Prosthetic Aortic Valve Self-Anchoring via Bulging Struts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing prosthetic heart valves face challenges in achieving reliable self-anchoring at implant sites, particularly when direct access is limited, and there is a need for improved self-anchoring mechanisms to prevent occlusion of coronary arteries and ensure proper positioning.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates an annular stent frame with connecting struts that bulge radially outward into the valsalva sinus, positioning struts adjacent to native aortic valve commissure tips, and maintaining a wider opening between struts to avoid coronary ostia, enhancing self-anchoring and preventing rotation or movement of the valve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If connecting struts are positioned close to the aortic outflow portion for self-anchoring, then anchoring strength is improved, but risk of occluding coronary arteries increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting struts are positioned adjacent to the commissure tips rather than uniformly distributed, creating localized anchoring zones that concentrate self-anchoring strength at specific points while leaving other areas open for coronary artery patency
Solution Approach 2:
The stent frame employs asymmetric strut positioning where struts are placed closer to the aortic outflow portion adjacent to commissure tips, creating an asymmetric pattern that provides enhanced anchoring at critical locations while maintaining adequate spacing from coronary ostia
2Stability of the object's composition
If stent frame is made more rigid for structural stability, then positioning accuracy is improved, but ability to conform to native anatomy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The stent frame is divided into multiple segments including the annulus inflow portion, aortic outflow portion, and connecting struts, allowing each segment to be optimized independently for stability while the overall structure maintains anatomical conformability
Solution Approach 2:
The stent frame incorporates dynamic characteristics that allow it to adapt to the native aortic anatomy during deployment while maintaining structural stability once positioned, enabling the frame to conform to irregular surfaces without sacrificing positional stability
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
This design ensures secure anchoring of the prosthetic valve, prevents occlusion of coronary arteries, and maintains proper positioning, facilitating effective blood flow and reducing the risk of complications during and after implantation.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the connecting struts is constructed to bulge radially outwardly like (and into) the valsalva sinus when the valve is in use in a patient
Data Source
AI summary
A prosthetic aortic valve includes an annular, annulus inflow portion that is designed to reside in or near the patient's native aortic valve annulus, and an annular, aortic outflow portion that is designed to reside in the patient's aorta downstream from at least a portion of the valsalva sinus. The annulus inflow portion and the aortic outflow portion are connected to one another by a plurality of connecting struts that are confined to regions near the commissures of the patient's native aortic valve. The connecting struts are designed to bulge out into the valsalva sinus to help anchor the prosthetic valve in place. The valve is circumferentially collapsible to a relatively small diameter for less-invasive delivery into the patient. The valve circumferentially expands to a larger operational diameter when deployed at the implant site.