Self-Expanding Mitral Valve Frame With Leaflet Anchoring and Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for minimally invasive techniques to replace the mitral valve, as existing catheter-based procedures are not applicable due to the distinct differences between the aortic and mitral valves, particularly the complex subvalvular apparatus of the mitral valve, leading to a lack of effective treatment options for many patients.

Innovation Solution

A prosthetic mitral valve apparatus with a radially compressible and self-expandable frame, ventricular anchors, and an optional atrial sealing member that secures the valve within the native mitral valve annulus, utilizing ventricular anchors to capture the leaflets and an atrial sealing member to prevent paravalvular leakage, allowing for minimally invasive implantation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If open heart surgery is used for mitral valve replacement, then the valve can be effectively replaced, but the procedure is highly invasive and prone to complications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve replacement effectivenessVSAvoidinvasiveness and complications

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The prosthetic valve system is divided into separate components: a delivery catheter for minimally invasive insertion, a self-expanding frame that deploys at the target site, and native leaflet engagement mechanisms. This segmentation allows the valve replacement procedure to be performed through small incisions rather than requiring open heart surgery, thereby reducing invasiveness while maintaining replacement effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a delivery catheter as an intermediary device that transports the compressed prosthetic valve to the mitral valve site and facilitates its deployment. This intermediary mechanism enables minimally invasive access to the heart, avoiding the need for sternotomy and cardiopulmonary bypass while still achieving effective valve replacement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If catheter-based procedures are used for mitral valve replacement, then invasiveness is reduced, but the procedures are not applicable due to the complex subvalvular apparatus

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveinvasivenessVSAvoidapplicability to mitral valve

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The prosthetic valve design incorporates localized features specifically adapted for the mitral valve's complex anatomy: ventricular anchors with leaflet-receiving spaces positioned to engage native mitral leaflets, and an atrial sealing member to address the unique challenges of the mitral annulus. These localized adaptations enable catheter-based procedures to succeed in the mitral valve despite its complex subvalvular apparatus

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The delivery catheter is designed to preliminarily position the prosthetic valve frame and ventricular anchors before final deployment. This preliminary positioning ensures proper alignment with the mitral valve annulus and engagement with native leaflets, overcoming the anatomical challenges of the complex subvalvular apparatus before the valve is fully expanded

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If a prosthetic valve is deployed without ventricular anchors, then the device complexity is reduced, but the valve cannot be securely anchored to prevent paravalvular leakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve structure simplicityVSAvoidsealing performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the anchoring function and sealing function into a single integrated ventricular anchor structure. The leaflet-receiving spaces of the ventricular anchors serve dual purposes: securing the prosthetic valve to the native mitral leaflets and preventing paravalvular leakage. This merging eliminates the need for separate sealing mechanisms, maintaining device simplicity while ensuring reliable sealing performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 described prosthetic mitral valve apparatus effectively secures within the native mitral valve annulus, reduces paravalvular leakage, and remodels the left ventricle, providing a minimally invasive solution for mitral valve replacement and treatment of mitral regurgitation.

Implementation Method 1

a radially compressible and self-expandable frame

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic recovery: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20260090882A1Implantable prosthetic valve for implantation within a native atrioventricular valve

Publication Date: 2026.04.02 EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES CORP

AI summary

A prosthetic heart valve for implantation within a native atrioventricular heart valve. The prosthetic heart valve includes a radially collapsible and radially expandable annular frame having an annular main body and a valve member disposed within the main body. The frame further includes a plurality of serpentine arms that are arranged side-by-side in a circumferential direction around the main body, wherein each serpentine arm has one end connected to an atrial end of the main body and extends away from the main body.