Dual-Frame Prosthetic Valve for Percutaneous Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ischemic heart disease leads to regurgitation of heart valves due to papillary muscle dysfunction and ventricular dilation, causing blood to flow back into the atrium, which increases stroke volume and weakens the ventricle, as the valve annulus dilation prevents proper coaptation of leaflets during closure.
Innovation Solution
A percutaneously deliverable mechanical prosthetic valve comprising a tubular element and a valve member that transitions from a compressed configuration for delivery to an expanded configuration within the body, functioning as a check valve to regulate blood flow by moving between open and closed states in response to pressure changes, allowing blood to flow in one direction while preventing backflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the valve is designed to be percutaneously delivered in a compressed configuration, then the ease of operation is improved, but the valve cannot function as a check valve in the compressed state
Solution Approach 1:
The valve member is designed to dynamically change its functional state based on its configuration. In the compressed configuration, the valve member is positioned to allow bidirectional flow for delivery purposes. Upon expansion to the expanded configuration, the valve member automatically transitions to a check valve state that permits flow in only one direction, thus adapting its function to match the operational requirements of each state.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve member is nested within the tubular element in a manner that allows it to be compressed along with the tubular element for percutaneous delivery. When the tubular element is expanded at the implantation site, the valve member is simultaneously expanded to its functional size, transitioning from a compressed non-functional state to an expanded functional check valve state.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the valve member is made expandable from compressed to expanded configuration, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve member and tubular element are constructed using flexible materials that can be compressed into a compact configuration for delivery and then expanded to their functional configurations at the implantation site. This flexibility allows the valve to adapt to different states (compressed for delivery, expanded for function) without requiring complex mechanical actuation systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve exploits changes in physical parameters (size, shape, stiffness) between the compressed and expanded configurations to achieve its dual functionality. By changing its dimensional parameters during the expansion process, the valve transitions from a compliant, compressible state suitable for delivery through narrow access to a rigid, structurally sound state capable of withstanding physiological pressures and functioning as a check valve.
Data Source
AI summary
A prosthetic valve comprises a first frame, defining an arrangement of cells; a second frame, a first protrusion, and a second protrusion. In an expanded state of the valve, the first frame is generally cylindrical and has an expanded width, and the valve defines a lumen having a first end and a second end. In a compressed state of the valve, the first and second frames are both generally cylindrical, and the first frame has a compressed width that is smaller than the expanded width. In the expanded state, the valve provides directional fluid flow through the lumen. The valve defines first and second coupling points, and an axis therebetween, the axis lying on a transverse cross-section of the first frame. The first and second coupling points couple the second frame to the first frame by protruding into respective first and second slots defined by the first frame.