Self-Biased Cam Lock for Heart Valve Anchoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical devices for replacing heart valves are often invasive and require significant recovery time, and existing locking mechanisms for deploying these devices are not efficient in ensuring precise placement and secure anchoring within the body.
Innovation Solution
A medical device system featuring a valve replacement implant with a self-biased cam mechanism that acts as an actuator to reversibly lock the anchor member between a delivery and deployed configuration, utilizing a locking element with a longitudinally-oriented passageway and side aperture to securely engage and release the anchor within the body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional locking mechanism is used for deploying medical devices, then the device can be securely anchored, but the procedure becomes more invasive and requires longer recovery time
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to automatically engage and lock the anchor member in the deployed configuration without requiring additional manual intervention or complex external actuation systems. The cam mechanism self-actuates through the natural movement of the delivery system, eliminating the need for separate locking actions that would increase procedural complexity and invasiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is extracted as a separate, dedicated mechanism (cam mechanism) that operates independently from the main delivery system. This allows the locking action to be performed through simple geometric interaction between the cam and locking element, rather than requiring complex mechanical linkages that would increase device size and procedural invasiveness.
2Reliability
If a complex locking mechanism is used to ensure precise placement, then the security of anchoring is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static, multi-component system to a dynamic cam-based system that automatically adjusts its locking engagement based on the position and movement of the delivery system. The cam profile is designed to provide progressive engagement, ensuring precise placement through controlled mechanical interaction rather than requiring multiple separate locking components.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking, anchoring, and sealing functions are merged into an integrated system where the cam mechanism simultaneously performs multiple functions. The locking element engages with both the anchor member and the delivery system, combining several critical functions into a single mechanical interaction that reduces overall device complexity while maintaining precision.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a simple delivery system is used for percutaneous delivery, then the invasiveness is reduced, but the ability to ensure secure locking and tactile feedback is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The complex mechanical locking system is replaced with a cam-based mechanism that uses geometric principles rather than traditional multi-component mechanical linkages. The cam profile translates linear movement into rotational or lateral motion, providing secure locking through simple, elegant mechanical geometry that requires fewer parts and reduces device complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism incorporates tactile feedback through the cam's engagement with the locking element, providing audible or palpable confirmation of proper locking engagement. This feedback mechanism is built into the fundamental geometry of the cam and locking element interaction, requiring no additional sensors or complex feedback systems, thus maintaining simplicity while ensuring reliable locking.
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
This solution allows for less invasive percutaneous delivery and secure anchoring of heart valve replacements, reducing recovery time and improving the precision and reliability of the implantation process by providing tactile feedback for correct placement and secure locking.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one actuator element may include a self-biased cam mechanism configured to extend into and engage a first locking portion of the at least one locking element
Data Source
AI summary
A medical device system may include a valve replacement implant including an anchor member reversibly actuatable between a delivery configuration and a deployed configuration, wherein the implant includes at least one locking element configured to lock the anchor member in the deployed configuration, and at least one actuator element configured to engage the at least one locking element and actuate the anchor member between the delivery configuration and the deployed configuration. The at least one actuator element may include a self-biased cam mechanism configured to extend into and engage a first locking portion of the at least one locking element.