Expandable Artificial Valve Anchoring Frame With Friction Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valvular repair and replacement devices face challenges with inconsistent implantation procedures, lack of anatomical accommodation, and invasive anchoring methods, leading to complex and time-consuming surgeries.
Innovation Solution
Deployable valve frames with anchoring bowls and lips, expandable from an undeployed to a deployed configuration, utilize friction coupling for minimally invasive anchoring in the valvular annulus, accommodating various patient anatomies and allowing for consistent implantation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If barbs, screws, or other anchors are used to secure the device, then anchoring strength is improved, but invasiveness and procedural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces invasive mechanical anchoring systems (barbs, screws, anchors penetrating heart muscle) with a friction-based mechanical friction coupling system. The expandable frame structure generates friction force against the valvular annulus tissue through normal contact force, eliminating the need for penetrating anchors while maintaining secure positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in the physical state and mechanical properties of the frame structure. The frame transitions from a compressed delivery state to an expanded deployed state, changing its diameter and contact surface area. This parameter change enables the frame to generate sufficient friction force for anchoring without requiring invasive fixation elements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If various sizes of devices are provided to accommodate patient anatomical variations, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamically expandable frame structure that can adjust its diameter from a compressed state during delivery to an expanded state at the implantation site. This dynamic capability allows a single device design to accommodate various patient anatomies by expanding to match the specific valvular annulus dimensions, eliminating the need for multiple pre-sized devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The expandable frame design provides universal applicability across different patient anatomies. A single device design can serve multiple size requirements by adjusting its expanded diameter, making the device multi-functional for treating various valvular annulus sizes without requiring separate device variants.
3Strength
If expansion or constraint of the valve annulus is used to treat damaged valvular annuli, then structural support is improved, but procedural time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure is pre-configured with radial support elements and an expandable geometry designed to provide immediate structural support upon deployment. The preliminary design of the expandable structure allows it to rapidly assume its load-bearing configuration, providing structural support to the damaged valvular annulus without requiring complex multi-step procedures.
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
Facilitates accurate and minimally invasive implantation of artificial valves, reducing procedural complexity and time, while accommodating anatomical variations and minimizing blood leakage and thrombus formation.
Implementation Method 1
utilize friction coupling for minimally invasive anchoring in the valvular annulus
Data Source
AI summary
Various deployable valve frame device embodiments that can be implanted into a valvular annulus for receiving an artificial valve therein. The frame can have an anchoring bowl, an anchoring lip, and a neck coupling the anchoring bowl to the anchoring lip, the neck comprising a lumen defined therethrough, wherein the frame is expandable from an undeployed configuration to a deployed configuration. The anchoring bowl can be convexly-shaped with an upper rim having a larger diameter than a base rim. The anchoring lip can comprise at least one prong extending radially from the anchoring lip.