Heart valve and method of controlling electrical conduction through a heart valve

Abstract

A heart valve including a housing and a conductive mesh structure coupled to the housing. The conductive mesh structure includes a plurality of conductive tines that move between a collapsed position and a deployed position and the plurality of conductive tines electrically connect atrial tissue and ventricular tissue of a patient in the deployed position. The heart valve also includes a conduction controller positioned in the housing and electrically connected to the conductive mesh structure. The conduction controller receives a first conduction signal of the atrial tissue via the plurality of conductive tines, transmits a second conduction signal to the ventricular tissue via the plurality of conductive tines, and controls an electrical conduction pathway of the patient based on the second conduction signal.

Description

HEART VALVE AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING ELECTRICAL CONDUCTION THROUGH A HEART VALVECROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 619,408, filed on January 10, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] The present disclosure is directed to heart valves.BACKGROUND

[0003] A human heart has four valves. The four valves include the tricuspid valve, the pulmonary valve, the mitral valve, and the aortic valve. During normal operation of the human heart, the tricuspid valve opens and closes such that deoxygenated blood flows from the right atrium to the right ventricle. Similarly, the pulmonary valve opens and closes such that blood flows from the right ventricle to the pulmonary artery to deliver deoxygenated blood to the lungs. Likewise, the mitral valve opens and closes such that oxygenated blood received from the lungs flows from the left atrium to the left ventricle. Lastly, the aortic valve opens and closes such that oxygenated blood flows from the left ventricle to the aorta to deliver oxygenated blood throughout the body. Accordingly, the four valves of the human heart control the flow of blood throughout the body.

[0004] However, heart disease is a common health problem that affects the heart’s ability to properly circulate blood throughout the body. One common form of heart disease is heart valve failure. When any heart valve is diseased or fails, the heart cannot effectively circulate blood throughout the body and works harder to circulate blood due to blood leaking backwards through the diseased valve or blood flowing through a narrow opening of the diseased valve. For example, when the aortic valve is diseased, one common form of treatment is to perform a transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedure. During the TAVR procedure, a diseased aortic valve is replaced with an aortic valve made from animal tissue or an artificial aortic valve.

[0005] Recently, TAVR procedures have become increasingly common procedures. In some instances, estimates of the number of TAVR procedures performed in the United States alone is a range of approximately 400,000 to 500,000 cases per year. Such estimates translate to a range of approximately 5% to 15% of all heart related procedures. Although, in some instances, a medical complication that may occur because of a TAVR procedure is that a patient experiences a heart block after the TAVR procedure. A heart block occurs when an electrical signal that controls conduction of the heart is partially or completely blocked. Consequentially, the heart may beat with an abnormal rhythm. To address heart block, an existing solution is for the patient to undergo an additional surgical procedure for placement of a permanent pacemaker. However, such existing solutions present risk to the patient during the additional procedure, the patient may need an additional, temporary pacemaker until the permanent pacemaker is placed, and an additional cost to the patient.

[0006] Thus, systems and methods that provide natural conduction of the heart with reduced cost and without the need for implantation of a permanent pacemaker would be desirable.SUMMARY

[0007] During normal operation, the human heart controls its own conduction to circulate blood throughout the body. Accordingly, the human heart includes a conduction system of nodes that coordinate contraction of heart muscle to circulate blood. Conduction pathways are located between the nodes to carry electrical signals transmitted between nodes. Therefore, the conduction pathways transfer the natural conduction of the heart between the nodes. In some implementations, it would be advantageous to use the human heart’s natural conduction to control conduction following a heart block. Thus, there is a need for an artificial aortic valve that controls conduction using the natural conduction pathways of the human heart.

[0008] In one aspect, the disclosure provides a heart valve including a housing and a conductive mesh structure coupled to the housing. The conductive mesh structure includes a plurality of conductive tines configured to move between a collapsed position and a deployed position and the plurality of conductive tines are configured to electrically connect atrial tissue and ventricular tissue of a patient in the deployed position. The heart valve also includes a conduction controller positioned in the housing and electrically connected to the conductivemesh structure. The conduction controller is configured to receive a first conduction signal of the atrial tissue via the plurality of conductive tines, transmit a second conduction signal to the ventricular tissue via the plurality of conductive tines, and control an electrical conduction pathway of the patient based on the second conduction signal.

