Catheter Valve Delivery With Integrated Pacing Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Patients requiring heart pacing during or after procedures like trans-catheter aortic valve implantation face the need for multiple procedures and a simplified process to address pacing issues, which existing technologies fail to adequately address.
Innovation Solution
A delivery system incorporating a pacing element, such as an implantable pacemaker or conductive strips on a prosthetic heart valve frame, to facilitate heart pacing during and after procedures, potentially eliminating the need for additional implantation of pacemakers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate pacemaker implantation procedure is performed after heart valve implantation, then pacing function is provided, but the number of procedures increases and treatment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the heart valve implantation device and pacemaker into a single integrated delivery system. The pacemaker is positioned on the delivery system alongside the heart valve, allowing both devices to be implanted simultaneously through one procedure rather than requiring separate procedures for valve implantation and pacemaker implantation.
Solution Approach 2:
The delivery system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can implant the heart valve and simultaneously provide pacing function through the integrated pacemaker. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate procedures and reduces overall treatment complexity while ensuring both valve function and pacing reliability.
2Productivity
If pacing element is integrated on the delivery system, then the number of procedures is reduced, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The pacemaker is positioned on the delivery system in a nested configuration where it is integrated alongside the heart valve delivery mechanism. This nesting approach allows the pacemaker to be part of the delivery system without significantly increasing the overall size or complexity, enabling simultaneous implantation through a single procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The delivery system is divided into functional segments including the heart valve portion and the pacemaker portion, each with specific functions. This segmentation allows for modular design where each component can be independently developed and tested, reducing the overall complexity management while enabling integrated delivery through one procedure.
3Reliability
If conductive material is applied on the prosthetic heart valve frame, then pacing function is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies conductive material as a coating on the prosthetic heart valve frame, creating a composite structure that combines the mechanical function of the valve frame with the electrical conduction function of the coating. This approach integrates pacing capability into the existing valve manufacturing process rather than requiring separate pacemaker implantation, though it does add a coating step to the manufacturing process.
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 delivery system enables simultaneous pacing during and after procedures, reducing the number of required interventions and ensuring proper heart function by creating new conductive pathways or preventing interference with natural conductive pathways.
Implementation Method 1
The electrode is configured to receive and transmit electric current and contact the heart to provide pacing
Data Source
AI summary
Medical device delivery assemblies are disclosed. The assembly may include a catheter-based delivery system. The assembly may include a pacing element to pace a patient's heart before, during, or after a procedure. The pacing element may be a detachable, implanting pacing element. The pacing element may be an implantable pacemaker and the implantable pacemaker may be disposed on a catheter-based delivery system. The assembly may include a prosthetic heart valve with one or more pacing elements on it. The pacing element may include a pacing strip or strips. These strips may be conductive or insulative. These strips may prevent, treat, or correct abnormal electrical communication in a heart.