Inflatable Chamber Prosthetic Valve for Venous Insufficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for venous insufficiency, such as compression stockings and surgical bypass or replacement, are inadequate in effectively preventing retrograde blood flow and addressing damaged venous valves, leading to discomfort and potential ulcers.
Innovation Solution
A prosthetic valve device with an inflatable frame is implanted in a body vessel, featuring flexible members that allow flow in one direction while preventing flow in the opposite direction, and an inflatable chamber that engages the vessel wall to enhance valve function.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If compression stockings are used to treat venous insufficiency, then vessel walls are forced radially inward to restore valve function, but the treatment is inadequate in effectively preventing retrograde blood flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a prosthetic valve device as an intermediary element within the venous system. This device includes a frame with flexible members and valve leaflets that actively mediate blood flow direction, providing reliable prevention of retrograde flow that compression stockings cannot achieve alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The prosthetic valve device segments the venous system by introducing a structured framework with discrete flexible members and valve leaflets. This segmentation allows precise control over blood flow at specific locations, creating reliable one-way flow control that addresses the inadequacy of uniform compression therapy.
2Reliability
If surgical bypass or replacement techniques are employed, then valve function can be restored, but the procedures are invasive and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthetic valve device employs dynamic flexible members that can bend and conform to the venous anatomy. This dynamic structure allows the device to be delivered in a compressed state through minimally invasive access and then expand to its functional configuration, reducing surgical complexity while maintaining reliable valve function.
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes parameter changes in its deployment process - transitioning from a compressed, low-profile delivery state to an expanded, functional valve state. This parameter transformation enables minimally invasive insertion while achieving the complex valve function that would otherwise require open surgery.
3Reliability
If a prosthetic valve device with inflatable chamber is implanted, then fluid flow regulation is improved and retrograde flow is reduced, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable chamber serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the valve frame, enables secure anchoring to the vessel wall, and facilitates controlled deployment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, managing device complexity while improving fluid flow regulation reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the anchoring mechanism and structural support functions into the inflatable chamber itself. By combining these functions into a single integrated component rather than separate elements, the device achieves reliable fluid flow regulation without proportionally increasing overall structural complexity.
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 prosthetic valve device effectively regulates fluid flow, reducing retrograde flow and minimizing discomfort and complications associated with venous insufficiency, offering a minimally invasive solution for damaged natural valves.
Implementation Method 1
The inflatable chamber is adapted to receive inflating media
Implementation Method 2
The flexible member is adapted to move from an open position, in which the flexible member permits fluid flow in a first direction, to a closed position, in which the flexible member prevents fluid flow in a second, opposite direction
Data Source
AI summary
Prosthetic valve devices for implantation in body vessels are provided. The prosthetic valve device includes at least one flexible member that permits fluid flow in a first direction and substantially prevents fluid flow in a second. The valve device also includes an inflatable chamber at least partially attached to the flexible member. The inflatable chamber is adapted to receive inflating media and is adapted to contact the body vessel. A delivery system is also provided that includes a valve device and a delivery apparatus. The delivery apparatus includes a member adapted for filling the chamber of the valve device with inflating media. A related method of making the valve device is also provided.