Transcatheter Heart Valve Assembly for Smaller Delivery Catheters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transcatheter heart valve prostheses require large delivery systems, particularly for mitral and tricuspid valve replacements, due to their tubular design, which can be cumbersome and invasive.
Innovation Solution
A transcatheter heart valve system with non-tubular, open-ended transcatheter prosthetic heart valve devices that are delivered via a smaller catheter, allowing for assembly into a tubular structure post-delivery using flaps and a deployment system, facilitating smaller catheter sizes and reduced invasiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a tubular valve prosthesis design is used, then the valve can maintain structural integrity and function, but the delivery catheter size becomes large (45 French or larger)
Solution Approach 1:
The valve prosthesis is divided into multiple separate components including a first valve component and a second valve component that can be delivered independently through the catheter. These segmented components are then assembled together at the implantation site to form the complete tubular valve structure, enabling smaller catheter size while maintaining the functional tubular configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve components are designed to be nested or stacked within the delivery catheter in a compact configuration. The first and second valve components can be positioned one inside or alongside the other, allowing them to pass through a smaller catheter lumen and then be deployed and assembled into the final tubular structure at the target site.
2Volume of moving object
If a non-tubular, open-ended valve design is used, then smaller catheter size is achieved, but the valve requires post-delivery assembly to form functional tubular structure
Solution Approach 1:
The valve components are pre-configured with attachment mechanisms and geometric features that facilitate automatic or guided assembly upon deployment. The components are designed to self-align and connect through predetermined interaction points, reducing the complexity of post-delivery assembly while enabling formation of the functional tubular structure.
3Volume of moving object
If valve components are delivered separately and assembled in situ, then smaller catheter size is enabled, but the risk of misalignment or assembly failure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve components incorporate asymmetric geometric features and unique attachment interfaces that ensure correct orientation and alignment during assembly. The asymmetric design prevents incorrect pairing or misalignment of components, thereby enhancing assembly reliability while maintaining the ability to deliver components through a smaller catheter.
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments described herein include a heart valve replacement system that may be delivered to the targeted heart valve site via a delivery catheter. In some embodiments, the heart valve replacement system can assemble a valve device after the valve device is delivered to the heart. In some embodiments, heart valve replacement system includes two anterior flaps that are separate but overlap each other.