Semielliptical Prosthetic Valve Frame for Venous Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current prosthetic valves for venous insufficiency lack a support frame that is compliant for percutaneous delivery, resistant to migration, and capable of conforming to the dynamic shape of veins while maintaining patency and regulating fluid flow effectively.
Innovation Solution
A semielliptical support frame with anchoring members and a valve member that can expand and compress, allowing for secure implantation within a body vessel, minimizing irritation and preventing retrograde blood flow, and is designed to maintain patency and regulate fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a support frame is made rigid to maintain patency and prevent migration, then structural strength is improved, but the frame cannot conform to the dynamic shape of veins
Solution Approach 1:
The support frame transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic structure capable of changing shape. The frame includes movable connections between struts that allow relative movement, enabling the frame to adapt to the dynamic shape changes of veins while maintaining structural integrity through controlled flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The support frame incorporates flexible elements and thin-walled structures that can bend and deform to match the changing geometry of the vein. The struts are designed with appropriate wall thickness and material properties to provide flexibility while maintaining sufficient structural strength to prevent migration and maintain patency.
2Ease of operation
If a support frame is made compliant for percutaneous delivery, then ease of implantation is improved, but the frame may migrate after implantation
Solution Approach 1:
The support frame is divided into multiple discrete struts connected by joints, allowing the frame to be compressed into a compact configuration for percutaneous delivery. After implantation, the struts can expand and lock into place, providing anchoring resistance to migration while maintaining the compliant delivery profile.
Solution Approach 2:
The support frame is designed to nest within itself or within the delivery catheter during the delivery process. The struts can be collapsed into a compact nested configuration that fits through the catheter, then expand to their functional configuration after deployment, ensuring secure anchoring while facilitating easy percutaneous delivery.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the frame surface area in contact with the body vessel is minimized, then irritation of the body vessel is reduced, but the frame may become less stable
Solution Approach 1:
The support frame applies contact force to the vessel wall at specific localized points rather than along the entire circumference. The struts are positioned to contact the vessel wall at discrete locations, minimizing overall surface area contact and reducing irritation while providing sufficient localized anchoring stability to prevent migration.
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 solution effectively addresses the need for a support frame that conforms to the changing shape of veins, prevents migration, and regulates fluid flow, thereby providing a stable and functional prosthetic valve for treating venous insufficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The support member is curved in the shape of a semiellipse
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to frames suitable for prosthetic implantable valves, and methods of treatment with such frames, to regulate blood flow and to be compliant in percutaneous delivery and, upon implantation, configured to conform to the changing shape of the body vessel or vein. The frames include at least one anchoring member attached to a support member at one or more attachments, and a valve member, preferably a monocuspid valve leaflet, attached to the support member. Preferred frames include two anchoring members with the support member in between the anchoring members. The support member preferably has a semielliptical shape and extends diagonally to sealingly contact the wall of the body vessel.