Repositionable Aortic Valve Stent with Segmented Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current transcatheter aortic valve implantation technologies face challenges in providing secure, accurate positioning and free access to coronary arteries post-implantation, with limitations in repositionability and secure orientation of valve leaflets relative to semilunar leaflets, often hindering optimal valve function and coronary access.
Innovation Solution
A self-expandable, repositionable aortic valve stent with a unique design featuring three arms and a mesh structure that allows for precise placement and access to coronary arteries, utilizing nitinol material with shape memory effect, and distinct tags for X-ray visibility, enabling planned and accurate implantation and potential repositioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dense mesh stent structure is used to provide secure positioning, then valve stability is improved, but access to coronary arteries is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The stent is divided into multiple radial struts that create distinct regions: dense mesh areas for secure valve positioning and larger inter-strut spaces for coronary artery access. The segmentation of the stent framework into load-bearing regions and access regions resolves the contradiction between stability and accessibility.
2Ease of operation
If the valve is made self-expandable for easier implantation, then ease of operation is improved, but precise positioning and repositionability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The stent transitions from a compressed delivery state to an expanded functional state, allowing dynamic adjustment during implantation. The self-expanding mechanism provides initial ease of deployment while the ability to manipulate the delivery system enables precise positioning before final expansion and release.
3Ease of operation
If the valve is implanted supra-annularly to simplify implantation, then ease of operation is improved, but secure orientation of leaflets opposite semilunar leaflets is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery system incorporates positioning indicators and feedback mechanisms that allow the operator to verify correct stent orientation and leaflet alignment before final release. This feedback loop enables simple implantation procedures while maintaining precise leaflet orientation relative to the native semilunar leaflets.
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
The stent provides a flexible framework for secure valve placement with improved access to coronary arteries, allowing for precise positioning and repositioning if necessary, enhancing the accuracy and effectiveness of transcatheter aortic valve implantation procedures.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing nitinol material with shape memory effect
Data Source
AI summary
The invention describes a stent of the aortic valve which is self-expandable and also repositionable and preferably made from nitinol. It consists of two parts: the upper part and the lower part. The lower part is a mesh (1) laid out so that it creates a kind of cylinder wall on the entire height of the element. Also other shape of the mesh is acceptable, for example partially conical, or partially resembling flattened side wall of the cylinder. However, the upper part of the stent consists of derived from the mesh (1) upwards and arranged at equal intervals three arms (2) the height of which is slightly larger than the height of the mesh (1), a bit less than the height of the mesh (1) or equal to its height. The stent arms (2) are shaped in such a way that they form together a kind of an oval chalice bowl, and their end, peripheral part is preferably straight and also inclined to the middle. Space between the arms (2) always ensures free access to patient's coronary arteries. At the end of each of the arms (2) is an upper tag (3) of the valve and each upper tag (3) has its corresponding lower tag (8) located at the bottom of the mesh (1) which is on the opposite side and below a given arm (2). The lower valve tag (8) enables precise implantation of the stent according to scheduled plan.