Prosthetic Valve Locking Mechanism for Controlled Radial Expansion

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for improved transcatheter heart valves and delivery devices that allow for repositionable and controlled expansion of prosthetic heart valves during implantation, as existing technologies lack effective mechanisms for precise size adjustment and retention in the expanded state.

Innovation Solution

The development of a radially expandable prosthetic heart valve frame with a locking mechanism that includes struts with locking features and a locking member to retain the frame in an expanded state, allowing for controlled expansion and repositioning, featuring actuators for compression and expansion, and a biasing member to maintain the expanded configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a prosthetic heart valve is expanded to various working diameters using a mechanical actuator, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to expand to various working diametersVSAvoidcomplexity of mechanical actuator and locking mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is divided into multiple discrete locking members, each associated with specific locking features at predetermined locations along the struts. This segmentation allows the frame to be locked at various diameters while keeping each individual locking member relatively simple in design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Locking features are pre-positioned at predetermined locations along the struts during manufacturing. These pre-positioned features guide the locking members to engage at specific diameters, eliminating the need for complex real-time calculations or adjustments during expansion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If locking features are provided at predetermined locations along struts, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of locking feature positioningVSAvoidcomplexity of frame structure with multiple locking features

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple locking features are integrated into the existing strut structure of the frame rather than being added as separate components. The locking features are formed as part of the strut geometry, combining structural support and locking functions into a single element.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The struts serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for the frame and simultaneously incorporate locking features that engage with locking members. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated locking components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If the locking member engages locking features to retain the frame in expanded state, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of expanded stateVSAvoiddifficulty of releasing locking mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A release member acts as an intermediary between the operator and the locking member. The release member transfers the operator's input force to the locking member, enabling easy engagement and disengagement of the locking mechanism without requiring direct manipulation of the locking member itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism is designed to automatically engage with the locking features when the frame expands to predetermined diameters. The mechanical geometry of the locking features and locking members causes automatic engagement without requiring active control, while release is simplified through the release member.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4729027A2Locking mechanism for a mechanically expandable prosthetic valve

Publication Date: 2026.04.22 EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES CORP

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Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3

AI summary

An implantable device can include a radially expandable frame configured to move between a radially compressed state and a radially expanded state. The frame including a plurality of struts, at least one actuator mechanism configured to compress and expand the frame, and at least one locking mechanism coupled to the actuator mechanism. A first strut and a second strut can be pivotably coupled to one another at a common junction and configured to move toward one another as the frame is compressed and away from one another as the frame is expanded. The first and second struts can have first and second locking features that extend from respective longitudinal side edges of the struts. The locking mechanism can include a locking member configured to extend between and engage the first and second locking features when the frame is expanded to retain the frame in the radially expanded state.