Catheter-Based Retrieval Device for Heart Valve Implant

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for retrieving previously implanted devices from native heart valves are invasive and pose risks due to the complexity of the heart's anatomy and the need for precise manipulation within the cardiovascular system.

Innovation Solution

A retrieval device comprising a catheter-based retrieval shaft with securing members, actuation elements, and capturing members, designed to attach to and remove previously implanted devices from native heart valves with minimal invasiveness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If current methods are used to retrieve previously implanted devices from native heart valves, then the retrieval can be performed, but the procedure is highly invasive and poses significant risks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety of retrieval procedureVSAvoidinvasiveness and complications

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The retrieval device employs a nested structure where the retrieval shaft is disposed within the catheter, and the securing member can be extended from the retrieval shaft. This nested configuration allows the entire retrieval system to be delivered through a catheter in a compressed state, then deployed within the heart valve to engage the implanted device, and finally retrieved through the same catheter pathway, minimizing invasiveness while maintaining retrieval capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The retrieval device introduces a catheter-based intermediary system that mediates between the external operator and the implanted device within the heart valve. The catheter serves as the intermediary pathway for delivering the retrieval shaft and securing member to the target site, enabling minimally invasive access to engage and retrieve the implanted device without requiring open heart surgery

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a catheter-based retrieval system is used, then invasiveness is reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveinvasivenessVSAvoidcomplexity of retrieval device

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The retrieval device is segmented into distinct functional components: a catheter for delivery, a retrieval shaft for engagement, and a securing member for attachment. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while being delivered through a unified catheter pathway, reducing overall invasiveness while managing complexity through modular design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The catheter serves multiple functions: it acts as the delivery pathway for the retrieval shaft, provides structural support during navigation, and serves as the retrieval pathway for extracting the engaged device. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, managing device complexity while maintaining minimally invasive access

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250152389A1Retrieval devices for heart valve sealing devices

Publication Date: 2025.05.15 EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES CORP

AI summary

A method of retrieving a previously implanted device from a native valve of a patient's heart includes attaching the retrieval device to the previously implanted device. An actuation member can engage the previously implanted device to move the previously implanted device from a closed configuration to an open configuration. A clasp capturing member can attach to a clasp of the previously implanted device.