Commissure Attachment Locking for Interference-Free Valve Leaflets

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing transcatheter heart valves face challenges with leaflet attachment configurations due to interference from actuators or internal components of the frame, necessitating improved attachment methods.

Innovation Solution

A commissure attachment member with sets of arms extending into lateral extensions of the frame's expansion and locking mechanism, restraining movement in radial and axial directions, allowing secure coupling of valvular structures to the frame.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If leaflets are attached to an inner surface of the frame, then attachment is achieved, but actuators or other internal components interfere with leaflet attachment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveleaflet attachment reliabilityVSAvoidinterference from actuators or internal components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from two-dimensional attachment on the inner surface to three-dimensional attachment using lateral extensions that protrude outward. The commissure attachment member engages with lateral extensions extending from the frame in multiple directions, creating attachment points that are spatially separated from actuators and internal components, thereby eliminating interference while maintaining secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The frame is segmented into multiple lateral extensions distributed around the circumference, each providing an independent attachment point. The commissure attachment member is correspondingly segmented into multiple arms that engage with these distributed lateral extensions, allowing attachment at multiple locations that are spatially separated from interfering components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If a commissure attachment member is used to couple valvular structure to the frame, then attachment stability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment stabilityVSAvoidcommissure attachment member structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The commissure attachment member integrates multiple functions into a single component: it couples adjacent tabs of multiple leaflets together and simultaneously engages with multiple lateral extensions of the frame. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining attachment stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The commissure attachment member serves multiple purposes: it attaches leaflets to the frame, positions commissures correctly, and provides structural support. The lateral extensions serve dual purposes as both structural frame elements and attachment points, reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12611301B2Commissure locking member

Publication Date: 2026.04.28 EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES CORP

AI summary

An implantable prosthetic device can include a radially expandable and compressible frame including an inflow end portion and an outflow end portion. The frame can include an expansion and locking mechanism comprising a member having a first set of lateral extensions disposed adjacent an outflow end and a second set of lateral extensions axially spaced from the first set, each lateral extension comprising a bore extending into the lateral extension. The frame can further comprise a commissure attachment member having a first set of arms each extending into a respective inner bore of the first set of lateral extensions and a second set of arms each extending into a respective inner bore of the second set of lateral extensions such that the commissure attachment member is restrained from movement relative to the expansion and locking mechanism in the radial and axial directions.