Prosthesis Delivery System Radial Tether Holder

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing percutaneous delivery systems for prosthetic heart valves face challenges in achieving a fully compressed state to navigate tortuous vascular paths, risk of the valve catching on the sheath and jamming, and potential damage during insertion.

Innovation Solution

A prosthesis delivery system utilizing a sheath with movable tethers and a holder that constrains the tethers radially, allowing partial expansion and controlled collapse of the prosthesis to prevent jamming and ensure safe insertion, with the option to detach tethers for final positioning and expansion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the prosthesis is collapsed to a compressed state to fit within the sheath, then the prosthesis can be delivered through the vascular system, but the prosthesis may catch on the sheath rim and jam during insertion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedelivery through vascular systemVSAvoidrisk of jamming
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The prosthesis is partially collapsed before insertion into the sheath, creating a tapered configuration that facilitates smooth entry. The apexes are pulled together to compress the prosthesis into a shape that fits within the sheath opening, preventing jamming during the insertion process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The prosthesis is divided into multiple collapsible elements or segments that can be independently compressed. This segmentation allows the prosthesis to be folded into a compact configuration that fits within the sheath while maintaining the ability to expand properly once deployed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the prosthesis is fully collapsed to fit within the sheath, then the prosthesis can be delivered to the target position, but the prosthesis may get damaged or destroyed during insertion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedelivery to target positionVSAvoidprosthesis integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The prosthesis is partially collapsed before insertion to create a tapered configuration that reduces stress on the structure during entry into the sheath. This preliminary compression prevents excessive forces that could damage the prosthesis while still enabling delivery to the target position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The sheath and delivery system are designed to provide protective cushioning during the insertion process. The controlled collapse mechanism and sheath configuration prevent direct impact and excessive stress on the prosthesis, protecting it from damage during delivery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Volume of moving object

If the prosthesis is collapsed to a compressed state, then the prosthesis can be inserted into the sheath, but achieving full compression is difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompressed size of prosthesisVSAvoidcollapse preparation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The prosthesis is partially collapsed before insertion to create a tapered configuration that facilitates smooth entry. The apexes are pulled together to compress the prosthesis into a shape that fits within the sheath opening, preventing jamming during the insertion process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The prosthesis incorporates dynamic collapse mechanisms that allow for rapid compression. The collapsible elements can be quickly folded together through controlled manipulation, reducing the time required to achieve full compression while maintaining the ability to expand properly once deployed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2629700B2Prosthesis delivery system
Publication Date: 2024.01.03 FOND RI MED
  • EP2629700B2 patent drawingFigure 1~5
  • EP2629700B2 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP2629700B2 patent drawingFigure 6~9

AI summary

A prosthesis delivery system comprises a sheath defining an axial direction; at least one tether movable axially relative to the sheath; and a holder movable axially within the sheath, configured to constrain radially the tether(s). Collapsing the prosthesis to a collapsed state in the sheath involves constraining radially with a holder the tether(s), attached to the prosthesis; and moving the tether(s) and the holder axially within the sheath such that the prosthesis is forced to collapse into the sheath and the holder is retracted into the sheath.