Convex Leaflet Profile Prosthetic Heart Valve Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing prosthetic heart valves suffer from compromised hydrodynamic efficiency and reduced durability due to flat or fully concave leaflet shapes, leading to inadequate valve opening, local bulging, and premature failure.
Innovation Solution
A prosthetic heart valve design featuring a substantially cylindrical support structure with artificial leaflets having a convex base profile, allowing for improved leaflet movement and reduced stress concentrations, enhancing both hydrodynamic efficiency and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If flat or fully concave leaflet shapes are used, then the valve structure is simple to manufacture, but hydrodynamic efficiency is compromised and durability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature to the leaflet base profile, transitioning from flat or fully concave shapes to a convex base profile. This curved geometry improves hydrodynamic efficiency by reducing flow resistance and minimizing local bulging, while also distributing stress more evenly to enhance durability. The convex curvature at the base allows for better stress distribution and reduced concentration points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces different geometric qualities at different locations of the leaflet. Specifically, the base profile is designed with convex curvature while the rest of the leaflet maintains appropriate geometry for its function. This local differentiation optimizes both manufacturing feasibility and performance, as only the base region requires the special convex geometry while the rest of the leaflet can be manufactured using standard processes.
2Ease of manufacture
If flat or fully concave leaflet shapes are used, then manufacturing is easier, but valve opening is inadequate and local bulging occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The convex base profile curvature improves valve opening efficiency by allowing the leaflet to open more effectively without excessive bulging. The curved geometry at the base provides better mechanical leverage and reduces resistance to flow, enabling the valve to open more efficiently while maintaining structural integrity.
3Device complexity
If flat or fully concave leaflet shapes are used, then the structure is simpler, but stress concentrations increase leading to premature failure
Solution Approach 1:
The convex base profile distributes stress more evenly across the leaflet-base interface, eliminating stress concentration points that occur with flat or fully concave geometries. This curved geometry acts as a stress-distributing element, reducing the likelihood of fatigue failure and extending valve longevity.
Solution Approach 2:
By applying convex curvature specifically at the base profile where stress concentrations occur, the patent addresses the stress distribution issue without unnecessarily complicating the entire leaflet geometry. This localized geometric modification optimizes stress distribution while keeping the overall device complexity manageable.
Data Source
AI summary
A prosthetic valve has a support structure that meets with a plurality of leaflets capable of transitioning between open and closed states. The support structure can include a base frame with a polymer coating and the leaflets can be artificial. The interface between the support structure and each leaflet can be at least partially convex when viewed from an exterior of the support structure along a normal to a plane formed by a central axis of the support structure and a central axis of the leaflet.