TAVR Valve Stent Connection Release Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mechanical locking valves for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) are complex and prone to conduction block due to excessive compression on the valve annulus and left ventricular outflow tract, limiting their safety and reliability, especially for high-risk patients.
Innovation Solution
A connection release structure comprising a connection fixing system and an unlocking sleeve system, which allows for secure locking and unlocking of the valve stent during deployment, enabling partial or complete retraction into a loading sheath tube for adjustable placement and fault-tolerant operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical locking is used to secure the valve stent, then the valve can be locked in place, but the compression on the valve annulus and left ventricular outflow tract is excessive, causing conduction block
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into multiple independent locking legs (first locking leg, second locking leg, third locking leg) that distribute the locking force across different locations. Each locking leg engages with corresponding locking grooves on the valve stent, segmenting the compression force to reduce peak stress on the valve annulus and left ventricular outflow tract, thereby preventing conduction block while maintaining secure fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking legs are designed with specific geometries (inclined surfaces, locking protrusions) that concentrate locking force at precise local points on the valve stent rather than distributing force uniformly. The first locking leg engages the first locking groove, the second locking leg engages the second locking groove, and the third locking leg engages the third locking groove, creating localized engagement points that minimize overall compression on sensitive cardiac structures.
2Reliability
If complex locking mechanism is used to secure the valve, then the valve can be firmly fixed, but the device structure becomes too complex and axial locking causes excessive compression
Solution Approach 1:
The locking legs are designed to be movable relative to the delivery catheter, transitioning from a compressed delivery configuration to an expanded locked configuration. The locking legs can rotate or translate to engage with the locking grooves on the valve stent, providing dynamic locking action that achieves firm fixation without requiring a complex multi-component mechanism. The movable nature of the locking legs allows them to self-adjust during deployment.
3Ease of operation
If the valve stent is deployed with fixed position, then implantation is straightforward, but adjustment is not possible if implantation condition is not ideal
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to remain in a preliminary unlocked state during delivery and initial deployment, allowing the valve stent to be positioned and adjusted before final locking. The locking legs are prepared to engage with the locking grooves but remain disengaged during the adjustment phase. This preliminary action enables the operator to optimize valve positioning while maintaining the capability for firm fixation when the ideal position is achieved.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention discloses a connection release structure and a system, wherein the connection release structure is configured for connecting a release object and is arranged on a loading sheath tube, and comprises a connection fixing system and an unlocking sleeve system; the connection fixing system comprises a hook structure, the unlocking sleeve system comprises an unlocking sleeve, the connection fixing structure and the unlocking sleeve are movably connected with the loading sheath tube, the connection fixing structure is configured for being connected with the release object, and the unlocking sleeve is configured for locking the connection fixing structure and the release. The connection release structure and the connection fixing system provided by the invention can accurately control the stability and coaxiality of the valve stent in the release process, effectively adjust the position of the valve stent in the implantation process or completely retract the valve stent so as to ensure that the valve has a good working state after being implanted.