Heart Valve Prosthesis Positioning Elements Anchoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for percutaneous mitral valve replacement face challenges in accommodating the unique structural requirements of the mitral valve, particularly in positioning and anchoring the prosthesis effectively within the native valve site without obstructing the left ventricular outflow tract.

Innovation Solution

A heart valve prosthesis with a tubular stent and prosthetic valve component, featuring positioning elements that transform from a distally-extending to a proximally-extending configuration, utilizing self-expanding materials and U-shaped or V-shaped support arms to securely anchor the prosthesis within the mitral valve, minimizing protrusion into the left ventricle and ensuring proper positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional percutaneous valve replacement methods are used, then the prosthesis can be delivered through the vasculature, but the positioning and anchoring within the native mitral valve is difficult without obstructing the left ventricular outflow tract

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidanchoring mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning elements are designed to dynamically change configuration during deployment. They transition from a compressed distally-extending configuration during delivery to an expanded proximally-extending configuration at the implantation site, allowing automatic adaptation to the native valve anatomy without requiring complex manual positioning mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The anchoring function is segmented into multiple positioning elements distributed around the prosthesis. Each positioning element independently engages with the native valve tissue, distributing the anchoring load and providing stable positioning without requiring a single complex anchoring mechanism that could obstruct the outflow tract

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If the prosthesis is anchored securely within the native valve, then positioning stability is improved, but the risk of obstructing the left ventricular outflow tract increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprosthesis stabilityVSAvoidoutflow tract obstruction
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of extending positioning elements distally into the left ventricle (conventional approach), the positioning elements are designed to extend proximally toward the left atrium after expansion. This inverted configuration achieves secure anchoring by engaging the native valve ring and tissue while maintaining clearance from the left ventricular outflow tract, eliminating the obstruction risk

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning elements exhibit different configurations in different spatial zones: distally they are compressed to minimize profile during delivery, while proximally they extend to engage the native valve tissue for stable anchoring. This localized differentiation allows secure fixation without ventricular obstruction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Measurement precision

If the positioning elements translate more than ninety degrees during deployment, then precise positioning is achieved, but the deployment complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoiddeployment ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning elements perform self-positioning through their own structural transformation during deployment. As the prosthesis is deployed, the positioning elements automatically translate more than ninety degrees from distal to proximal orientation, using the deployment force itself to achieve precise positioning without requiring additional complex deployment mechanisms or manual manipulation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 anchoring and deployment of the valve prosthesis at the mitral valve site, reducing the risk of obstructing the left ventricular outflow tract and improving the effectiveness of mitral valve replacement procedures.

Implementation Method 1

The stent has a compressed configuration for delivery within a vasculature and a deployed configuration for deployment within a native heart valve

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSelf-expanding: Elastic Recovery

Implementation Method 2

each support arm bends radially outward and then towards an outer surface of the stent such that it translates more than ninety degrees from the compressed configuration to proximally extend from the distal end of the stent

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2882374B1Heart valve prosthesis
Publication Date: 2020.09.30 MEDTRONIC INC
  • EP2882374B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~2B
  • EP2882374B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2882374B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A heart valve prosthesis (700) configured for deployment within a native heart valve. The heart valve prosthesis includes a tubular stent and a prosthetic valve component disposed within and secured to the stent. In addition, at least two positioning elements (720) are coupled to a distal end of the stent to position and anchor the prosthesis within the native heart valve. Each positioning element transforms from a compressed configuration in which the positioning elements distally extend from the distal end of the stent to a deployed configuration in which the positioning elements proximally extend from the distal end of the stent. Each positioning element includes at least one U-shaped or V-shaped support arm that bends radially outward and then towards an outer surface of the stent such that it translates more than ninety degrees from the compressed configuration. Each positioning element may include an outer support arm and an inner support arm.