Mitral Bioprosthesis Low Ventricular Profile Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current prosthetic valve replacement methods for the mitral valve require invasive surgical approaches and do not adequately accommodate the unique physical characteristics of the mitral valve, necessitating improved minimally invasive techniques for effective valve replacement.
Innovation Solution
A stent-like support structure with a low ventricular profile, featuring an outwardly expandable upstream section for atrial anchoring and a downstream section extending through the native mitral valve annulus, allowing for minimally invasive deployment and anchoring of a prosthetic mitral valve, utilizing self-expanding materials like Nitinol or shape memory polymers for deployment and biodegradable materials for compatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a standard surgical approach is used for mitral valve replacement, then the valve can be replaced, but the procedure requires cutting open the left side of the heart which increases surgical trauma and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into an upstream section for atrial anchoring and a downstream section for ventricular engagement, allowing the device to be delivered through a minimally invasive approach while maintaining secure positioning in both chambers
Solution Approach 2:
The self-expanding support structure acts as an intermediary mechanism that enables minimally invasive delivery of the prosthetic valve while providing stable anchoring in the heart, eliminating the need for open surgical access
2Reliability
If the support structure extends deeply into the ventricle for secure anchoring, then the valve is stable, but the ventricular profile increases which may interfere with ventricular function
Solution Approach 1:
The downstream section of the support structure is designed to nest within or overlap with the upstream section, creating a compact configuration that minimizes ventricular protrusion while maintaining adequate anchoring length in the atrium
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure utilizes spatial arrangement in multiple dimensions, with the downstream section extending through the annulus while overlapping the upstream section, thereby achieving stable anchoring without increasing the ventricular profile
3Reliability
If the support structure is made rigid for stable positioning, then the valve is securely anchored, but the device becomes difficult to deliver through minimally invasive approaches
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure employs self-expanding material that transitions from a compressed, flexible delivery state to an expanded, rigid positioning state, enabling both minimally invasive delivery and stable anchoring once deployed
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure utilizes shape memory materials that change their physical parameters (rigidity, expansion) in response to body temperature or mechanical stimulation, allowing easy delivery followed by automatic expansion to a stable configuration
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 minimally invasive mitral valve replacement with reduced ventricular protrusion, facilitating easier delivery and anchoring, while ensuring the prosthetic valve is securely positioned between the left atrium and ventricle, minimizing surgical trauma and improving procedural efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The support structures include an upstream section that is outwardly expandable to sit against the atrial wall when deployed
Implementation Method 2
utilizing self-expanding materials like Nitinol or shape memory polymers for deployment
Data Source
AI summary
A heart valve prosthesis configured for placement at a mitral valve in the heart is disclosed that includes a stent-like support structure for supporting a prosthetic mitral valve. The support structure is configured to have a low ventricular profile with only a short length thereof protruding into the left ventricle when deployed in vivo. The support structure includes an upstream section that is outwardly expandable to sit against the atrial wall so as to at least partially anchor the prosthesis therein and a downstream section to which the prosthetic mitral valve is coupled that extends between the left atria and ventricle through the native mitral valve. The low-ventricular profile of the prosthesis is achieved by shaping the support structure such that the downstream section extends within and overlaps with the upstream section at given regions around the circumference of the support structure in an expanded configuration.