Transcatheter Heart Valve Repositioning via Partial Expansion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current transcatheter valve replacement procedures face challenges in minimizing tissue damage, particularly to the heart's conduction system, due to the movement of partially expanded transcatheter heart valves (THVs).

Innovation Solution

The method involves delivering a self-expandable THV over a guidewire and within a sheath to a first anatomical location within the heart, partially self-expanding it, and then refraining from moving the THV relative to the aortic annulus. This approach allows for the re-collapsing of the partially expanded THV into a contracted state without moving it within the heart, enabling repositioning to a second anatomical location for full self-expansion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the THV is moved after partial self-expansion to adjust positioning, then the implantation precision can be improved, but the risk of damage to heart tissues and conduction system increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimplantation precisionVSAvoidtissue damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by fully self-expanding the THV before final positioning adjustments. The valve is initially deployed in a compressed state within the delivery system, then fully expanded at the target site before any positional adjustments are made. This ensures that the valve frame is already in its final configuration, eliminating the risk of tissue damage from moving a partially expanded valve, while still allowing precise positioning through the delivery system's positioning mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Stability of the object's composition

If the THV is fully self-expanded immediately upon delivery, then the structural stability is improved, but the ability to reposition the valve is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidrepositioning capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by designing the THV with a staged expansion capability. The valve frame is configured to be self-expanding but is initially constrained within the delivery system. The operator can control the expansion timing and sequence - either expanding the entire valve at once or progressively expanding different sections. This dynamic control allows the valve to transition from a compressed deliverable state to an expanded stable state, with the option to make positional adjustments during the transition phase before final stabilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the THV is partially self-expanded and then moved to a second anatomical location, then the adaptability for repositioning is improved, but the risk of conduction system damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverepositioning capabilityVSAvoidconduction system damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by ensuring the THV is fully self-expanded before any repositioning operations. The valve is deployed in its final expanded configuration at the initial site, allowing for controlled repositioning of the entire assembled valve structure. This eliminates the hazard of moving a partially expanded valve that could damage conduction system tissues, while still enabling repositioning through the delivery system's tracking and adjustment capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

This method reduces the risk of damage to internal heart tissues, including the conduction system, by preventing movement of the partially expanded THV, thereby improving the safety and efficacy of transcatheter valve replacement procedures.

Implementation Method 1

delivering a self-expandable transcatheter heart valve (THV) over a guidewire in a contracted state... moving the THV relative to the sheath for partially self-expanding a portion of the THV

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic memory recovery: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20250152355A1Methods and devices for deployment of a transcatheter heart valve

Publication Date: 2025.05.15 LIBRA SCIENCES LTD

AI summary

There is provided a method of treating a patient, comprising: delivering a self-expandable transcatheter heart valve (THV) over a guidewire in a contracted state and within a sheath to a first anatomical location within a heart of the patient, moving the THV relative to the sheath for partially self-expanding a portion of the THV within the first anatomical location, wherein a portion of the THV in the sheath remains in the contracted state and the THV is partially self-expanded, and refraining from moving the partially self-expanded THV, relative to the aortic annulus of the heart.