[0009] In some aspects, the plurality of conductive tines physiologically connect the atrial tissue to the ventricular tissue in the deployed position.

[0010] In some aspects, the plurality of conductive tines change the electrical conduction pathway in the deployed position.

[0011] In some aspects, the plurality of conductive tines is formed of a biocompatible material.

[0012] In some aspects, the plurality of conductive tines is formed of nitinol.

[0013] In some aspects, the conduction controller is further configured to delay the transmission of the second conduction signal to match a natural conduction of a heart of the patient.

[0014] In some aspects, the conduction controller is further configured to control conduction between the atrial tissue and the ventricular tissue during a transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedure.

[0015] In another aspect, the disclosure provides a heart valve comprising a housing, a conductive structure coupled to the housing, and a conduction controller. The conductive structure is configured for self-expansion after implantation in a human heart of a patient. The conductive structure includes a plurality of conductive tines extending from the conductive structure and configured to embed within adjacent atrial tissue and adjacent ventricular tissue when the conductive structure self-expands, the plurality of conductive tines are configured to electrically connect the atrial tissue and the ventricular tissue of the patient. The conduction controller is positioned in the housing and electrically connected to the conductive structure.The conduction controller is configured to receive a first conduction signal of the atrial tissue via the plurality of conductive tines embedded in the atrial tissue, transmit a second conductionsignal to the ventricular tissue via the plurality of conductive tines embedded in the ventricular tissue, and control an electrical conduction pathway of the patient based on the second conduction signal.

[0016] In some aspects, the conductive structure extends longitudinally relative to the housing.

[0017] In some aspects, the conductive structure includes a plurality of conductive plates in contact with the ventricular tissue.

[0018] In some aspects, each of the conductive plates are in electrical communication with the conduction controller.

[0019] In some aspects, one of the conductive plates is in electrical communication with the conduction controller, and wherein each of the other conductive plates is in electrical communication with an adjacent one of the conductive plates.

[0020] In some aspects, the plurality of conductive tines physiologically connect the atrial tissue to the ventricular tissue.

[0021] In some aspects, the plurality of conductive tines change the electrical conduction pathway of the patient.

[0022] In yet another aspect, the disclosure provides a method of controlling electrical conduction through an artificial heart valve implanted in a human heart. The method comprises receiving, by an electronic controller, a first electrical conduction signal from atrial tissue via a plurality of tines embedded in the atrial tissue, generating, by a pulse generator, a second electrical conduction signal based on the first electrical conduction signal, and transmitting, by the electronic controller, the second electrical conduction signal to ventricular tissue via the plurality of tines embedded in the ventricular tissue. The plurality of tines surround the artificial heart valve implanted in the human heart.

[0023] In some aspects, the electrical controller is configured to determine a heart rate and a heart rhythm of the first electrical conduction signal.

[0024] In some aspects, the second electrical conduction signal is based on the heart rate and the heart rhythm of the first electrical conduction signal.

[0025] In some aspects, the method further comprises delaying, by the electrical controller, the transmitting of the second electrical conduction signal to the ventricular tissue.

[0026] In some aspects, the second electrical conduction signal is delayed, by the electrical controller, in transmission to match the parameters of the first electrical conduction signal.

[0027] In some aspects, the first electrical conduction signal includes a heart rate and a heart rhythm, and wherein the delay in transmission of the second electrical conduction signal lasts until there the heart rate and the heart rhythm matches the first electrical conduction signal.

[0028] Other aspects of various embodiments will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] FIG. 1 illustrates a heart valve positioned within a heart, according to some embodiments.

[0030] FIG. 2 illustrates a heart valve positioned along conduction pathways of a heart, according to some embodiments.

[0031] FIG. 3 illustrates a heart valve, according to some embodiments.

[0032] FIG. 4 illustrates conductive tines of the heart valve of FIG. 3, according to some embodiments.

