Retractable-Sheath Catheter for Low-Profile Luminal Valve Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing percutaneous valve delivery systems involve large implantable devices with unfavorable delivery methods, necessitating a need for minimally invasive approaches that minimize patient adverse effects.
Innovation Solution
A catheter system with a retractable sheath and linkages is used to deploy a valve prosthesis, transitioning from a longitudinal to an arcuate orientation, allowing for minimally invasive partial or complete replacement of luminal valves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional cardiac valve prostheses are implanted, then valve replacement is achieved, but the surgical operation is highly invasive
Solution Approach 1:
The valve prosthesis is divided into multiple expandable elements (first and second valve elements) that can be independently deployed. The delivery catheter is segmented into multiple sections with distinct functions (sheath, first linkage, second linkage) allowing controlled expansion of each valve element at the target location.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve elements transition from a compressed, deliverable state on the catheter to an expanded, functional state at the implantation site. The linkages enable dynamic control of the expansion process, allowing the valve to be deployed from a longitudinal configuration to an arcuate configuration matching the luminal anatomy.
2Ease of operation
If percutaneous valve delivery is used, then minimally invasive approach is achieved, but large catheter profiles cause adverse effects
Solution Approach 1:
The valve prosthesis is nested within the delivery catheter in a compact configuration during delivery. The catheter sheath envelops the valve elements, allowing the entire assembly to pass through small access points in blood vessels. Upon arrival at the target location, the valve is extracted from the catheter and deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve prosthesis is delivered in a longitudinal orientation along the catheter axis, then transformed into an arcuate orientation at the implantation site. This dimensional transformation allows the valve to fit within the luminal anatomy while being delivered through a small-profile catheter.
3Reliability
If large implantable devices are delivered on catheters, then valve replacement is achieved, but the catheter profile becomes very large
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is divided into functional segments: a delivery sheath for protecting and guiding the valve, linkages for controlling valve expansion, and a tip region for valve deployment. This segmentation allows the catheter to have a small overall profile while accommodating the valve prosthesis through coordinated movement of its segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve prosthesis dynamically changes its configuration from a compressed longitudinal shape suitable for catheter delivery to an expanded arcuate shape for functional operation. This dynamic transformation eliminates the need for a large static catheter profile, as the valve only occupies the catheter's small space during delivery, not during operation.
Data Source
AI summary
The present embodiments relate to systems and methods for treating luminal valves. Particularly, and in accordance with one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to methods and systems for partial or complete replacement of luminal valves. An exemplary catheter in accordance with the disclosure includes an elongate body having a proximal end and a distal end, and a retractable sheath mounted on the elongate body proximate the distal end. The sheath and elongate body cooperating to define a first annularly-shaped compartment between the body and sheath. The catheter further includes a valve prosthesis mounted in the compartment, the prosthesis having proximal and distal ends connected to a means for deploying the valve prosthesis from the catheter.