Pulsatile Prosthetic Valve Testing for Physiological Flow Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current testing apparatuses for prosthetic devices, such as prosthetic heart valves, do not accurately model performance under physiological conditions and are often large, complex, and costly to maintain.
Innovation Solution
A dual-drive pulsatile testing apparatus that simulates physiological conditions by mimicking the pumping action of the human heart, 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 a pump is used to measure flow through the prosthetic device, then flow measurement capability is achieved, but the apparatus becomes large and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of flow measurement from the complex closed-loop pump system and implements it using a simplified reservoir and tubing configuration. The test fluid flows through the prosthetic device in a controlled manner without requiring a large pump system, thereby maintaining measurement capability while reducing apparatus complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified model of physiological flow conditions that copies the essential characteristics of blood flow through heart valves without replicating the full complexity of a circulatory system. This allows accurate performance assessment using a much simpler apparatus than a complete closed-loop system
2Measurement precision
If a closed loop system with a pump is used to measure flow through the prosthetic device, then flow measurement capability is achieved, but the maintenance cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the pump component from the testing system, which is the most complex and expensive maintenance element. By using gravity-driven or pressure-regulated flow through a simple reservoir system, the apparatus eliminates the need for pump maintenance while retaining adequate flow measurement capability for assessing prosthetic device performance
3Device complexity
If testing is performed under steady flow conditions, then flow measurement is simplified, but accuracy under physiological conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static steady-flow testing to dynamic pulsatile flow testing that mimics the rhythmic nature of cardiac cycles. The system incorporates mechanisms to generate pulsating flow patterns that replicate systolic and diastolic phases, thereby improving physiological accuracy while maintaining manageable system complexity through controlled dynamic operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic pulsatile flow cycles that replicate the natural rhythm of heartbeats. By creating repeating flow patterns with defined systolic ejection phases and diastolic filling phases, the system achieves physiological realism without requiring continuous complex control, as the periodic nature allows for standardized testing protocols
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.