Cusp Forming Template for Stress Dispersion in Valve Leaflets

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cusp forming templates do not effectively disperse stresses on the cusp materials, leading to insufficient resistance during aortic valvuloplasty and valve reconstruction procedures.

Innovation Solution

A cusp forming template with a cusp base forming part and wing forming parts, where the wing forming parts are strategically placed on the side surfaces of the cusp base to allow for stress dispersion, enabling the formation of more resistant cusp materials by providing wing parts that can be folded back and sewn onto the artery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a simple cusp base forming part is used, then the template is easy to manufacture and use, but the stress on the cusp materials cannot be effectively dispersed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresistance of cusp materialsVSAvoidcomplexity of template structure
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The template is divided into distinct functional segments: a cusp base forming part (with semicircular arcuate surface) and separate wing forming parts (comprising guide parts or holes). This segmentation allows each component to serve its specific purpose - the cusp base forming part provides the main structural support while the wing forming parts enable stress dispersion through proper positioning and folding of wing portions, thereby resolving the contradiction between structural complexity and stress dispersion effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The template design incorporates three-dimensional positioning elements (guide parts extending from the arcuate surface, holes at specific positions) that create spatial relationships for stress distribution. By adding these dimensional elements to the basic semicircular form, the template achieves effective stress dispersion without requiring overly complex two-dimensional patterns, thus balancing structural simplicity with functional effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If wing forming parts are added to the template, then stress dispersion is improved, but the template structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of cusp formationVSAvoidnumber of template components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wing forming parts are integrated with the cusp base forming part as a unified template structure. The guide parts extend from the arcuate surface, and the holes are positioned relative to the semicircular form, creating a combined structure that ensures proper spatial relationships for reliable cusp formation while maintaining template integrity and reducing the need for separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The template structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: the cusp base forming part creates the main cusp shape, the guide parts position the wing portions correctly, and the holes provide additional positioning references. This multi-functionality within a single integrated template structure improves reliability without proportionally increasing component count, as each element performs multiple roles in the cusp formation process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3120809B1Template for forming valve leaflet
Publication Date: 2018.10.31 JAPANESE ORG FOR MEDICAL DEVICE DEV INC
  • EP3120809B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3120809B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~4
  • EP3120809B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6C

AI summary

A template 13 which comprises a cusp base forming part 11 having a shape corresponding to a cusp base is provided to obtain cusp material for dispersing stresses exerted on the cusp. Such a cusp forming template may further comprise wing forming parts 15 corresponding to wing parts provided outside the cusp base forming part 11. As examples of the wing forming part, there may be employed a single or plural holes provided at a part or parts corresponding to the outline of each wing, and guide parts provided at parts corresponding to the outline of wings.