Stentless Mitral Valve Bifurcated Leaflets
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Stent artificial valves deteriorate quickly due to mechanical stress, making them unsuitable for juvenile patients and complicating manufacturing, while stentless valves are difficult to implant and manufacture, especially in small hearts, and can lead to left heart function deterioration.
Innovation Solution
A stentless artificial mitral valve with a ring divided into two regions, featuring bifurcated portions that mimic the natural mitral valve's anatomy, allowing easy implantation and manufacturing, and a template and cutter for forming the valve leaflets, eliminating the need for stents and fine adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a stent artificial valve is used, then the valve structure is stable, but the valve deteriorates quickly due to mechanical stress and requires frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the stent component entirely from the valve structure, extracting the problematic element that causes mechanical stress concentration and deterioration. The valve leaflets are joined directly to the annulus without an intermediate stent framework, eliminating the source of mechanical stress that leads to failure over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve leaflets are divided into multiple segments or portions that can be independently joined to the annulus. This segmentation allows for better distribution of mechanical stress across multiple attachment points rather than concentration at single joints, improving overall durability while maintaining structural stability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If valve leaflets are joined to a stent in a complicated manner, then the valve structure is stable, but the manufacturing process becomes complex and requires fine positional adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the stent component, the patent eliminates the complex joining process that would be required to attach leaflets to a three-dimensional stent structure. The simplified anatomy allows for direct joining of leaflets to the annulus using straightforward sewing or attachment methods, dramatically reducing manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of joining leaflets to a stent and then assembling the complete valve, the patent inverts the approach by directly joining leaflets to the annulus in the final assembled position. This inversion eliminates intermediate assembly steps and fine positional adjustments, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining structural integrity.
3Ease of manufacture
If a stentless artificial valve is used, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the valve is difficult to implant and requires high-level manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is segmented into distinct components (leaflet portions with attachment portions) that can be independently handled and assembled. This segmentation provides clear anatomical landmarks and attachment points that guide the implantation process, reducing the need for high-level manipulation while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary element (such as a ring or framework) that facilitates the implantation process. This intermediary provides a stable structure that is easier to handle and position during implantation, while still maintaining the stentless design and manufacturing simplicity.
4Reliability
If the mitral valve is replaced by an artificial valve, then the valve function is restored, but the left heart function may deteriorate due to removal of papillary muscle
Solution Approach 1:
The valve leaflets are segmented into multiple portions with attachment portions that can be distributed across different locations of the annulus and papillary muscle. This segmentation allows for comprehensive attachment to both the annulus and papillary muscle, maintaining the structural support and function of the left ventricle wall while restoring valve function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the attachment function into the valve leaflets themselves, with the leaflets directly attaching to both the annulus and papillary muscle. This merging eliminates the need for separate papillary muscle reconstruction or support structures, simultaneously restoring valve function and maintaining left heart function through a unified design.
Data Source
AI summary
An artificial mitral valve has a ring, an anterior cusp-side region, a posterior cusp-side region and a valve leaflet connected along an outer edge of the ring. The valve leaflet includes an anterior cusp forming member connected to the anterior cusp-side region and a posterior cusp forming member connected to the posterior cusp-side region. The anterior cusp forming member is provided with has an upper edge joined to the ring and a lower edge that forms a bifurcated portion. The upper edge is made up of a pair of right and left edges that incline inward and upward from the right and left sides, and a curved edge interposed between the inclined edges that curves along the anterior cusp-side region. The posterior cusp forming member has an upper edge joined to the ring and a lower edge that forms a bifurcated portion.