Dual-Drive Prosthetic Valve Testing for Physiological Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current testing apparatuses for prosthetic devices, such as heart valves, do not accurately model performance under physiological conditions and are often complex and expensive to maintain, lacking a simplified design capable of simulating the dynamic flow patterns of the human heart.
Innovation Solution
A dual-drive pulsatile testing apparatus configured to mimic physiological conditions, including systole and diastole phases, with a calibration device to account for optical distortions and cylindrical geometry, allowing for precise measurement of flow properties and leaflet coaptation of prosthetic valves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a closed loop system with pump is used to measure flow through prosthetic device, then flow measurement capability is achieved, but device complexity and maintenance cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pump and closed loop system from the testing apparatus, replacing them with a simpler open channel flow system. The flow measurement capability is maintained by using a retainer to hold the prosthetic device in the flow channel and measuring flow properties directly in the open channel, eliminating the need for complex pumping infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified model of physiological flow conditions using an open channel system that replicates essential flow characteristics without copying the entire closed loop pump system. The retainer and flow channel configuration copies only the necessary elements to achieve accurate flow measurement under physiological conditions.
2Measurement precision
If closed loop system with large pump is used, then flow measurement capability is achieved, but apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the large pump and closed loop infrastructure from the apparatus, replacing it with a compact open channel flow system. The retainer and flow channel are positioned to create an efficient flow path that requires minimal space while maintaining measurement accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If steady flow is used to measure prosthetic device performance, then measurement capability is achieved, but physiological accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from steady flow to dynamic pulsatile flow by implementing a flow channel system that can accommodate time-varying flow conditions. The retainer holds the prosthetic device in position while the open channel system allows for dynamic flow patterns that simulate the pulsatile nature of physiological conditions, improving the reliability of performance measurements.
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
Enables accurate and efficient testing of prosthetic valves under physiological conditions, reducing complexity and cost while providing detailed flow property measurements, including effective orifice area and leakage assessment.
Implementation Method 1
A first fluid driver may be coupled to the first end portion of the flow channel and configured to move to flow the test fluid through the prosthetic valve in an outflow direction of the prosthetic valve, and configured to provide a pressure of the test fluid on an inflow side of the prosthetic valve
Implementation Method 2
A second fluid driver may be coupled to the second end portion of the flow channel and configured to move to flow the test fluid through the prosthetic valve in the outflow direction of the prosthetic valve, and configured to provide a pressure of the test fluid on an outflow side of the prosthetic valve
Data Source
AI summary
A testing apparatus is disclosed herein for testing properties of a prosthetic device. The testing apparatus may comprise a dual-drive pulsatile flow tester with the ability to determine coaptation of valve leaflets of a prosthetic device. The testing apparatus may be able to test prosthetic heart valves and reproduce physiological conditions of a prosthetic heart valve.