Resilient Valve Leaflet Connecting Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve leaflet connecting devices fail to capture valve leaflets while allowing them to open and close, often requiring large capture means and complex control systems, leading to large and cumbersome devices that complicate access and delivery.
Innovation Solution
A valve leaflet connecting device with resilient followers and arms that deform to capture leaflets between them, allowing the device to follow the leaflets' opening and closing motion, and a fastener system to secure them once captured, enabling precise and minimally invasive connection of valve leaflets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If large capture means are used to capture valve leaflets while the valve opens and closes, then the leaflet capture capability is improved, but the device size increases and access becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The follower is positioned inside the jaw structure, with the arm extending from the follower. This nested arrangement allows the capture mechanism to be compact while maintaining the necessary capture span when the jaw is in the open position, reducing overall device size while preserving leaflet capture capability
Solution Approach 2:
The follower is made resilient and deformable, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position and shape as the valve leaflets open and close. This dynamic behavior enables the capture mechanism to adapt to the moving leaflets without requiring oversized static capture structures, thereby reducing device size while maintaining reliable capture
2Measurement precision
If complex control systems are used to position the leaflet capture means, then the leaflet capture precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient follower automatically positions itself by deforming in response to the valve leaflet's movement. The follower's elasticity causes it to naturally conform to the leaflet's position during opening and closing, eliminating the need for complex active control systems while maintaining precise capture positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The follower's physical state changes from a relaxed position to a deformed position in response to leaflet movement. This passive parameter change based on mechanical interaction simplifies the control system while achieving precise positioning through the follower's inherent elastic properties
3Stability of the object's composition
If the valve leaflets are captured by clamping them, then the leaflet capture stability is improved, but the valve opening and closing motion is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The follower is designed to be resilient and deformable, allowing it to dynamically follow the leaflet's movement during opening and closing. This dynamic following action maintains stable contact and capture throughout the motion cycle without rigid clamping, preserving valve functionality while achieving capture stability
Solution Approach 2:
The follower acts as an intermediary between the jaw/arm and the leaflet. Instead of directly clamping the leaflet with rigid structures, the compliant follower mediates the interaction, allowing the leaflet to move freely while maintaining stable capture through continuous elastic contact
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 the capture and secure connection of valve leaflets without obstructing their movement, allowing for a smaller, more efficient device that can be used in minimally invasive procedures, improving access and control during valve repair.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of resilient followers that can be disposed between valve leaflets and are sufficiently flexible and resilient (i.e. deformable) to follow the valve leaflets as they open and close
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A valve leaflet connecting device includes: a base; and first and second followers extending from the base. A first arm extends from the first follower in a direction away from the second follower and away from the base to define an acute angle between the first follower and first arm for capturing a first leaflet there between. A second arm extends from the second follower in a direction away from the first follower and away from the base to define an acute angle between the second follower and second arm for capturing a second leaflet there between, The first and second followers are resiliently deformable between: (i) an open condition, in which: the point from which the first arm extends from the first follower; and the point from which the second arm extends from the second follower, are spaced more than 15mm; and (ii) a closed condition, in which: the point from which the first arm extends from the first follower; and the point from which the second arm extends from the second follower, are spaced less than 5mm. Deforming means deform the followers towards the closed condition. A positioner extends from the base, between the first and second followers, and a fastener releasably secured to the positioner, includes first and second fastener jaws. The first and second jaws: extend away from the base; and are movable between: (i) a splayed condition in which leaflets may be received between the first and second fastener jaws; and (ii) a securing condition in which the first and second fastener jaws secure the leaflets there between. In use: (i) the first and second followers may be: passed axially through a valve, between first and second valve leaflets; and resiliently deformed by opening and closing of the valve leaflets; (ii) the first arm may capture the first leaflet between the first arm and the first follower, and the second arm may capture the second leaflet between the second arm and the second follower, with the first and second followers disposed between the first and second leaflets; (iii) the deforming means may deform the first and second followers towards the closed condition, thereby moving the first and second leaflets towards each other; (iv) the fastener may receive the first and second leaflets between the fastener jaws when the fastener jaws are in the spayed condition; and (v) moving the fastener jaws towards the securing condition secures the first and second leaflets to each other. Alternatively, the arms and fastener jaws may extend towards the base.