[0033] FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram of a control system of the heart valve of FIG. 3, according to some embodiments.

[0034] FIG. 6 illustrates a heart valve, according to some embodiments.

[0035] FIG. 7 illustrates a heart valve, according to some embodiments.

[0036] FIG. 8 illustrates a heart valve, according to some embodiments.

[0037] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling conduction via a heart valve, according to some embodiments.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways.

[0039] All statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the disclosure, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future, i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure.

[0040] Various other components may be included and called upon for providing for aspects of the teachings herein. For example, additional materials, combinations of materials and / or omission of materials may be used to provide for added embodiments that are within the scope of the teachings herein. Adequacy of any particular element for practice of the teachings herein is to be judged from the perspective of a designer, manufacturer, seller, user, system operator or other similarly interested party, and such limitations are to be perceived according to the standards of the interested party.

[0041] In the disclosure hereof any element expressed as a means for performing a specified function is intended to encompass any way of performing that function including, for example, a) a combination of circuit elements and associated hardware which perform that function or b) software in any form, including, therefore, firmware, microcode or the like as set forth herein, combined with appropriate circuitry for executing that software to perform the function. Applicants thus regard any means which can provide those functionalities as equivalent to thoseshown herein. No functional language used in claims appended herein is to be construed as invoking 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) interpretations as “means-plus-function” language unless specifically expressed as such by use of the words “means for” or “steps for” within the respective claim.

[0042] When introducing elements of the present invention or the embodiment(s) thereof, the articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. Similarly, the adjective “another,” when used to introduce an element, is intended to mean one or more elements. The terms “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive such that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. The term “exemplary” is not intended to be construed as a superlative example but merely one of many possible examples.

[0043] The present disclosure provides an artificial heart valve for addressing heart block conditions caused by TAVR. The artificial heart valve connects atrial tissue where a heart condition or arrhythmia originates to ventricular tissue through a plurality of conductive tines that extend from the heart valve. With this configuration, the heart valve provides for natural conduction of electrical activity of the heart. Additional details of the heart valve and methods of controlling electrical conduction through an artificial heart valve are described below.

[0044] FIG. 1 illustrates a heart valve 100 positioned within a heart 105, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the heart valve 100 is inserted and implanted into the heart 105 via a surgical procedure. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1, the heart 105 is a model heart showing a cross-sectional view of chambers and valves of the heart 105. Although shown as a model, it should be understood that the model heart is for illustrative purposes and the heart 105 may be within a patient. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1, the heart valve 100 is an artificial aortic valve. Although described herein as an artificial aortic valve, it should be understood that in other embodiments the heart valve 100 may be an artificial tricuspid valve, an artificial pulmonary valve, or an artificial mitral valve. The heart valve 100 is positioned at a location of an aortic valve of the heart 105. For example, the heart valve 100 is positioned between a left ventricle (e.g., ventricular tissue) 110 and an aorta 115 of the heart 105.

[0045] In some embodiments, the heart valve 100 includes a housing 120 and a conductive structure 125. In some examples, the conductive structure 125 is formed like a cage or mesh.The conductive structure 125 extends longitudinally relative to the housing 120. In some examples, the housing 120 is a valve cap. The housing 120 stores and protects electrical components of the heart valve 100. The conductive structure 125 is coupled to the housing 120. In some embodiments, the conductive structure 125 is formed of interwoven hexagonally shaped wires. The conductive structure 125 forms a physiological connection with the heart 105 at a plurality of connection points 130 on the aortic valve of the heart 105. For example, the conductive structure 125 contacts the plurality of connection points 130 between the left ventricle 110 and the aorta 115 along an electrical conduction pathway 135 of the heart 105. As such, the heart valve 100 electrically connects atrial tissue of the heart 105 to ventricular tissue of the left ventricle 110 via the conductive structure 125.

