Transcatheter Heart Valve Prosthesis Mechanical Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current transcatheter heart valve prostheses face durability issues due to cyclical loads during the cardiac cycle, leading to potential separation and migration, and are complex and costly to produce, especially with the weld connection between connecting blocks and central body.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible heart valve prosthesis with a snap-fit mechanical coupling mechanism between the central body and connecting blocks, allowing for a stable, reversible, and durable connection, which can be constructed using standard laser-cutting techniques, and featuring radio-opaque markers for orientation during implantation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If weld connection is used between connecting blocks and central body, then connection strength is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the weld connection mechanism with a mechanical coupling system consisting of connecting arms with engagement features (protrusions or hooks) that mechanically interlock with the connecting blocks. This substitution eliminates welding operations while maintaining connection strength through mechanical interlocking, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
2Strength
If weld connection is used between connecting blocks and central body, then connection strength is improved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical coupling system using connecting arms with engagement features replaces expensive welding operations. The mechanical interlocking mechanism can be assembled using simpler, less costly manufacturing processes such as laser cutting or forming the engagement features directly into the connecting arms, thereby reducing production cost while maintaining connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates the connecting arms as part of the central body structure, reducing the number of separate components that require welding. By merging the connecting arms with the central body and using mechanical engagement features, the design simplifies the assembly process and reduces overall manufacturing cost.
3Ease of operation
If traditional transcatheter prosthesis design is used, then implantation feasibility is improved, but durability under cyclical loads deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the prosthesis into modular components: a central body, multiple connecting arms, and connecting blocks. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall implantation feasibility. The modular design with mechanical coupling provides durability through robust connection points that can withstand cyclical cardiac loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting arms are designed with mechanical engagement features that provide dynamic coupling between the central body and connecting blocks. This dynamic mechanical connection allows for controlled movement and stress distribution during the cardiac cycle, enhancing durability while maintaining the flexibility needed for transcatheter implantation.
Data Source
AI summary
A prosthesis for a heart valve for implantation via a transcatheter procedure, including an expansible central body, a containment portion with one or more sub-components, and at least one connecting block for connecting each sub-component of the containment portion to the central body. A coupling mechanism of the mechanical type is provided for coupling the at least one connecting block with the expansible central body.