Prosthetic Heart Valve Stabilizing Ring Radial Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heart valve prostheses face challenges in adapting to different anatomical circumstances without functional impairment, as the expansion of the fastening area and flap frame must occur simultaneously, making it difficult to replace or adjust the prosthesis.
Innovation Solution
A heart valve prosthesis with a flap frame and stabilization ring, where the stabilization ring has targeted expansion points that allow radial expansion, enabling the prosthesis to be easily replaced by inserting a new one via a catheter, without significantly reducing the interior cross-section, using a metal or alloy like Nitinol for the stabilization ring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the stabilizing ring is expanded radially to insert a new heart valve prosthesis, then the new prosthesis can be accommodated, but the flow cross-section is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizing ring is segmented with predetermined expansion points that allow localized radial expansion. This segmentation enables the ring to expand only at specific locations to accommodate the new prosthesis while maintaining the overall circular shape and flow cross-section in non-expanded areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizing ring has non-uniform structural properties with predetermined expansion points that have different mechanical characteristics than the rest of the ring. These localized weak points are designed to expand radially under force while the remaining portions maintain their original dimensions to preserve the flow cross-section.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the fastening area and valve frame are expanded simultaneously, then the prosthesis can be adapted to anatomy, but it is difficult to replace the prosthesis
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis structure is divided into independent expandable components: the fastening area with its stabilizing ring and the valve frame with its retaining elements. This segmentation allows the stabilizing ring to expand independently for prosthesis replacement while the valve frame remains in place, enabling easy replacement without affecting the anatomical adaptation of the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizing ring is designed with dynamic expandability through predetermined expansion points that allow radial expansion when force is applied. This dynamic property enables the ring to transition from a stable, anatomy-adapted state to an expanded state for prosthesis replacement, and then return to its original configuration, facilitating easy replacement while maintaining anatomical adaptation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the stabilizing ring is made rigid to maintain shape, then it provides structural stability, but it cannot expand to accommodate a new prosthesis
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizing ring combines rigid sections that provide structural stability with segmented predetermined expansion points that allow controlled expansion. The rigid portions maintain the ring's overall shape and structural integrity, while the segmented expansion points enable localized flexibility for accommodating new prostheses.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizing ring has non-uniform mechanical properties with rigid regions providing structural stability and localized predetermined expansion points providing controlled flexibility. These expansion points are strategically positioned to allow radial expansion when force is applied, enabling the ring to transition between stable and adaptable states as needed.
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
Enables the heart valve prosthesis to be replaced without reducing the flow cross-section, allowing for the new prosthesis to be inserted and fixed in place while maintaining the original flow characteristics, using the stabilization ring's expansion to accommodate the new device and stretch the surrounding tissue.
Implementation Method 1
The stabilizing ring has at least one predetermined expansion point, which makes it possible to expand the stabilizing ring by applying a radial force from the inside to its inner circumference
Implementation Method 2
The stabilizing ring is made of metal and is elastically deformable to a certain extent
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a prosthetic heart valve comprising a valve frame (2), on which a plurality of valve leaflets (8) are fixed, and a fastening area for fastening in a blood vessel, which axially adjoins the valve frame (2), wherein a stabilizing ring (14) is arranged in the fastening area, said stabilizing ring defining a predetermined shape and a predetermined diameter of the fastening area and having at least one predetermined expansion point (22), whereby it is possible to expand the stabilizing ring (14) by an action of radial force on its inner circumference.