[0046] FIG. 2 illustrates the heart valve 100 positioned along the electrical conduction pathway 135 of the heart 105, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the electrical conduction pathway 135 includes a left bundle branch 205 and a right bundle branch 210. The left bundle branch 205 sends electrical signals along the electrical conduction pathway 135 to the left ventricle 110. Accordingly, the heart 105 controls conduction of the left ventricle 110 by transmitting signals along the left bundle branch 205. The right bundle branch 210 sends electrical signals along the electrical conduction pathway 135 to a right ventricle of the heart 105. Therefore, the heart 105 controls conduction of the right ventricle by transmitting signals along the right bundle branch 210. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2, the conductive structure 125 contacts the electrical conduction pathway 135 along the left bundle branch 205. Accordingly, the conductive structure 125 is formed of a biocompatible material.

[0047] Referring now to FIGS. 3-4, in some embodiments, the heart valve 100 includes a plurality of conductive tines 305 and a control system 310. In the illustrated example of FIG. 3, the conductive structure 125 includes the plurality of conductive tines 305. The plurality of conductive tines 305 are positioned on an exterior of the conductive structure 125 such that the plurality of conductive tines 305 may contact and embed within adjacent tissue of the heart 105. In some embodiments, the plurality of conductive tines 305 is formed of a biocompatible material such as, but not limited to, nitinol (e.g., a nickel-titanium alloy), a copper-aluminum- nickel alloy, or other biocompatible shape-memory alloys (SMAs). As such, each of the plurality of conductive tines 305 is configured to move between a collapsed position and adeployed position when the heart valve 100 is inserted into the heart 105. In the collapsed position, the plurality of conductive tines 305 is positioned parallel to the exterior of the conductive structure 125 such that the plurality of conductive tines 305 do not contact tissue of the heart 105. In the deployed position, as shown in FIG. 3, the plurality of conductive tines 305 extend in a direction away from the exterior of the conductive structure 125 to contact tissue of the heart 105. Additionally, in some embodiments, each of the plurality of conductive tines 305 is electrically connected to the control system 310. In some embodiments, the housing 120 includes the control system 310. In other embodiments, some or all of the components of the control system 310 may be implemented external to the housing 120.

[0048] FIG. 4 illustrates the plurality of conductive tines 305 of the heart valve 100 of FIG. 3, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, each conductive tine of the plurality of conductive tines 305 includes a first portion (e.g., a connecting portion) 405 and a second portion (e.g., an expanding portion) 410. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the plurality of conductive tines 305 is configured to physically contact (e.g., to catch and hold) tissue of a patient. Accordingly, the plurality of conductive tines 305 physiologically connect portions of tissue in the deployed position. When the heart valve 100 is inserted into the heart 105, the plurality of conductive tines 305 are in the collapsed position such that the plurality of conductive tines 305 do not contact the heart 105. In the collapsed position, the first portion 405 and the second portion 410 are each positioned parallel to the conductive structure 125. Once inserted into the heart 105, each of the plurality of conductive tines 305 moves to the deployed position. For example, each second portion 410 extends from the conductive structure 125 based on a shapememory characteristic. The shape-memory characteristic may be position of the second portion 410 in the deployed position. As the second portion 410 extends to the deployed position, the second portion 410 moves the first portion 405 to physically contact tissue of the patient.

[0049] FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram of the control system 310 of the heart valve 100 of FIG. 3, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, some or all of the components of the control system 310 may be implemented in the housing 120. In other embodiments, some components of the control system 310 may be implemented external to the housing 120 but internal to the heart valve 100. For example, some or all components of the control system 310 may be implemented in the conductive structure 125. In some embodiments, the control system310 includes an electronic controller 505. For example, the heart valve 100 includes the electronic controller 505. The electronic controller 505 may be an integrated circuit device, such as a Microchip microcontroller. However, in other embodiments, the electronic controller 505 is implemented as another type of processor-based control device. The electronic controller 505, which includes an electronic processor 510 and a memory 515, may be configured to control various operations of the heart valve 100. For example, in some embodiments, the electronic controller 505 is configured to control signals transmitted to the electrical conduction pathway 135.

[0050] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the electronic controller 505 is electrically and / or communicatively connected to a variety of modules or components of the heart valve 100. For example, the electronic controller 505 is electrically connected to one or more additional components 520 and a conduction controller 525.

