Mitral Valve Stent Frame With Inward Cells for Easier Recapture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing prosthetic heart valve devices face challenges in recapturing and repositioning due to their self-expansion resisting collapse, leading to difficult adjustments and potential damage to native leaflets, and they often require full replacement of native valves, losing their functionality.

Innovation Solution

A collapsible and expandable prosthetic heart valve device with a stent frame featuring inwardly bent stent cells and a recapture assist mechanism, such as a paddle or slot, allows for efficient recapture and positioning within the delivery sheath, maintaining native valve functionality and minimizing interference with native leaflets.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the prosthetic heart valve device is designed with self-expanding stent frame, then the valve can maintain its structural integrity and positioning stability, but the device becomes difficult to recapture and reposition due to resistance to collapse

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning stabilityVSAvoidrecapture difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The stent frame is divided into multiple stent cells with specific geometric configurations. These segmented cells are designed to collapse in a controlled manner along predefined lines, allowing the device to be recaptured while maintaining overall structural integrity during deployment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The stent cells are designed with dynamic collapse characteristics that allow controlled deformation during recapture. The cells can transition from an expanded stable state to a collapsed recapture state, and back to expanded state for repositioning, enabling dynamic adjustment of device rigidity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the prosthetic valve device is designed for full replacement of native valve, then complete valve dysfunction can be addressed, but the native valve functionality is lost and potential damage to native leaflets occurs during implantation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve function reliabilityVSAvoiddamage to native leaflets

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device provides different functional zones: the stent frame provides structural support and anchoring in the annulus, while the valve support structure with inwardly bent struts creates a protected space for native leaflets to function. This local differentiation allows the device to provide reliable valve function while preserving native leaflet functionality in specific regions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The valve support structure acts as an intermediary between the stent frame and native leaflets. The inwardly bent struts create a cage-like structure that protects native leaflets from direct contact with the stent frame during implantation and operation, reducing potential damage while maintaining valve function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If the stent frame uses traditional straight strut design, then manufacturing is simpler, but recapture efficiency is reduced and positioning precision is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidpositioning precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The stent cells are designed with asymmetric geometries that provide different mechanical properties in different directions. This asymmetry enables controlled collapse patterns during recapture while maintaining radial strength during deployment, achieving both positioning precision and recapture efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The stent cells incorporate curved and angled strut configurations rather than straight lines. These curved geometries allow the struts to flex and collapse in a controlled manner during recapture, improving positioning precision and recapture efficiency compared to traditional straight strut designs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentUS20260020951A1Devices, systems and methods for improving recapture of prosthtic heart valve device with stent frame having valve support with inwardly stent cells

Publication Date: 2026.01.22 4C MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES INC

AI summary

A collapsible and expandable prosthetic mitral valve stent is provided with improved recapture into a distal lumen of a delivery sheath. Various embodiments comprise a valve support within the interior of a stent frame and defining a flow channel therethrough, wherein the top or upstream of the valve support comprises a row, or a plurality, of stent cells that are bent radially inward at least partially over the flow channel. Some embodiments may comprise a recapture assist mechanism, such as an open paddle, attached to one or more of the inwardly bent stent cells and adapted to receive and/or engage a wire to aid in positioning, expansion, recapture and/or implanting the device in a patient's heart chamber.