Radially Collapsible Valve Frame for Leaflet Wear Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radially collapsible frames for prosthetic heart valves suffer from issues such as increased wear due to friction with native heart valve leaflets, impaired motion of prosthetic valve leaflets, and inadequate anchoring, leading to potential displacement of the stent after implantation.
Innovation Solution
The proposed radially collapsible frame features a cell structure composed of lattice cells, which separates the prosthetic valve leaflets from the native leaflets, reducing wear. The frame includes anchoring/positioning arches that overlap the cell structure, providing stable anchoring and preventing displacement. Additionally, the frame can be manufactured from a single hollow tube using laser cutting, allowing for integration of the arches and cell structure without additional fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the radially collapsible frame is designed with a common frame configuration that allows direct connection between the valvular prosthesis and retaining arches, then the anchoring strength is improved, but frictional contact between the valvular prosthesis and native heart valve leaflets increases, leading to increased wear
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into two distinct functional components: positioning arches that engage with the native valve pockets and retaining arches that support the valvular prosthesis. This segmentation eliminates direct contact between the prosthesis and native leaflets while maintaining anchoring strength through the positioning arches' engagement with the valve annulus.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning arches act as intermediary structures between the native heart valve and the valvular prosthesis. These arches mediate the interaction by providing a separation layer that prevents harmful frictional contact while still enabling secure anchoring through engagement with the valve pockets.
2Strength
If the radially collapsible frame uses a common frame configuration with retaining arches, then the anchoring capability is improved, but the motion of prosthetic valve leaflets is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the frame into positioning arches (for anchoring) and retaining arches (for prosthesis support), the design allows the prosthetic valve leaflets to move freely on the retaining arches without interference from the positioning arches that are engaged with the native valve structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning arches serve as intermediaries that anchor the frame to the native valve while the retaining arches provide a clear path for prosthetic leaflet motion. This intermediary structure prevents the native valve leaflets from impeding the opening movement of the prosthetic valve leaflets.
3Measurement precision
If the radially collapsible frame is designed with positioning arches that engage heart valve pockets, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is segmented into multiple arches (positioning and retaining arches) that can be formed from a single hollow tube. This segmentation achieves precise positioning through the positioning arches while the modular structure from a single tube reduces manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functional elements (positioning arches and retaining arches) are merged into a single integrated structure formed from one hollow tube. This combining approach achieves the necessary positioning accuracy while simplifying the manufacturing process by eliminating the need for separate components and fixation procedures.
4Manufacturing precision
If the radially collapsible frame uses traditional manufacturing methods with separate components, then the manufacturing precision can be controlled, but the manufacturing time and process complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The entire frame structure including positioning arches, retaining arches, and cell structure is formed from a single hollow tube in one continuous laser cutting process. This merging of components into a single piece eliminates assembly time while maintaining manufacturing precision through controlled laser cutting parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional mechanical assembly process of joining separate components is replaced by a laser cutting process that forms the complete frame structure from a single hollow tube. This substitution eliminates multiple manufacturing steps and reduces overall manufacturing time while preserving precision through digital control of the laser cutting path.
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
This design effectively protects prosthetic valve leaflets from frictional wear, ensures secure anchoring to prevent stent displacement, and facilitates a simple, reliable implantation procedure, thereby enhancing the durability and stability of the prosthetic heart valve.
Implementation Method 1
scanning a beam of laser radiation over a desired region of the hollow tube, such that a desired pattern is cut into the tube
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a radially collapsible frame (1) for a prosthetic valve, the frame (1) comprising an outflow end region (3) at a proximal end of the frame (1) and an inflow end region (2) at a distal end of the frame (1), opposite to the outflow end region (3). The frame (1) further includes at least two radially spaced commissure attachment regions 910, 10′, 10″) and a cell structure (30), composed of a plurality of lattice cells being arranged radially around a flow axis of the frame (1) and connecting the at least two commissure attachment regions (10, 10′, 10″). Finally, at least one anchoring/positioning arch (20, 20′, 20″) is provided, wherein said at least one anchoring/positioning arch (20, 20′, 20″) radially overlaps the cell structure (30) at least partially. In order to form the Inventive frame from as a single piece, the invention further relates to a method comprising bending the at least one anchoring/positioning arch (20, 20′, 20″) towards the cell structure (30) of the frame (1).