Fluid-Channel Crimper for Protecting Valve Leaflets During Crimping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in radially compressing transcatheter valve prostheses without pinching or damaging the leaflets during the crimping process.
Innovation Solution
A crimper assembly that includes a transcatheter valve prosthesis with a frame and valve component, and a crimper configured to radially compress the prosthesis while applying pressurized fluid to displace the leaflets radially inward, preventing protrusion and damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If radially compressing the valve prosthesis is performed without fluid application, then the crimping force is sufficient to compress the prosthesis, but the leaflets may protrude through the frame and be pinched or damaged
Solution Approach 1:
Pressurized fluid is introduced as an intermediary substance between the crimper elements and the leaflets. The fluid applies radial pressure to push the leaflets inward, preventing them from protruding through the frame during compression. This mediator resolves the contradiction by protecting the leaflets without requiring fundamental changes to the crimper structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs hydraulic principles by using pressurized fluid delivered through channels in the crimper elements. The fluid pressure acts radially on the leaflets to maintain their position within the frame during crimping, solving the protection problem while using a well-established mechanical approach.
2Reliability
If channels are added to crimper elements for fluid delivery, then fluid can be applied to displace leaflets radially inward, but the crimper structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid delivery channels are merged directly into the crimper elements themselves rather than being separate components. This integration allows the crimper elements to perform dual functions: mechanical compression and fluid delivery. The channels are formed as integral parts of the crimper element structure, reducing the need for additional separate fluid delivery mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The crimper elements are designed with multi-functionality, serving both as compression elements and as fluid delivery conduits. The channels within the crimper elements allow pressurized fluid to reach the leaflets while the external portion of the crimper elements performs the compression function, making the same component serve multiple purposes in the crimping process.
3Reliability
If pressurized fluid is applied to displace leaflets radially inward, then leaflet damage is prevented, but additional fluid delivery system is required
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid delivery system is merged with the crimper mechanism itself. The channels are formed within the crimper elements, eliminating the need for separate external fluid delivery components. This integration reduces system complexity while maintaining the protective function of pressurized fluid application.
Solution Approach 2:
The crimper elements serve themselves by incorporating fluid delivery channels directly into their structure. The same components that perform compression also deliver the protective fluid, making the system self-sufficient and reducing the need for additional dedicated fluid delivery infrastructure.
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 effectively minimizes the risk of leaflet protrusion and damage during the crimping process, ensuring the integrity of the transcatheter valve prosthesis for successful deployment.
Implementation Method 1
The crimper is also configured to apply pressurized fluid in a radial direction to the at least one leaflet of the transcatheter valve prosthesis to displace the at least one leaflet radially inwards when the crimper is radially compressing the transcatheter valve prosthesis
Data Source
AI summary
A crimper configured to radially compress a transcatheter valve prosthesis into a crimped configuration for delivery within a vasculature. The transcatheter valve prosthesis includes a frame and at least one leaflet secured within the frame. The crimper is configured to apply pressurized fluid to the at least one leaflet of the transcatheter valve prosthesis during the crimping process to prevent protrusion of the leaflet into the frame of the transcatheter valve prosthesis that may cause leaflet pinching and damage. The crimper includes a plurality of crimper elements that collectively define a crimper chamber of the crimper, and at least one crimper element of the plurality of crimper elements includes an integral channel extending therethrough for applying the pressurized fluid to the at least one leaflet.