Double-Component Mandrel for Anisotropic Stentless Valve Leaflets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for fabricating prosthetic heart valves face challenges in achieving controlled anisotropy, fiber direction, bending rigidity, and concave shape, limiting the durability and functionality of tissue-engineered valves.
Innovation Solution
A mandrel structure with conductive and non-conductive surfaces allows for precise control over polymer deposition, enabling the fabrication of multi-leaflet, stentless valves with variable shape and size, mimicking native anatomy, by adjusting tangential and linear velocities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional fiber deposition on flat or cylindrical targets is used, then the fabrication process is simple, but controlled anisotropy and curvilinear fiber distribution cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The mandrel is divided into multiple components: a cylindrical portion for general rotation and a separate concave portion that can be independently positioned and oriented. This segmentation allows the concave portion to create curvilinear fiber patterns while the cylindrical portion provides stable rotational support, achieving complex fiber architectures without overcomplicating the entire mandrel structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from conventional flat or simple cylindrical targets to a three-dimensional concave mandrel structure. The concave portion introduces additional spatial dimensions and curvature, enabling fibers to be deposited along curvilinear paths that mimic native valve collagen micro-structure, thereby achieving controlled anisotropy in multiple directions.
2Manufacturing precision
If fiber deposition on complex geometries is used, then curvilinear fiber distribution is achieved, but bending rigidity control is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the mandrel are assigned different functional qualities: the cylindrical portion provides uniform rotation for overall leaflet shaping, while the concave portion specifically controls local curvilinear fiber distribution and bending rigidity. This local differentiation allows precise control over mechanical properties in specific areas without requiring the entire mandrel to be overly complex.
3Manufacturing precision
If a single-component mandrel is used, then the device is simple, but control over thickness, density, and anisotropy in concave surfaces is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The mandrel is segmented into a cylindrical portion and a concave portion that can be independently configured. This segmentation enables different deposition parameters (thickness, density, anisotropy) to be optimized for different regions of the valve leaflet, achieving superior control over material properties in concave surfaces while maintaining reasonable device complexity.
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 method produces prosthetic heart valves with controlled anisotropy and bending rigidity, achieving physiological curvature and thickness, enhancing durability and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
electrodeposition, such as electrospinning, is the deposition of polymer fibers from an electrically-charged nozzle onto a target that has an opposite electrical charge, the electrical field causing the formation of and streaming of the fibers onto the target
Data Source
AI summary
A method of making a valve structure includes a step of rotating a mandrel and an electrodeposition target attached to the mandrel about a rotational axis of the mandrel. The target includes an exterior surface having at least one conductive surface portion and at least one non-conductive surface portion. The method also includes a step of electrodepositing a polymer matrix of a biodegradable, biocompatible polymer composition onto the at least one conductive surface portion and the at least one non-conductive surface portion of the exterior surface of the rotating electrodeposition target to form the valve structure.