Prosthetic Valve Leaflet Flexibility Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prosthetic heart valves face challenges in ensuring the proper coaptation of leaflets to prevent blood regurgitation, as existing methods fail to effectively assess and match the flexibility of prosthetic valve leaflets, leading to variability in tissue flexibility and potential leakage.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a horizontal bar, a light source, a detector, and a linear actuator is used to measure the flexibility of prosthetic valve leaflets by draping them over the bar and elevating it until the leaflet no longer blocks a light beam, allowing for the determination of flexibility values and the selection of leaflets with complementary properties for assembly into prosthetic valves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional methods are used to assess leaflet flexibility, then the assessment process is simple, but the measurement precision is insufficient leading to variability in tissue flexibility assessment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual assessment with an automated optical measurement system. A light source and detector are used to precisely measure the elevation of the bar when the leaflet no longer blocks the light beam, substituting mechanical judgment with optical detection to achieve higher measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a light beam as an intermediary element between the leaflet and the measurement system. The light beam serves as a reference plane that allows precise determination of when the leaflet has fully drape over the bar, enabling accurate flexibility measurement without direct contact or complex mechanical gauges.
2Reliability
If manual assessment methods are used, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability of leaflet coaptation is compromised due to inability to match flexibility values
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective manual assessment with objective optical measurement. The light-based detection system provides reliable, quantifiable data about leaflet flexibility, enabling consistent matching of complementary leaflets and improving the reliability of coaptation without requiring complex mechanical testing equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The leaflet itself serves as the measurement indicator by blocking or unblocking the light beam. The natural draping behavior of the leaflet over the bar automatically provides the measurement signal, eliminating the need for external markers or complex sensing mechanisms while ensuring reliable flexibility assessment.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If flexibility values are not precisely determined, then the testing process is simpler, but regurgitation occurs due to poor leaflet coaptation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical detection instead of mechanical measurement to precisely determine flexibility values. This substitution provides accurate, repeatable measurements that enable proper matching of leaflet flexibility, ensuring reliable coaptation and preventing blood regurgitation without requiring complex mechanical testing apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The light beam detection provides immediate feedback on when the leaflet has fully drape over the bar. This feedback mechanism allows precise determination of flexibility values by detecting the exact moment the leaflet unblocks the light beam, enabling accurate matching of complementary leaflets to prevent regurgitation.
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 method enables precise determination of leaflet flexibility, facilitating the construction of prosthetic valves with reduced regurgitation by ensuring that leaflets have matching flexibility values, thereby improving the functionality and efficiency of prosthetic heart valves.
Implementation Method 1
a light source, configured to emit a beam of light, and oriented to direct the beam through the bar-plane; a detector, configured and positioned to detect the beam, and to generate a detection-signal indicative of detection of the beam
Implementation Method 2
a linear actuator, movably coupling the bar to the post, actuation of the actuator moving the bar vertically in the bar-plane
Implementation Method 3
a gauge, configured to measure an elevation of the bar above the beam
Data Source
AI summary
A method for testing a prosthetic heart valve leaflet is provided. The method includes using a vertical post having a longitudinal axis and a horizontal bar having a bar-axis that lies on a vertical bar-plane. The bar supports the leaflet along the bar-axis such that the leaflet drapes over the bar. A linear actuator movably couples the bar to the post, and actuation of the actuator moves the bar vertically in the bar-plane. A light source emits a beam of light and is oriented to direct the beam through the bar-plane. A gauge measures an elevation of the bar above the beam. A detector is positioned to detect the beam and generates a detection-signal indicative of detection of the beam. Other applications are also described.