Flexible Transverse Stops for Secure Valve Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing kits for implanting prosthetic valves in blood circulation conduits face challenges in precise and secure positioning without increasing the radial size of the endoprosthesis during insertion, as the current methods are not entirely satisfactory due to approximate positioning and difficulty in producing transverse stops that can limit radial compression.
Innovation Solution
The kit employs flexible connections extending transversely across the channel between angularly spaced connection points on the inner surface, forming stops that deploy from a slack configuration during insertion to a tight configuration post-deployment, allowing precise and secure valve positioning without increasing the endoprosthesis's radial size, using a self-expanding tubular lattice with filamentary connections that can be compressed to a small diameter for insertion and expand to a larger diameter for secure locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If deforming the supporting framework to produce variable cross-sections for stops is used, then the prosthetic valve can be locked securely in the endoprosthesis, but the tubular framework becomes difficult to produce and increases the radial size during insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The stop is segmented into two functional parts: rigid connection points fixed on the inner surface of the endoprosthesis and a flexible connection element that can deform. This segmentation allows the stop to provide secure locking through the rigid points while the flexible element accommodates compression during insertion, resolving the contradiction between secure locking and ease of manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible connection changes its physical state from a compressed/deformed configuration during insertion to an expanded/relaxed configuration after deployment. This parameter change allows the stop to transition from a compact state that fits within the compressed endoprosthesis to a functional state that provides secure locking, eliminating the need for complex variable cross-sections.
2Measurement precision
If transverse stops are formed in the framework to lock the prosthetic valve, then the valve positioning is improved, but the radial size of the endoprosthesis increases when inserted into the patient's body
Solution Approach 1:
The stop transitions from a dynamic compressed state during insertion to a static expanded state after deployment. The flexible connection allows the stop to adapt its shape dynamically - compressed to minimize radial size during insertion, then expanding to provide precise positioning and secure locking, thus resolving the contradiction between precise positioning and minimal radial size.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible connection acts as a thin, deformable element that can be compressed during insertion to reduce radial size, then expands after deployment to form an effective stop. This flexible element provides the necessary positioning precision without requiring the endoprosthesis to maintain a large radial size during insertion.
3Volume of moving object
If the endoprosthesis is compressed radially for insertion, then the radial size is reduced for minimally invasive implantation, but the stops cannot effectively lock the prosthetic valve in position
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible connection is pre-configured with the ability to deform and expand after insertion. During the insertion phase, it remains compressed along with the endoprosthesis, but its inherent elasticity and pre-designed geometry enable it to expand automatically after deployment, providing effective locking without requiring the compressed state to maintain locking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The stop system is designed to be dynamic rather than static - it transitions from a compressed non-locking state during insertion to an expanded locking state after deployment. The flexible connection's dynamic behavior allows it to adapt to different phases of implantation, providing minimal radial profile during insertion while ensuring reliable locking after the endoprosthesis is deployed.
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 enables precise and secure implantation of the prosthetic valve, maintaining a small radial size during insertion and ensuring stable positioning without obstructing blood flow, while being simpler and less costly to produce, with the flexible connections allowing for efficient deployment and secure locking within the endoprosthesis.
Implementation Method 1
each flexible connection being deployable in conjunction with the endoprosthesis between a slack configuration when the endoprosthesis is in the compressed state and a tight position across the channel when the endoprosthesis is in its dilated state
Implementation Method 2
The tubular endoprosthesis can be deployed between a compressed state and a dilated state
Data Source
AI summary
A kit includes a tubular endoprosthesis having an inner surface which delimits a channel with a longitudinal axis. The kit includes a prosthetic valve to be implanted in the channel. The valve includes a supporting framework having an outer surface to be applied against the inner surface, and a flexible obturator which is connected to the framework. The endoprosthesis includes a stop for locking the supporting framework in order to block the axial displacement of the outer surface along the inner surface in at least a first direction. The stop includes at least one flexible connection extending transversely in the channel between two connection points, which are located on the inner surface and are angularly spaced about the axis.