[0051] In some embodiments, the electronic controller 505 includes a plurality of electrical and electronic components that provide power, operational control, and protection to the components and modules within the electronic controller 505 and / or the heart valve 100. For example, the electronic controller 505 includes, among other things, the electronic processor 510 (for example, a microprocessor or another suitable programmable device) and the memory 515.

[0052] The memory 515 includes, for example, a program storage area and a data storage area. The program storage area and the data storage area can include combinations of different types of memory, such as read-only memory (ROM) and / or random-access memory (RAM). Various non-transitory computer readable media, for example, magnetic, optical, physical, or electronic memory may be used. The electronic processor 510 is communicatively coupled to the memory 515 and executes software instructions that are stored in the memory 515, or stored on another non-transitory computer readable medium such as another memory or a disc. Instructions may include instructions, which when executed by the electronic processor 510, cause the control system 310 to implement any of a variety of conduction control actions as described herein. The software may include one or more applications, program data, filters, rules, one or more program modules, and other executable instructions.

[0053] In some embodiments, the one or more additional components 520 includes one or more sensors such as, but not limited to, a current sensor, a temperature sensor, a voltage sensor, a humidity sensor, a capacitive sensor, a magnetic sensor, activity sensor or any other suitable sensor for sensing characteristics of the heart valve 100. In some embodiments, the one or more additional components 520 includes a power supply configured to provide power to the components of the control system 310. For example, the power supply may be a battery.

[0054] In some embodiments, the electronic controller 505 includes the conduction controller 525. In other embodiments, the conduction controller 525 is separate from and in electronic communication with the electronic controller 505. In addition, the conduction controller 525 is electrically connected to the conductive structure 125 and in electronic communication with the plurality of conductive tines 305. As such, the conduction controller 525 receives and transmits signals via the plurality of conductive tines 305. In some embodiments, the conduction controller 525 is a pacemaker configured to control the electrical conduction pathway 135. For example, the conduction controller 525 may include a pulse generator configured to transmit electrical signals to the heart 105 to control the electrical conduction pathway 135.

[0055] FIG. 6 illustrates the heart valve 100, according to some embodiments. As illustrated in FIG. 6, each of the plurality of conductive tines 305 connects to a portion of the heart 105 in the deployed position at the plurality of connection points 130. For example, a first conductive tine of the plurality of conductive tines 305 electrically connects to an atrial tissue 605 of the heart 105. A second conductive tine of the plurality of conductive tines 305 electrically connects to the ventricular tissue 110 of the heart 105. Accordingly, the plurality of conductive tines 305 is configured to electrically connect the atrial tissue 605 and the ventricular tissue 110 in the deployed position via the control system 310. In some embodiments, the plurality of conductive tines 305 physiologically connect the atrial tissue 605 to the ventricular tissue 110 in the deployed position.

[0056] Referring back to FIG. 1, during normal operation of the heart 105, the atrial tissue 605 transmits electrical signals to the ventricular tissue 110 along the electrical conduction pathway 135 to control conduction of the heart 105. As illustrated in FIG. 6, when the heartvalve 100 is inserted in the heart 105 and the plurality of conductive tines 305 is in the deployed position, the plurality of conductive tines 305 change the electrical conduction pathway 135 of the heart 105. For example, the electrical conduction pathway 135 passes from the atrial tissue 605 to the control system 310 (e.g., through the conduction controller 525) via the plurality of conductive tines 305 and from the control system 310 to the ventricular tissue 110 via the plurality of conductive tines 305. Accordingly, the control system 310 controls conduction signals through the electrical conduction pathway 135 via the conduction controller 525.

