D-Shaped Mitral Valve Prosthesis Anchoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mitral valve prostheses face challenges due to the unique anatomical characteristics of the mitral valve, including asymmetry, larger and more elastic annulus, and higher systolic stress, leading to issues like coaptation problems, perivalvular leakage, and obstruction of the left ventricle outflow tract, which are not effectively addressed by existing percutaneous or sutureless valve implant systems.
Innovation Solution
A heart valve prosthesis with a D-shaped supporting structure and a single extended leaflet that coapts on a vertical coaptation surface, supported by traction members simulating chordae tendineae, providing better anchoring and stability, and minimizing the risk of calcification and fibrosis, while maintaining blood flow and reducing the risk of obstruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a circular prosthesis is used in the mitral position, then the device structure is simplified, but coaptation problems and perivalvular leakage occur due to the D-shaped mitral annulus
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by designing a D-shaped supporting structure that matches the natural D-shape of the mitral annulus. This asymmetric configuration allows the prosthesis to conform to the anatomical geometry of the mitral valve, ensuring proper coaptation of the valve leaflets and preventing perivalvular leakage, while maintaining structural simplicity through the single-piece design
2Stability of the object's composition
If the prosthesis size is increased to cover the mitral annulus, then anchoring stability is improved, but obstruction of the left ventricle outflow tract increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by designing the supporting structure with varying radial heights around its circumference. The structure has greater radial extension at the posterior mitral annulus where more coverage is needed for stability, while maintaining lower height at the anterior portion to avoid obstructing the left ventricle outflow tract. This localized variation in geometry optimizes both anchoring stability and outflow tract patency
3Reliability
If a single extended leaflet is used, then the risk of calcification and fibrosis is reduced, but the complexity of achieving perfect coaptation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the extraction principle by removing the chordae tendineae and papillary muscles from the prosthetic design. The single extended leaflet is directly anchored to the supporting structure without these intermediate elements, eliminating the sites where calcification and fibrosis typically develop. The coaptation is achieved through the leaflet's natural geometry and the supporting structure's design, simplifying the overall mechanism while maintaining reliability
Data Source
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Figure 2
AI summary
Heart valve prosthesis, comprising a ring-shaped supporting structure (3) to be anchored at the valve annulus, and a valve leaflet (5) supported by the supporting structure. The supporting structure comprises a support wall portion (31), at which a root end (51) of the valve leaflet is connected, and a complementary wall portion (32) opposite the support wall portion, which supports a coaptation surface (33) adapted to be sealingly engaged by a free end (52) of the valve leaflet (5), and extending in a direction parallel to the direction of movement of the free end (52) of the valve leaflet (5) at the coaptation surface (33). The free end of the valve leaflet (5) is connected to the support wall portion or to the complementary wall portion by means of a traction member (55), dimensioned in such a way that the free end (52) of the valve leaflet (5) is stopped at the coaptation surface.