Heart Valve Viewer With Pressurized Window for Intraoperative Assessment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assessing heart valve function after repair or replacement are limited by the need for echocardiograms post-bypass, which may require additional surgical interventions and are not accurate under normal physiologic conditions, and direct visualization with the aorta open provides a poor approximation of valve function.
Innovation Solution
A visualization device with a transparent viewing window is attached to the aorta or pulmonary artery, allowing direct visualization of heart valves under pressurized conditions, enabling detailed examination of leaflet coaptation and function.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If 3D imaging systems are used to visualize the valve, then visualization quality is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a 2D image capture system to create a representative 2D image that copies the essential visual information of the valve, avoiding the need for complex 3D imaging systems while maintaining adequate visualization quality for surgical purposes
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts only the necessary visual information from the surgical field using a 2D camera, isolating the valve visualization requirement from the need for full 3D reconstruction, thereby simplifying the device while preserving critical visualization capabilities
2Measurement precision
If the surgical system is paused to capture images, then image quality is improved, but surgical productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical system continues to operate without pausing while the 2D image capture occurs, maintaining continuous surgical workflow. The image capture is integrated into the ongoing surgical process rather than requiring system suspension, ensuring uninterrupted productivity
Solution Approach 2:
Images are captured periodically at appropriate moments during the continuous surgical flow, allowing quality images to be obtained without requiring continuous system pausing. The periodic capture is synchronized with the surgical workflow to maintain both image quality and productivity
3Measurement precision
If multiple cameras are used for 3D imaging, then visualization accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single 2D camera captures a representative image that copies the essential visual characteristics of the valve, eliminating the need for multiple cameras and complex 3D reconstruction algorithms while providing sufficient visualization accuracy for surgical decision-making
Solution Approach 2:
The single 2D camera system is designed to perform multiple functions including valve visualization, surgical field monitoring, and documentation, replacing the need for specialized multiple-camera 3D imaging systems while maintaining adequate visualization accuracy
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 1D~1F
Figure 2A~2E
AI summary
Method and devices for viewing one or more valve leaflets via a viewer. In some embodiments the viewer includes a body having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first end being closed and having a transparent viewing window, the second end arranged to be attached to an aorta or a pulmonary artery, and one or more ports arranged to provide fluid access to an internal portion of the viewer to pressurize the one or more leaflets. A diameter of the viewing window is larger than an outer diameter of the second end. An outer diameter of the first end of the body is larger than an outer diameter of the second end. The body is a tubular body.