[0057] FIG. 7 illustrates the heart valve 100, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the heart valve 100 includes a plurality of metal plates 705. In some embodiments, the metal plates 705 are disc-shaped as illustrated, but in other embodiments, the metal plates 705 can have other shapes, such as oval, square, triangular, and the like. The plurality of metal plates 705 is formed of a biocompatible material such as, but not limited to, nitinol (e.g., a nickel -titanium alloy), a copper-aluminum-nickel alloy, or other biocompatible shape-memory alloys (SMAs). Each of the plurality of metal plates 705 is configured to electrically connect to the ventricular tissue 110 of the heart 105 at each of the plurality of connection points 130. Each of the plurality of metal plates 705 is also electrically connected to the control system 310. The control system 310 (e.g., via the conduction controller 525) receives and transmits signals via the plurality of conductive tines 305 and the plurality of metal plates 705. In some embodiments, the plurality of metal plates 705 contact the ventricular tissue 110 with a greater surface area of electrical connection compared to the plurality of conductive tines 305. Additionally, the plurality of metal plates 705 may result in less tissue damage to the ventricular tissue 110 compared to the plurality of conductive tines 305.

[0058] FIG. 8 illustrates the heart valve 100, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of metal plates 705 is electrically connected to another one of the plurality of metal plates 705. In some embodiments, the metal plates 705 are disc-shaped as illustrated, but in other embodiments, the metal plates 705 can have other shapes, such as oval, square, triangular, and the like. Accordingly, each of the plurality of metal plates 705 delivers a signal to the plurality of connection points 130 simultaneously. In some embodiments, the control system 310 transmits a signal to a first metal plate of the plurality of metal plates 705. In such embodiments, each of the metal plates 705 is in electrical communication with an adjacentmetal plate 705 such that the signal propagates from the first metal plate to the remaining metal plates of the plurality of metal plates 705 to deliver to the ventricular tissue 1 10.

[0059] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a method 900 for controlling conduction via the heart valve 100, according to some embodiments. For example, the method 900 is implemented to control the electrical conduction pathway 135 to which the heart valve 100 is connected. It should be understood that the order of the steps disclosed in method 900 could vary. Although some steps are illustrated as occurring in serial order, in other embodiments, the steps disclosed may be performed in parallel order. Furthermore, additional steps may be added to the process and not all of the steps may be required.

[0060] In one embodiment, the method 900 is performed by conduction controller 525. However, in other embodiments, the method 900 may be performed via other components within the control system 310, such as a combination of the electronic controller 505 and the conduction controller 525. In some embodiments, the method 900 is implemented during and / or following a TAVR procedure. For example, the method 900 is implemented in response to a heart block of the heart 105 and the heart valve 100 is inserted into the heart 105 during the TAVR procedure. Accordingly, the method 900 may be implemented such that the conduction controller 525 controls conduction between the atrial tissue 605 and the ventricular tissue 110 during and / or following the TAVR procedure.

[0061] The method 900 begins at step 905 when the conduction controller 525 receives a first conduction signal of the atrial tissue 605 via the plurality of conductive tines 305. For example, with the plurality of conductive tines 305 in the deployed position, the first conduction signal propagates through the atrial tissue 605. The conductive tines of the plurality of conductive tines 305 electrically connected to the atrial tissue 605 receive the first conduction signal and transmit the first conduction signal to the conduction controller 525. In some embodiments, the first conduction signal may be indicative of a natural conduction of the heart 105. For example, the natural conduction of the heart 105 is the conduction of the heart 105 without a heart block. The method 900 then proceeds to step 910.

[0062] At step 910, the conduction controller 525 transmits a second conduction signal to the ventricular tissue 110 via the plurality of conductive tines 305. For example, the conductioncontroller 525 determines a heart rate and a heart rhythm for the heart 105 based on the first conduction signal. Based on the heart rate and the heart rhythm, the pulse generator of the conduction controller 525 generates the second conduction signal and the conduction controller 525 transmits the second conduction signal to the ventricular tissue 110 via the plurality of conductive tines 305. In some embodiments, the conduction controller 525 delays the transmission of the second conduction signal to match the natural conduction of the heart 105 of the patient. For example, the conduction controller 525 delays the transmission of the second conduction signal by a first time period to match the heart rate and the heart rhythm of the first conduction signal.

[0063] It should be understood that the method 900 may be performed multiple times to control the electrical conduction pathway 135 based on consecutively transmitted second conduction signals.

