Prosthetic Valve Tensioning for Precise Coaptation Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for tricuspid regurgitation (TR) require complex and invasive open-heart procedures, which are risky and painful, and there is a need for a simpler and easier solution for heart valve replacement.
Innovation Solution
A prosthetic implant delivery system with a tensioning mechanism that includes an outer sheath, a tensioning rod, and a control handle to deploy and position a prosthetic valve implant using adjustable control interfaces for precise alignment and orientation of the coaptation structure relative to the anchor member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If open-heart procedures are used for valve replacement, then the valve can be replaced effectively, but the procedure becomes highly invasive with significant risks and painful recovery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical open-heart surgical system with a percutaneous delivery system that uses catheter-based delivery and balloon expansion to implant the valve through a minimally invasive approach, substituting traditional surgical mechanics with interventional radiology-style mechanics
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a delivery catheter and balloon as intermediary devices that mediate between the operator and the valve implant, allowing the valve to be delivered and deployed through a peripheral vessel without direct surgical access to the heart
2Ease of operation
If traditional valve delivery methods are used, then the procedure is simpler, but precise positioning and orientation of the coaptation structure cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic positioning system where the coaptation structure can be adjusted and repositioned during the procedure using a control mechanism that allows real-time modification of the structure's orientation and position relative to the anchor member
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the valve structure into separable components including the anchor member and the coaptation structure connected by an adjustable connection mechanism, allowing independent positioning and orientation adjustment of each component for precise alignment
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
A prosthetic implant including an anchor member; at least one resilient tethering strut extending from the anchor member; a coaptation structure coupled to an end of the at least one resilient tethering strut; and a tensioning unit extending between the anchor member and the coaptation structure. The tensioning unit including a flexible hollow tubing, and a tensioning wire extending therethrough with a first end of the tensioning wire fixed at a junction between a first end of the flexible hollow tubing and the coaptation structure and with a second end of the tensioning wire extending out from a second end of the flexible hollow tubing. The second end of the tensioning wire being pullable away from the second end of the flexible hollow tubing to bend the flexible hollow tubing and the at least one resilient tethering strut to move the coaptation structure relative to the anchor member.