Helical-Coil Docking Device for Prosthetic Valve Anchoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Transcatheter heart valves (THVs) often fail to securely anchor to native heart valves, leading to issues like paravalvular leakage and valve malfunction due to insufficient structure at the implantation site.
Innovation Solution
A docking device with a helical coil configuration, optionally accompanied by a retention member, is deployed at the native valve to securely anchor a prosthetic valve, providing a stable anchoring site and seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a transcatheter heart valve is implanted at a native valve site, then the procedure is less invasive than open heart surgery, but the valve may not securely anchor to the native valve tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The docking device serves as an intermediary component between the transcatheter heart valve and the native valve tissue. It is first deployed at the implantation site to create a stable anchoring structure, then the THV is delivered into the docking device. This mediator structure enables secure anchoring without requiring direct attachment between the THV and native tissue, resolving the contradiction between minimally invasive delivery and reliable anchoring.
2Device complexity
If the native tissue at the implantation site is used for securing the THV, then no additional components are needed, but the native tissue may not provide sufficient structure for secure anchoring
Solution Approach 1:
The implantation system is segmented into two distinct functional components: the docking device that interfaces with native valve tissue to provide anchoring, and the transcatheter heart valve that performs the valve replacement function. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, with the docking device providing reliable anchoring while the THV provides valve function, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and reliability.
3Ease of operation
If a prosthetic valve is mounted on a catheter for transcatheter delivery, then open heart surgery is avoided, but the valve cannot be appropriately sized for different native valves
Solution Approach 1:
The docking device is designed as a universal platform that can be adapted to different native valve sizes and anatomies. It provides a standardized interface that can accommodate various THV sizes while maintaining secure anchoring. This universality allows the same transcatheter delivery approach to be used across different patient populations and valve types, resolving the contradiction between minimally invasive delivery and valve sizing adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
Example docking devices for securing a prosthetic valve at a native valve are disclosed. In certain examples, a docking device can include a coil having a plurality of helical turns when deployed at the native valve, and a retention member covering at least a portion of the coil. The retention member can include a first axial segment. In certain examples, the first axial segment encloses only a partial circumference of the coil. In certain examples, the first axial segment includes a first circumferential portion and a second circumferential portion, and the second circumferential portion has a smoother outer surface than the first circumferential portion.