Prosthetic Heart Valve Loading Funnel for Low-Force, Air-Free Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing prosthetic heart valve delivery systems face challenges in reducing loading forces and minimizing air introduction during the collapse and translation of the device into a delivery catheter, particularly when the native valve has partial functionality and requires supplemental or augmentation without damaging the native leaflets.
Innovation Solution
A loading system using a biocompatible fluid-filled container with a funnel structure to evenly distribute collapsing forces and immerse the prosthetic heart valve device, ensuring predictable collapse and air-free translation into the delivery catheter lumen.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the prosthetic heart valve device is collapsed into the delivery catheter lumen, then the device can be delivered minimally invasively, but high loading forces are applied to the device structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by immersing the prosthetic heart valve device in a biocompatible fluid within a container before collapse. The fluid acts as a cushioning medium that distributes and reduces the loading forces applied during the collapse process, protecting the device structure from excessive stress while enabling minimal invasive delivery through the catheter lumen.
2Ease of operation
If the prosthetic heart valve device is collapsed and translated into the delivery catheter, then delivery is enabled, but air may be introduced into the system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an inert environment by filling the container with a biocompatible fluid that displaces air. This fluid-filled environment serves as an inert medium during the collapse and translation of the device into the delivery catheter lumen, preventing air from entering the system and potentially causing emboli or interfering with device function.
3Manufacturing precision
If the prosthetic heart valve device is collapsed unevenly, then loading forces increase, but predictable collapse is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies equipotentiality by immersing the device in a biocompatible fluid within a container during collapse. The fluid provides uniform pressure distribution around the device structure, creating an equipotential environment that ensures even and predictable collapse while reducing peak loading forces compared to air-based or dry collapse methods.
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 system reduces loading forces and eliminates air introduction, facilitating predictable and repeatable collapse of the prosthetic heart valve device for minimally invasive delivery, preserving native valve functionality and reducing procedural risks.
Implementation Method 1
A loading system is disclosed that utilizes a biocompatible fluid to evenly distribute collapsing forces on a prosthetic heart valve device
Implementation Method 2
A loading system using a biocompatible fluid-filled container with a funnel structure to evenly distribute collapsing forces and immerse the prosthetic heart valve device, ensuring predictable collapse and air-free translation into the delivery catheter lumen
Data Source
AI summary
Loading systems for prosthetic heart valve devices are disclosed. A loading funnel is provided within a watertight interior space that is at least partially filled or fillable with biocompatible fluid. Funnel may have a cylindrical end to which is connected a delivery catheter having a lumen that will receive the collapsed prosthetic heart valve device. An expanded prosthetic heart valve device may be placed within the funnel and pushed or pulled into the funnel which provides a predictable, reliable and repeatable surface for collapsing the prosthetic heart valve device. Ultimately the prosthetic heart valve device is collapsed and translated into the lumen of the delivery catheter for further translation therealong and release into the heart chamber of interest.