Adjustable Stabilizing Ring for Transcatheter Valve

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current valve replacement procedures face challenges in maintaining the position of prosthetic valves in highly compliant tissues, such as those found in the mitral and tricuspid valves or peripheral vasculature, due to the dynamic and flexible nature of the surrounding tissue, leading to difficulties in long-term implantation.

Innovation Solution

A minimally invasive approach using a percutaneously delivered support ring that can be secured to the annulus, providing supplemental support for the prosthetic valve and maintaining its position through a stabilizing ring system that transitions from an elongate insertion geometry to an annular operable geometry, with deployable anchors for secure fixation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a prosthetic valve is implanted in highly compliant tissues, then the valve replacement can be performed, but the prosthetic valve position becomes unstable due to the dynamic and flexible nature of the surrounding tissue

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprosthetic valve position stabilityVSAvoidtissue compliance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The support ring is divided into multiple segments or struts that can independently engage with the annulus, allowing each segment to adapt to tissue movement while maintaining overall structural stability and securing the prosthetic valve in position

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support ring is deployed and secured to the annulus before implanting the prosthetic valve, creating a stable foundation that prevents subsequent position instability of the valve in compliant tissues

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the support ring is made rigid to maintain valve position, then position stability improves, but the ability to conform to the anatomical geometry of the valve annulus decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprosthetic valve position stabilityVSAvoidconformability to annulus geometry

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The support ring incorporates dynamic elements such as articulated joints or flexible struts that allow the structure to adapt its geometry to match the annulus shape while maintaining sufficient rigidity to secure the prosthetic valve in position

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the support ring have different mechanical properties, with some segments being more flexible to conform to local annulus geometry while other segments maintain higher rigidity to provide stable anchoring points

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If a traditional surgical approach is used for valve replacement, then secure implantation can be achieved, but the invasiveness and recovery time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimplantation securityVSAvoidsurgical invasiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The support ring acts as an intermediary structure that can be delivered percutaneously and then expanded to secure the prosthetic valve, combining the minimally invasive delivery approach with the secure implantation traditionally achieved through open surgery

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 long-term secure implantation of prosthetic valves by reinforcing the surrounding tissue, improving leaflet coaptation and reducing regurgitation, while allowing for adjustment and expansion to conform to the anatomical geometry of the valve annulus.

Implementation Method 1

an adjustable stabilizing ring having a body member that is transitionable from an elongate insertion geometry to an annular operable geometry

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a plurality of anchors deployable in the annular operable geometry to engage the annulus of the cardiovascular valve

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical interlocking: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentUS11793628B2Transcatheter bio-prosthesis member and support structure

Publication Date: 2023.10.24 VALCARE MEDICAL INC

AI summary

An implantable valve replacement system for a cardiovascular valve may include an adjustable stabilizing ring. The stabilizing ring may be composed of a body member that is transitionable from an elongate insertion geometry to an annular operable geometry. The stabilizing ring may further include a plurality of anchors deployable in the annular operable geometry to engage the annulus of the cardiovascular valve. The ring may be used in conjunction with an implantable valve frame. The valve frame may be located within the ring and the ring, in turn, may be stabilized through the anchors engaging the valve annulus. The valve replacement system may be applied by engaging the ring in its annular operable geometry with the valve annulus through the anchors. The valve frame may be inserted through the opening of the ring, thereby forming a stabilizing mechanical contact between the frame and the annulus.