Expandable Prosthetic Valve Locking for Controlled Repositioning

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

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, addressing the limitations of existing mechanically expandable prosthetic heart valves.

Innovation Solution

The prosthetic heart valves feature a radially expandable frame with pivotably coupled struts and integrated locking mechanisms, including a locking member that engages locking features to retain the frame in expanded states, allowing for controlled expansion and repositioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a mechanically expandable prosthetic heart valve is used, then the valve can be expanded to various working diameters and compressed for repositioning, but the mechanism for controlling and retaining the expanded state becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to expand to various working diametersVSAvoidcomplexity of expansion and locking mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The prosthetic valve frame is designed with struts that can dynamically change their configuration between compressed and expanded states. The struts are pivotably coupled to allow movement between different angular positions, enabling the frame to adapt to various working diameters while maintaining structural integrity through controlled mechanical motion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The frame is divided into multiple discrete struts (first strut, second strut, third strut, fourth strut) that can be independently positioned and locked. Each strut pair has associated locking features that can be independently engaged, allowing precise control over the expansion state and enabling the valve to be retained at different diameters through selective engagement of locking mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the frame is allowed to move between compressed and expanded states for repositioning, then the valve can be adjusted during implantation, but the frame may unintentionally collapse or fail to maintain its expanded state

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverepositionability during implantationVSAvoidability to retain expanded state

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking features are pre-configured on the struts in specific positions and orientations before implantation. The locking member is designed with engagement surfaces that automatically align with these pre-positioned locking features when the struts are in the desired expanded configuration, ensuring reliable retention without requiring additional adjustment steps during the procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism operates through self-aligning engagement between the locking member and the locking features on the struts. When the struts are positioned in the expanded state, the locking features automatically present themselves for engagement with the locking member, which can be actuated to secure the frame in place without requiring external tools or complex control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If locking features are added to retain the expanded state, then the frame can be securely held in position, but the structural complexity and number of components increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to retain expanded stateVSAvoidnumber of locking components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking member serves multiple functions: it engages with the locking features on both the first and second struts simultaneously, provides a mechanism for both locking and unlocking the expanded state, and can be actuated through a single control element. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate locking mechanisms for each strut pair, thereby minimizing the overall number of components while maintaining reliable retention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking features from multiple struts (first strut, second strut, third strut, fourth strut) are combined into a single locking system that uses one locking member to secure all struts simultaneously. The locking features are integrated into the strut structures themselves rather than being separate components, merging the locking function with the structural elements of the frame.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4478991B1Locking mechanism for a mechanically expandable prosthetic valve

Publication Date: 2025.12.03 EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES CORP

Figure 1
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.