Disposable Crimp Head for Heart Valve Stent Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for reducing the diameter of stents containing heart valve prostheses are not practical, reliable, or efficient for minimally invasive procedures, requiring complex equipment and operator training.
Innovation Solution
A heart valve prostheses crimping apparatus with a crimping assembly and catheter clamp system that allows for easy reduction of stent diameter using a disposable crimp head and actuation mechanism, enabling single-operator use and integration with catheters for minimally invasive procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If current stent crimping methods are used, then stent diameter reduction is achieved, but the equipment complexity and operator training requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The crimping apparatus is divided into distinct modular components: a disposable crimp head with crimping elements, a reusable catheter clamp, and an actuation mechanism. This segmentation allows the complex crimping function to be achieved through simple, interchangeable parts that reduce overall system complexity while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a disposable crimp head that is used once and then discarded. This eliminates the need for complex cleaning, sterilization, and maintenance of the crimping elements, significantly reducing equipment complexity and operator training requirements while ensuring consistent crimping precision through factory-prepared elements.
2Manufacturing precision
If current stent crimping methods are used, then stent diameter reduction is achieved, but the ease of operation and operator training requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation mechanism is designed to automatically position and actuate the crimp head without requiring complex manual manipulation. The operator simply activates the mechanism, which self-regulates the crimping process, making the operation intuitive and reducing training requirements while maintaining precise diameter reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter clamp serves as an intermediary device that secures the catheter in place during the crimping operation. This simple clamping mechanism eliminates the need for complex positioning systems, making the apparatus easier to operate while ensuring precise stent crimping through stable catheter fixation.
3Manufacturing precision
If current stent crimping methods are used, then stent diameter reduction is achieved, but the risk of stent damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The crimping elements in the disposable crimp head are pre-configured with appropriate geometry and material properties to distribute crimping forces evenly across the stent structure. This beforehand preparation prevents stress concentrations that could cause stent damage, ensuring precise diameter reduction without harmful effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention allows for controlled variation in crimping parameters such as force magnitude, contact area, and crimping speed through the actuation mechanism. By optimizing these parameters, the apparatus achieves precise diameter reduction while minimizing the risk of stent damage through gentle, controlled deformation.
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 apparatus effectively reduces stent diameter, facilitating easy loading into catheters for minimally invasive heart valve replacement, with minimal operator training required and reduced risk of stent damage, while allowing for efficient and accurate deployment.
Implementation Method 1
a crimping assembly for reducing the diameter of a stent containing a tissue prosthesis
Implementation Method 2
a catheter clamp for holding a catheter adjacent to the prosthesis
Data Source
AI summary
A heart valve prostheses crimping apparatus and method for deducing the diameter of stents containing heart valve prosthesis. A medical prosthesis catheter loading apparatus, including a crimping assembly for reducing the diameter of a prosthesis; and a catheter clamp for holding a catheter adjacent to the prosthesis. Also disclosed is an apparatus for reducing the diameter of a medical prosthesis, including a base, a crimp head connectable to the base, and an actuation mechanism connected to the base and connectable to the crimp head to actuate the crimp head. Also disclosed is a method of loading a medical prosthesis into a catheter, including the steps of reducing the diameter of a prosthesis from its normal deployed state to a diameter less than that of the lumen of the catheter; holding a catheter adjacent to the reduced diameter prosthesis; and moving the prosthesis into the catheter lumen.