Collapsible Inner Flow Control for Transcatheter Heart Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional transcatheter prosthetic heart valves face challenges in delivery and deployment due to size limitations, as they need to be compressed radially to fit within a delivery catheter, which restricts their expanded diameter.
Innovation Solution
A side-deliverable transcatheter heart valve with an outer frame and a collapsible inner flow control component, designed to be folded and compressed along a longitudinal axis, allowing for delivery via a catheter while transitioning to an expanded configuration for deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If traditional valves are compressed radially to fit within a delivery catheter, then the valve can be delivered through the catheter, but the expanded diameter of the valve is limited by the internal diameter of the delivery catheter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional radial compression to orthogonal compression where the valve is compressed in a direction orthogonal to its longitudinal axis. This dimensional change allows the valve to be compressed laterally while maintaining its longitudinal length, enabling it to pass through delivery catheters without being constrained by their internal diameter. The valve frame and flow control component are designed to collapse in the lateral direction while preserving the longitudinal dimension, effectively solving the size constraint problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve is divided into distinct segments including an outer frame, inner flow control component, and collapsible elements. The flow control component is segmented to allow independent compression and folding, enabling the valve to be disassembled or collapsed into a delivery configuration and then reconfigured at the deployment site. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for both delivery and functional requirements.
2Length of moving object
If the valve is compressed laterally and extended longitudinally for side delivery, then the expanded diameter can be increased, but the inner flow control component must be compatible with lateral compression and longitudinal extension
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control component is designed with dynamic characteristics, including collapsible elements and flexible connections that allow it to adapt to compression forces during delivery. The component can transition between an expanded functional configuration and a compressed delivery configuration, maintaining its flow control functionality when deployed while being compatible with the lateral compression and longitudinal extension required for side delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow control component is nested within the outer frame structure, allowing it to be contained and protected during compression. The nested arrangement enables the inner component to be compressed along with the outer frame while maintaining its structural integrity and functional capabilities. This nesting strategy allows the complex flow control mechanism to be delivered within the constraints of the delivery catheter.
3Reliability
If the flow control component is made cylindrical for optimal leaflet function, then valve function is optimized, but the component cannot be compressed effectively for delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control component incorporates dynamic elements including collapsible frames, flexible connections, and movable parts that enable it to transition between cylindrical and compressed configurations. The component maintains its cylindrical shape and optimal leaflet function during operation while being capable of collapsing for delivery through the catheter. This dynamic design allows the same component to satisfy both functional and delivery requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical parameters of the flow control component, such as its shape, volume, and structural rigidity, are changed between delivery and operational states. During delivery, the component is compressed to reduce its lateral dimensions while maintaining longitudinal integrity. Upon deployment, the component expands to its cylindrical configuration, optimizing the parameters for leaflet function and blood flow control. This parameter transformation enables the component to bridge the contradiction between delivery feasibility and functional optimization.
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
Enables the delivery of a prosthetic heart valve with an increased expanded diameter relative to traditional valves, facilitating effective deployment within the heart without the size constraints of traditional delivery methods.
Implementation Method 1
The flow control component elastically deforms from a substantially cylindrical configuration to a substantially flattened configuration when the prosthetic valve is placed in the compressed configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A side-deliverable prosthetic heart valve includes an outer frame and a flow control component. The outer frame defines a central channel that extends along a central axis. The flow control component is disposed within the central channel and coupled to the outer frame. The flow control component has a set of leaflets mounted within an inner frame. The prosthetic valve is configured to be folded along a longitudinal axis and compressed along the central axis to place the prosthetic valve in a compressed configuration for delivery via a delivery catheter. The longitudinal axis is substantially parallel to a lengthwise axis of the delivery catheter when disposed therein. The prosthetic valve transitions to an expanded configuration when released from the delivery catheter. The flow control component elastically deforms from a substantially cylindrical configuration to a substantially flattened configuration when the prosthetic valve is placed in the compressed configuration.