Heart Valve Prosthesis Holder with Angular Reference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for handling and positioning heart valve prostheses during implantation are complex and require multiple handling devices or manual manipulation, making it difficult to achieve precise angular positioning and crimping, which can lead to errors and increased procedural time.
Innovation Solution
A holder with a radially contractible armature and a prosthetic valve, featuring an annular member with supporting formations and a locking member that provides radial and rotational constraints, allowing for precise positioning and easy handling of the prosthesis, including an angular reference member for sliding coupling with a fixed guide to ensure accurate alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple handling devices or manual manipulation are used to transfer and position the prosthesis, then the prosthesis can be handled from storage to crimping, but the procedure becomes complex and time-consuming with increased risk of positioning errors
Solution Approach 1:
The holder integrates multiple functions into a single device: it provides structural support for the prosthesis, enables precise angular positioning through the angular reference member, maintains radial constraint via the locking member, and facilitates safe transfer from storage to crimping instrument. This consolidation eliminates the need for multiple separate handling devices and manual manipulation steps.
2Measurement precision
If the armature is constrained in all directions during handling, then precise positioning is achieved, but the armature cannot be radially contracted for delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The holder provides dynamic constraint: the locking member maintains radial constraint during handling and positioning to ensure precision, but can be removed when radial contraction is needed for delivery. The coupling profiles continuously prevent axial displacement and rotation throughout the process. This dynamic approach allows the system to switch between constrained (for positioning) and unconstrained (for delivery) states.
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosure relates to a holder (1) for a heart valve prosthesis (100) including a radially contractible armature (102) and a prosthetic valve carried by said armature (102). The holder (1) includes an annular member (2) having a longitudinal axis (x1) and comprising a plurality of supporting formations (3), said supporting formations (3) protruding radially inwardly of said annular member (2), and a locking member (4) configured for coupling with said annular member (2). Each supporting formation (3) includes a coupling profile or feature (9) configured for engaging the armature (102) of a heart valve prosthesis (100). The coupling profile or feature (9) being configured to prevent the displacement of the armature (102) along said longitudinal axis and being configured to prevent rotation of the armature (102) around the longitudinal axis (X1), while leaving the armature (102) unconstrained in a radially inward direction. The locking member (4) is configured to removably mate with the annular member (2) to provide a radial constraint to the armature in a radially inward direction at the supporting formations (3).