Expandable Prosthetic Valve Crimping Device Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional crimping devices are inadequate for 'short' implantable devices, such as prosthetic heart valves, as they may slide, kink, or become unevenly deformed during crimping, especially when the axial length is significantly smaller than the diameter, leading to off-center crimping issues.
Innovation Solution
A multiple crimping tool with identical units, each comprising two annular bodies that can rotate relative to a common axis, utilizing a wire-like element with a serpentine pattern to radially contract the device, ensuring even crimping and centering of the prosthetic valve end portions, with a brake mechanism to control the crimping action.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional crimping devices are used on short implantable devices, then the crimping action can be applied, but the device may slide or kink sideways and become unevenly deformed
Solution Approach 1:
The crimping device divides the crimping action into multiple independent crimping units arranged circumferentially around the device to be crimped. Each unit applies crimping force at a specific location, allowing precise control over the crimping process and preventing uneven deformation that occurs with conventional single-action crimping devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-plane crimping action to a multi-dimensional approach by arranging multiple crimping units in a circumferential pattern around the device axis. This spatial distribution of crimping forces prevents sideways sliding and kinking by applying balanced forces from all directions simultaneously.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional crimping devices are used, then the crimping action can be performed, but the device may become off-center with respect to the desired crimping axis
Solution Approach 1:
The crimping device is segmented into multiple independent crimping units that can be individually positioned and activated. This segmentation allows precise control over the crimping action at each location, ensuring the device remains centered on the crimping axis throughout the process.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates indicators or reference features that provide visual or tactile feedback during the crimping process, allowing the operator to verify proper centering and alignment before and during crimping. This feedback mechanism ensures the device remains off-axis free and properly positioned.
3Device complexity
If a single crimping action is applied to short implantable devices, then the crimping process is simple, but the device may slide or kink sideways
Solution Approach 1:
The crimping mechanism is divided into multiple independent crimping units arranged circumferentially, with each unit capable of independent operation. This segmentation transforms a single complex crimping action into multiple simpler, coordinated actions that collectively provide stable, controlled crimping without device sliding or kinking.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple crimping units are merged into a single integrated device that operates in coordination. The combined action of all crimping units provides balanced, multi-directional force application that prevents device instability while maintaining operational simplicity through unified control.
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 solution ensures precise, even crimping of both 'inflow' and 'outflow' annular end portions of prosthetic heart valves, preventing kinking and ensuring axial stability, allowing for effective deployment during minimally-invasive implantation procedures.
Implementation Method 1
A multiple crimping tool includes a first crimping device adapted for crimping a first portion of an expandable prosthetic heart valve and at least one additional crimping device adapted for crimping a second portion of the expandable prosthetic heart valve
Data Source
AI summary
A device for crimping an implantable device or a part thereof between a radially expanded condition and a radially contracted condition, includes first and second annular bodies arranged about a common axis, and a ring-like array of linear crimping elements having respective opposite ends linked to the first and second annular bodies, respectively. These annular bodies are relatively rotatable around the common axis between a first position, wherein the annular array of crimping elements define a wider orifice for receiving a device to be crimped, and a second position, wherein the annular array of crimping elements define a narrower orifice.