Self-Expanding Artificial Valve with Radial Leaflet Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current artificial valve prostheses for treating venous valve insufficiency have limited success and require invasive surgical methods, which are not widely adopted due to their inefficacy in preventing retrograde blood flow and the associated complications of chronic venous insufficiency.
Innovation Solution
A self-expanding or radially-expandable artificial valve prosthesis with a support structure and deformable valve leaflets that allow antegrade flow while restricting retrograde flow, utilizing materials like self-expanding nickel-titanium alloys and biocompatible polymers, designed for minimally invasive deployment within body vessels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional artificial valve prostheses are used to treat venous valve insufficiency, then the valve function is provided, but the surgical procedure is invasive and has limited success in preventing retrograde blood flow
Solution Approach 1:
The valve prosthesis is divided into multiple radial members that can be independently deployed and positioned. Each radial member can be separately attached to the vessel wall and configured to provide optimal valve function, allowing for precise placement while minimizing invasive procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The valve prosthesis incorporates movable valve leaflets that dynamically open and close in response to blood flow direction. The leaflets are attached to the radial members but remain flexible to adapt to flow conditions, providing automatic valve function without complex mechanical actuation systems
2Ease of operation
If self-expanding or radially-expandable support frame is used, then minimally invasive placement is enabled, but the complexity of the device structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The radial members are designed to be nested within each other during delivery, allowing the entire prosthesis to be compressed into a small delivery catheter for minimally invasive placement. Upon deployment, the radial members expand outward in a controlled sequence, forming the complete support frame structure
Solution Approach 2:
The support frame utilizes flexible radial members that can bend and conform to the vessel geometry while maintaining structural integrity. These thin-walled structures provide the necessary radial force for vessel support and valve function without requiring thick, rigid components that would increase device complexity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively regulates fluid flow, reducing the risk of retrograde leakage and alleviating symptoms of venous insufficiency, offering a more acceptable and effective treatment option with reduced invasiveness and improved patient outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
self-expanding or radially-expandable artificial valve prosthesis with a support structure... utilizing materials like self-expanding nickel-titanium alloys
Implementation Method 2
deformable valve leaflets that allow antegrade flow while restricting retrograde flow
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 1E~1F
AI summary
The present invention provides self-expanding or otherwise expandable artificial valve prostheses for deployment within a bodily passageway, such as a vessel or duct of a patient. The valve prostheses include a support structure having an outer frame (201) defining a lumen and supporting radial members (204,205,206) each having a first end joined with the first end of the other radial members within the lumen and a second end attached to the circumference portion (202) of the outer frame (201).