Deformable Anchor Device for Consistent Valve Fixturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current heart valve replacement procedures are time-consuming and risky due to the variability in suturing techniques, which prolongs the duration of heart-lung bypass and increases health risks, necessitating a more efficient method for attaching prosthetic valves to biological tissues with consistent fixturing force.
Innovation Solution
A device with a base and legs that can transition between configurations, made from deformable materials, is used to securely attach a first mass to a second mass by twisting the base to force the device into a second configuration for insertion and then reverting to a first configuration for secure anchoring, allowing for consistent and efficient attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional suturing techniques are used to attach prosthetic valves to biological tissues, then the valve can be securely attached, but the procedure becomes time-consuming and increases the duration of heart-lung bypass
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical suturing system (needles, threads, knots) with a deployable anchor device that uses expandable legs and a base structure to mechanically engage tissue. The device is deployed in a compressed state and expands upon release to create secure anchoring points, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual suturing while maintaining reliable attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor device utilizes changes in the physical state of a deformable material to transition between a compressed delivery configuration and an expanded anchoring configuration. The material's ability to deform and recover enables the device to transition from a compact state for insertion to a expanded state for secure attachment, significantly reducing procedural time while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If individual sutures are passed through tissue to form an array, then the valve can be attached, but the fixturing force varies significantly from suture to suture
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor device is segmented into multiple legs that can independently engage with the tissue, distributed around the circumference of the valve annulus. This segmentation ensures that the fixation force is evenly distributed across multiple attachment points rather than relying on variable individual sutures, achieving consistent fixturing force around the entire valve perimeter.
Solution Approach 2:
The base structure of the anchor device serves multiple functions: it provides the structural framework, distributes the anchoring force evenly across all legs, and maintains consistent geometric relationships between attachment points. This multi-functional design ensures uniform fixturing force consistency across all anchoring points, eliminating the variability inherent in manual suturing.
3Reliability
If multiple knots are tied per suture to secure the valve, then the attachment is reinforced, but the procedure time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the repetitive mechanical action of tying multiple knots with a single deployment action of the anchor device. The device's expandable legs create secure anchoring through geometric interlocking with the tissue, eliminating the need for repeated knot-tying operations while maintaining or improving attachment strength and significantly increasing surgical efficiency.
4Strength
If a rigid anchoring structure is used to provide strong fixation, then the attachment strength is improved, but the device becomes difficult to remove and reposition
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor device transitions from a rigid, expanded anchoring configuration to a compressed, flexible delivery configuration. The deformable material allows the device to be compressed for easy insertion and repositioning, then expands to provide strong rigid anchoring when deployed. This dynamic transformation enables both strong fixation and ease of operation during the surgical procedure.
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
This method significantly reduces the time and risk associated with heart valve replacement by providing a consistent fixturing force and facilitating quicker attachment of prosthetic valves to biological tissues, thereby minimizing the duration of heart-lung bypass and improving surgical efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A device with a base and legs that can transition between configurations, made from deformable materials, is used to securely attach a first mass to a second mass by twisting the base to force the device into a second configuration for insertion and then reverting to a first configuration for secure anchoring
Data Source
AI summary
Devices for attaching a first mass and a second mass and methods of making and using the same are disclosed. The devices can be made from an resilient, elastic or deformable materials. The devices can be used to attach a heart valve ring to a biological annulus. The devices can also be used for wound closure or a variety of other procedures such as anchoring a prosthesis to surrounding tissue or another prosthesis, tissue repair, such as in the closure of congenital defects such as septal heart defects, tissue or vessel anastomosis, fixation of tissue with or without a reinforcing mesh for hernia repair, orthopedic anchoring such as in bone fusing or tendon or muscle repair, ophthalmic indications, laparoscopic or endoscopic tissue repair or placement of prostheses, or use by robotic devices for procedures such as those above performed remotely.