting in any respect. Instead, the present disclosure is directed to all novel and non-obvious features and aspects of the various disclosed embodiments, alone as well as in various combinations and subcombinations. The methods, devices, and systems are not limited to any particular aspect or feature or combination thereof, and the disclosed embodiments do not require that any one or more particular advantages exist or problems be solved. The technology according to any example can be combined with the technology described in one or more of the other examples. In view of the numerous possible embodiments to which the principles of the disclosed technology may be applied, it should be recognized that the illustrated embodiments are merely preferred examples and should not be considered as limiting the scope of the disclosed technology.

[0070] Although the operations of some of the disclosed embodiments have been described in a particular order for convenient presentation, it should be understood that the described methodology encompasses rearrangements unless a particular order is required by specific language described below. For example, operations described in sequence may, in some cases, be rearranged or performed simultaneously. Moreover, for convenience, the accompanying figures may not show the various ways in which the disclosed methods can be used with other methods. Furthermore, the description may, in some cases, use terms such as "providing" or "enabling" to describe the disclosed methods. These terms are highly abstractions of the actual operations that are performed. The actual operations that correspond to these terms may vary depending on the particular implementation, but are readily discernible by those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0071] In this application and claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include the plural unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Additionally, the term "comprises" means "comprising." Additionally, the terms "coupled" and "associated" generally mean electrically, electromagnetically, and / or physically (e.g., mechanically or chemically) coupled or connected, and do not exclude the presence of intermediate elements between the coupled or associated items, unless specific contradictory language exists.

[0072] As used herein, the term "proximal" refers to a position, direction, or portion of a device that is closer to the user and farther from the implantation site. As used herein, the term "distal" refers to a position, direction, or portion of a device that is farther from the user and closer to the implantation site. Thus, for example, proximal movement of a device is movement of the device toward the user, while distal movement of a device is movement of the device away from the user. The terms "longitudinal" and "axial" refer to axes extending in the proximal and distal directions, unless expressly defined otherwise.

[0073] As used herein, the terms "integrally formed" and "unitary construction" refer to a construction that does not include welds, fasteners, or other means for fastening separately formed pieces of material together.

[0074] As used herein, actions occurring "simultaneously" or "in parallel" generally occur simultaneously with one another, except that delays in the occurrence of one action relative to another due to, for example, clearance, play, or backlash between components in a mechanical connection such as a screw thread, gear, or the like, are expressly within the scope of such terms in the absence of specific contradictory language.

[0075] In view of the numerous possible embodiments to which the principles of the present disclosure may be applied, it should be recognized that the illustrated embodiments are merely preferred examples and should not be considered as limiting the scope of the present disclosure, which is rather defined by the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 100 Artificial valve 102 Frames 104 Inflow end 106 Outflow end 108 Lattice Strut 110 Valve Structure 112 Leaflet 114 Vertex 118 holes 122 Fasteners 124 Outlet end 130 Actuator 132 Rod 134 Sleeve 136 Nut 138 Mounting material 140 Notch 142 Protrusion 200 Artificial valve delivery device 210 Handle 212 Motor 220 Catheter 224 Input torque shaft 226 Flexible shaft 230 Gearbox 232 Gearbox housing 234 Drive Gear 235 Inner teeth 236 Tubular section 238 Proximal Plate 239 Distal Plate 240 Output torque shaft 242 Driven Gear 250 Nosecone 252 Inner shaft 254 Distal end 256 Proximal opening 258 Distal end 260 central opening 264 Opening 266 Distal end 268 Protrusion 270 Sleeve 274 Idler pinion gear 275 teeth 278 Pinion Gear 279 Driven Pinion Gear 280a, 280b, 282 buttons 284 Stop button 286 Visual Display 288a, 288b Buttons

Claims

[Claim 1] 13. An artificial valve delivery device as described in the specification and drawings.

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