Prosthetic Monoleaflet Valve Radial Tissue Support Stress Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current prosthetic valves with stent-valves face durability issues due to unevenly distributed stress on valve leaflets, particularly in asymmetric stents and those with multiple leaflets, leading to reduced long-term performance.
Innovation Solution
A prosthetic valve design featuring a single functional leaflet attached to at least two tissue supports that extend inwardly from the stent's inner surface, distributing stress evenly and allowing elastic absorption of systo-diastolic pressures, thereby enhancing durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If valve leaflets are attached vertically and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the stent using stitches, then crimping of the stent is facilitated, but stress generated during opening and closing of the leaflets is unevenly distributed at the stitches, reducing long-term durability
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment structure is segmented into multiple radial attachment points distributed around the stent circumference. Each attachment point has attachment elements extending radially inward, and the leaflet is attached at multiple discrete locations rather than concentrated at commissural stitches, distributing stress across multiple segments
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment geometry transitions from a vertical/commissural orientation to a radial orientation perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Attachment elements extend radially inward from the stent surface, creating attachment points distributed in the radial dimension rather than concentrated at vertical commissural lines
2Device complexity
If leaflets are attached at commissural levels with stitches, then the attachment structure is simplified, but in asymmetric stents and/or stents with multiple leaflets, the stitches might interfere with each other
Solution Approach 1:
The radial attachment structure serves multiple functions: it provides attachment points for leaflets, distributes stress evenly, avoids interference in asymmetric configurations, and works with both single and multiple leaflets. The same attachment element design can be applied universally across different stent geometries and leaflet configurations
Solution Approach 2:
By moving attachment points from the vertical commissural dimension to the radial dimension, the attachment structure avoids the interference problems that occur when multiple stitches are packed at commissural levels in asymmetric stents or multi-leaflet configurations
3Reliability
If leaflets bend over edges of projections or arc portions during opening and closing, then attachment to the stent is achieved, but high stress occurs on the leaflets adjacent to these edges, reducing long term durability
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment elements have rounded tips or curved surfaces rather than sharp edges. This curvature prevents stress concentration at the leaflet attachment point by distributing the bending stress across a broader area, eliminating the high stress peaks that occur at sharp projection edges
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment elements serve as intermediaries between the stent and leaflet, with their rounded geometry mediating the stress transfer. Instead of the leaflet bending directly over sharp stent edges, the rounded attachment elements cushion and distribute the bending stresses
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 design ensures even stress distribution and longer lifespan of the leaflets and stent-valves by eliminating bending stress and providing elastic shock absorption, suitable for various stent types and direct annulus attachment.
Implementation Method 1
at least two tissue supports attachable to an inner surface of a stent component... At least a section of the attachment area extends essentially inwardly from the inner surface... such that the leaflet is arranged between said attachment area(s)
Implementation Method 2
allowing elastic absorption of systo-diastolic pressures, thereby enhancing durability
Data Source
AI summary
A prosthetic valve, preferably an expandable prosthetic valve, having a valve component (3), preferably a mitral valve component, made of a single functional leaflet (6) wherein the prosthetic valve (1) comprises at least two tissue supports (4′, 4″,4′″,4″″) attachable to an inner surface (5) of a stent component (2), wherein at least one tissue support (4′, 4″,4′″,4″″) comprises at least one attachment area (7′, 7″), at least a section of the attachment area extending essentially inwardly from the inner surface (5), wherein said leaflet (6) is attached to at least one tissue support (4′, 4″,4′″,4′″) at the section of said attachment area(s) (7′, 7″) such that the leaflet (6) is arranged between said attachment area(s) (7′,7″) or integrally formed with one tissue support (4′,4″,4′″,4″″) and attached to the second tissue support (4′,4″,4′″,4″″) at the section of the attachment area(s) (7′,7″).