Prosthetic Heart Valve With Dual-Thickness Struts for Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for improved transcatheter heart valves and delivery devices that offer greater control over radial expansion and compression, as well as improved structural strength and rigidity, while allowing for repositioning and retrieval.
Innovation Solution
A prosthetic heart valve frame with distinct sets of struts, where the first struts are more rigid than the second struts, and actuators are coupled only to pairs of distal and proximal apices formed by the first struts to apply axially directed forces for radial expansion and retention in the expanded state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a uniform strut design is used throughout the frame, then manufacturing is simplified, but the frame cannot provide differentiated structural support for expansion control and retention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating two distinct types of struts with different properties: first struts with greater thickness and rigidity for expansion control, and second struts with lesser thickness for retention. Each strut type is strategically positioned to perform its specific function, allowing the frame to have differentiated structural support without requiring complete redesign of all struts.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame is segmented into two functional subsystems: first struts that form apices and are coupled to actuators for expansion, and second struts that provide retention without actuator coupling. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each subsystem for its specific purpose while maintaining overall frame integrity.
2Device complexity
If all struts are made with equal thickness, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but the frame lacks the structural strength where needed during expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by varying strut thickness based on functional requirements. First struts have greater thickness to provide structural strength and rigidity for expansion control, while second struts have lesser thickness sufficient for retention functions. This localized differentiation optimizes strength where needed without unnecessarily increasing complexity throughout the entire structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame exhibits dynamic adaptability through its differentiated strut design. During expansion, the thicker first struts bear the primary mechanical load and provide structural strength, while the thinner second struts maintain retention function. This dynamic load distribution allows the frame to achieve high structural strength during expansion without requiring all struts to be overly thick.
3Ease of operation
If actuators are coupled to all strut apices, then expansion control is maximized, but the device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the actuator coupling from all strut apices and selectively applies it only to first struts that form apices. Second struts remain uncoupled to actuators, maintaining their pure retention function. This extraction reduces the number of actuators and coupling components while preserving effective expansion control through the strategically positioned first struts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the strut population into two groups with different actuator coupling status. First struts forming apices are coupled to actuators for expansion control, while second struts are not coupled, maintaining their simplified retention function. This segmentation reduces overall device complexity by eliminating unnecessary actuator couplings while preserving operational effectiveness.
4Ease of manufacture
If the frame uses only one strut type, then manufacturing is easier, but the frame cannot be effectively compressed for repositioning and retrieval
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the frame into two functional strut systems: first struts with actuator coupling for expansion and compression control, and second struts for retention. This segmentation enables effective compression for repositioning and retrieval by allowing selective actuation of first struts while maintaining second strut retention function, achieving versatility without complete manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The differentiated strut design enables dynamic reconfiguration during compression and retrieval operations. The first struts can be actuated to compress the frame while second struts maintain retention, allowing the frame to transition between expanded and compressed states effectively. This dynamic capability provides repositioning and retrieval functionality while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized strut production.
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 solution provides enhanced control over the radial expansion and compression of the prosthetic heart valve, ensuring structural integrity and allowing for repositioning and retrieval, thereby improving the delivery and implantation process.
Implementation Method 1
One or more actuators are coupled only to one or more corresponding pairs of a distal apex and a proximal apex formed by the first struts, wherein the one or more actuators are configured to apply axially directed forces to the frame to radially expand the frame from the radially compressed state to the radially expanded state.
Implementation Method 2
The first struts are pivotably connected to each other at a plurality of distal and proximal apices at the distal and proximal ends of the frame, respectively. The second struts are pivotably connected to each other at a plurality of distal and proximal apices at the distal and proximal ends of the frame, respectively.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An implantable prosthetic device comprises a frame comprising a first set of first struts and a second set of second struts. The first struts are pivotably connected to each other at a plurality of distal and proximal apices at distal and proximal ends of the frame. The second struts are pivotably connected to each other at a plurality of distal and proximal apices at the distal and proximal ends of the frame. The first struts have a first thickness, and the second struts have a second thickness, wherein the first thickness is greater than the second thickness. One or more actuators are coupled only to one or more corresponding pairs of a distal apex and a proximal apex formed by the first struts, wherein the one or more actuators are configured to apply axially directed forces to the frame to radially expand the frame.