[0064] Various features and aspects of the present disclosure are set forth in the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A heart valve comprising: a housing; a conductive mesh structure coupled to the housing, the conductive mesh structure including a plurality of conductive tines configured to move between a collapsed position and a deployed position, the plurality of conductive tines configured to electrically connect atrial tissue and ventricular tissue of a patient in the deployed position; and a conduction controller positioned in the housing and electrically connected to the conductive mesh structure, the conduction controller configured to receive a first conduction signal of the atrial tissue via the plurality of conductive tines; transmit a second conduction signal to the ventricular tissue via the plurality of conductive tines; and control an electrical conduction pathway of the patient based on the second conduction signal.

2. The heart valve of claim 1, wherein the plurality of conductive tines physiologically connect the atrial tissue to the ventricular tissue in the deployed position.

3. The heart valve of claim 1, wherein the plurality of conductive tines change the electrical conduction pathway in the deployed position.

4. The heart valve of claim 1, wherein the plurality of conductive tines is formed of a biocompatible material.

5. The heart valve of claim 4, wherein the biocompatible material is nitinol.

6. The heart valve of claim 1, wherein the conduction controller is further configured to:delay transmission of the second conduction signal to match a natural conduction of a heart of the patient.

7. The heart valve of claim 1, wherein the conduction controller is further configured to: control conduction between the atrial tissue and the ventricular tissue during a transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedure.

8. A method of controlling electrical conduction through an artificial heart valve implanted in a human heart, the method comprising: receiving, by an electronic controller, a first electrical conduction signal from atrial tissue via a plurality of tines embedded in the atrial tissue; generating, by a pulse generator, a second electrical conduction signal based on the first electrical conduction signal; and transmitting, by the electronic controller, the second electrical conduction signal to ventricular tissue via the plurality of tines embedded in the ventricular tissue, wherein the plurality of tines surround the artificial heart valve implanted in the human heart.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the electronic controller is configured to determine a heart rate and a heart rhythm of the first electrical conduction signal.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the second electrical conduction signal is based on the heart rate and the heart rhythm of the first electrical conduction signal.

11. The method of claim 8, further comprising delaying, by the electrical controller, the transmitting of the second electrical conduction signal to the ventricular tissue.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the second electrical conduction signal is delayed, by the electronic controller, in transmission to match one or more parameters of the first electrical conduction signal.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the first electrical conduction signal includes a heart rate and a heart rhythm, and wherein the delay in transmission of the second electrical conduction signal lasts until there the heart rate and the heart rhythm matches the first electrical conduction signal.

14. A heart valve compri sing : a housing; a conductive structure coupled to the housing, the conductive structure configured for self-expansion after implantation in a human heart of a patient, the conductive structure including a plurality of conductive tines extending from the conductive structure and configured to embed within adjacent atrial tissue and adjacent ventricular tissue when the conductive structure self-expands, the plurality of conductive tines configured to electrically connect the atrial tissue and the ventricular tissue of the patient; and a conduction controller positioned in the housing and electrically connected to the conductive structure, the conduction controller configured to receive a first conduction signal of the atrial tissue via the plurality of conductive tines embedded in the atrial tissue; transmit a second conduction signal to the ventricular tissue via the plurality of conductive tines embedded in the ventricular tissue; and control an electrical conduction pathway of the patient based on the second conduction signal.

15. The heart valve of claim 14, wherein the conductive structure extends longitudinally relative to the housing.

16. The heart valve of claim 14, wherein the conductive structure includes a plurality of conductive plates in contact with the ventricular tissue.

17. The heart valve of claim 16, wherein each of the conductive plates are in electrical communication with the conduction controller.

18. The heart valve of claim 16, wherein one of the conductive plates is in electrical communication with the conduction controller, and wherein each of the other conductive plates is in electrical communication with an adjacent one of the conductive plates.

19. The heart valve of claim 14, wherein the plurality of conductive tines physiologically connect the atrial tissue to the ventricular tissue.

20. The heart valve of claim 14, wherein the plurality of conductive tines change the electrical conduction pathway of the patient.

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