Cardiac Valve Prosthesis with Separate Thorn Structure for Smaller Catheters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transcatheter mitral valve replacement technologies face challenges such as large stent size, left ventricular outflow tract interference, and anchorage difficulties, particularly due to integrated prick structures that limit delivery catheter size, increase fracture risk, and hinder valve recovery when improper release occurs.
Innovation Solution
The cardiac valve prosthesis and delivery device separate the valve stent and thorn structure, allowing independent manufacturing and stepwise loading and release, using independently manufactured thorns with optional biodegradable materials for fixation, and a dual-catheter system for precise deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the valve stent and thorn structure are made as one integrated structure, then the anchoring function is achieved, but the delivery device size becomes large and the fracture risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the original integrated valve stent and thorn structure into two separate components: a valve stent and a thorn structure. The thorn structure can be independently deployed first to establish anchoring points in the tissue, followed by deployment of the valve stent. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and deployed through a smaller delivery catheter, reducing the overall delivery device size while maintaining anchoring functionality.
2Reliability
If the prick structure is integrated with the valve stent, then anchorage is achieved, but the fracture risk of the prick anchorage increases
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the thorn structure from the valve stent, the patent eliminates the structural weakness at the junction point where the prick would be attached to the stent. Each component can be manufactured with optimal material properties and geometric features for its specific function, reducing stress concentration and fracture risk.
3Reliability
If the prick anchorage structure is used, then anchoring is achieved, but the valve recovery capability is hindered when release is not in place
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a staged deployment mechanism where the thorn structure and valve stent can be deployed sequentially and independently. If the valve stent is released prematurely or improperly, the thorn structure remains in place as a stable anchor, allowing the operator to retrieve and reposition the valve stent without losing the anchoring points. This dynamic control over deployment timing enables valve recovery while maintaining anchoring capability.
4Reliability
If large-scale mitral valve stent is used, then valve replacement function is achieved, but left ventricular outflow tract interference occurs
Solution Approach 1:
By deploying the thorn structure first to establish precise anchoring points, the valve stent can be positioned more accurately with reduced need for oversized dimensions. The segmented approach allows for better spatial control during deployment, enabling the valve to be implanted with minimal encroachment on the left ventricular outflow tract while maintaining adequate valve area for replacement function.
Data Source
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AI summary
A cardiac valve prosthesis, comprising: an expandable valve support (200) provided with multiple fixing holes (204); an artificial valve (100) provided on the valve support (200); and a thorn structure (300) comprising an expandable thorn support (310) and multiple thorns (301). The multiple thorns (301) are provided on the thorn support (310), and are used for, when the cardiac valve prosthesis is implanted into a cardiac chamber, passing through the multiple fixing holes (204) and penetrating tissue in the cardiac chamber so as to fix the valve support (200). The thorn structure (300) and the valve support (200) are provided independent of each other so that separate manufacturing and processing thereof can be achieved, and the thorn structure (300) and the valve support (200) work together in a non-connected manner so as to facilitate step-by-step load and release, such that the size of a delivery catheter and the length of the valve support (200) can be effectively reduced, the risk of breakage is reduced, and it also facilitates recovery when the cardiac valve prosthesis is not released in place.