Circulatory Valve Staged Deployment via Equilibrium Joints
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for native valve replacement and augmentation in the vascular system lack precise placement and adjustment capabilities, particularly for valves like the aortic valve, which can lead to inefficiencies in blood flow regulation due to issues like aortic regurgitation and stenosis.
Innovation Solution
A circulatory valve with a self-expanding frame that transitions through stable and unstable equilibrium states, allowing for staged deployment and adjustment, featuring joints and compliant segments that enable radial expansion and precise positioning within the body lumen, utilizing materials like Nitinol and radiopaque markers for improved implantation accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a traditional valve replacement method is used, then the valve can be replaced, but precise placement and adjustment capabilities are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The valve frame is divided into multiple cells with joints that can transition between stable equilibrium states, allowing staged deployment and precise positioning. Each cell can be independently controlled to achieve gradual expansion and accurate placement within the body lumen.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve incorporates joints with compliant segments that enable dynamic transitions between different equilibrium states. This dynamic mechanism allows the valve to be deployed in stages, moving from a compressed state through intermediate configurations to the final expanded state, providing precise control over placement and adjustment.
2Ease of operation
If the valve is deployed in a single stage, then deployment is simple, but adjustment capability and placement precision are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is designed with pre-configured joints and compliant segments that are prepared in advance to transition through specific equilibrium states. This preliminary configuration enables controlled staged deployment, where each stage can be activated in sequence to achieve precise placement while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve utilizes changes in physical parameters, specifically the transition between stable equilibrium states of the joints, to enable staged deployment. By controlling the transition parameters of each joint, the valve can be deployed incrementally with precise adjustment capability while keeping the overall deployment process manageable.
3Strength
If the valve frame is rigid, then structural strength is high, but adaptability to physiological changes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The valve frame incorporates compliant segments at specific locations within the rigid structure. These localized compliant regions allow the frame to adapt to physiological changes and movements while maintaining overall structural strength. The rigid portions provide necessary support, while the compliant segments provide flexibility and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve utilizes compliant segments that function as flexible elements within the frame structure. These compliant segments allow the rigid frame to flex and adapt to physiological changes in the body lumen while maintaining the overall structural integrity and strength of the valve frame.
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 enables precise placement and function of the circulatory valve, reducing the risk of complications like retrograde flow and ensuring stable blood flow regulation, accommodating physiological changes and maintaining valve position effectively.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing materials like Nitinol
Implementation Method 2
self-expanding frame that transitions through stable and unstable equilibrium states
Implementation Method 3
radiopaque markers for improved implantation accuracy
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, systems, and methods for use in a vascular system. The apparatus include a circulatory valve having a valve frame in which frame members define frame cells. Frame cells include joints in opposing relationship, where the joints transition from a first stable equilibrium state through an unstable equilibrium state to a second stable equilibrium state as the joints are drawn towards each other.