Block Copolymer Heart Valve with Anisotropic Phase Structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing prosthetic heart valves made from organic polymers are susceptible to damage and material fatigue due to repeated stresses of operation, particularly in the valve leaflets where high stress concentrations occur.

Innovation Solution

A heart valve is constructed at least partially from a block-copolymer with a phase structure arranged to produce anisotropic physical properties, mimicking the structure of native heart valves and reducing stress concentration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If organic polymers are used to create artificial heart valves, then the risk of blood clotting is reduced compared to inorganic valves, but the valves become susceptible to damage and material fatigue due to repeated stresses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverisk of blood clottingVSAvoidsusceptibility to damage and material fatigue

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses block copolymer composite materials with phase-separated structures combining hard and soft domains. The hard domains provide structural support and fatigue resistance, while the soft domains provide flexibility and blood compatibility, resolving the contradiction between reduced clotting risk and improved reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates local quality variations through phase-separated structures where different regions of the material have different mechanical properties. The hard domains are strategically positioned to provide strength at stress concentration points, while soft domains provide flexibility in other regions, addressing both clotting risk and durability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Object-affected harmful factors

If polymer materials are used for valve leaflets, then the valves have less risk of clotting, but the leaflets are prone to failure due to high stress concentrations where attached to the supporting structure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverisk of clottingVSAvoidstress concentration at attachment points

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements local quality by creating hard domains at the attachment points of the valve leaflets to the supporting structure. These localized hard regions provide enhanced strength and stress distribution exactly where stress concentrations occur, preventing failure while maintaining the overall polymer material's blood compatibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The block copolymer composite structure provides both hard and soft phases, with the hard phase strategically positioned at stress concentration points. This composite approach allows the valve to maintain flexibility and blood compatibility overall while having localized reinforcement at critical attachment points

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Duration of action of stationary object

If inorganic valves are used, then the valves are very durable, but they increase the risk of blood clotting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelifespan of valveVSAvoidrisk of blood clotting

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses block copolymer composite materials that combine the durability characteristics of inorganic materials with the blood compatibility of organic materials. The phase-separated structure provides both the structural integrity needed for long lifespan and the biocompatible surface properties that reduce clotting risk

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

4Object-affected harmful factors

If tissue-based valves are used, then the valves have less risk of clotting compared to inorganic valves, but they are more easily damaged by crimping during fitting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverisk of clottingVSAvoidresistance to crimping damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The block copolymer composite structure provides enhanced resistance to crimping damage through its phase-separated morphology. The hard domains provide structural support that resists deformation during crimping, while the soft domains allow controlled deformation, combining the benefits of tissue-based valves with improved mechanical strength

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 anisotropic properties of the block copolymer material result in a heart valve that behaves more like a natural valve, reducing the likelihood of failure and extending the life expectancy of the valve.

Implementation Method 1

the phase structure is arranged so as to produce anisotropic physical properties on a macroscopic scale in the heart valve. The anisotropic macroscopic properties of the block copolymer material result in a heart valve that behaves more like a natural valve

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAnisotropy: Anisotropy

Data Source

PatentUS12201744B2Heart valve

Publication Date: 2025.01.21 CAMBRIDGE ENTERPRISE LTD

AI summary

A heart valve is at least partially constructed from a block-copolymer, the block-copolymer having a phase structure formed by its constituent blocks, and wherein the phase structure is arranged so as to produce anisotropic physical properties in the heart valve.