Titanium Coating and UV Treatment for Biological Heart Valves

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Solution Overview

Problem

Biological heart valves suffer from premature calcification due to chemical processes and antigenicity, leading to degradation and the need for chronic anticoagulation therapy, which existing technologies have not adequately addressed.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a titanium-containing coating on biological heart valves, combined with UV irradiation at specific wavelengths, to prevent calcification and structural damage, using processes like plasma-activated chemical vapor deposition and wet-chemical coating.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a biological heart valve prosthesis is made from glutaraldehyde-fixed pericardium, then it does not require chronic anticoagulation therapy, but it suffers from premature calcification and degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveavoidance of anticoagulation therapyVSAvoiddurability of valve

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a composite material approach by coating the biological heart valve prosthesis with a titanium-containing coating layer. This composite structure combines the biocompatibility of the biological tissue with the calcification-resistant properties of titanium, thereby maintaining the advantage of avoiding anticoagulation therapy while improving durability and resistance to premature calcification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the surface parameters of the biological heart valve by applying a titanium-containing coating and subjecting it to UV irradiation. This modifies the surface chemistry and physical properties to reduce calcification propensity, thereby extending the operational duration of the valve without requiring anticoagulation therapy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Duration of action of stationary object

If a titanium coating is applied to the biological heart valve prosthesis, then calcification is reduced, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedurability of valveVSAvoidcomplexity of coating process

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical coating methods with a chemical vapor deposition process followed by UV irradiation. This substitution simplifies the manufacturing process by using a more controllable and uniform deposition method that requires less complex equipment and produces more consistent coating results.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary surface treatment and coating application before final assembly and implantation. By pre-coating the valve prosthesis with titanium-containing material and performing UV irradiation during manufacturing, the complex process steps are completed in advance, simplifying subsequent handling and reducing overall manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Duration of action of stationary object

If UV irradiation is applied to the titanium-coated prosthesis, then calcification is further reduced, but the manufacturing process time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedurability of valveVSAvoidmanufacturing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates UV irradiation as a continuous or near-continuous step following the titanium coating application. By immediately irradiating the freshly coated prosthesis without significant delays, the manufacturing process maintains continuity, minimizing idle time while ensuring the UV treatment effectively reduces calcification and extends valve durability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful 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

Significantly reduces calcification and structural damage, allowing for longer-lasting implants without the need for anticoagulation therapy, enhancing the durability and safety of biological heart valves.

Implementation Method 1

irradiating the treated biological heart valve prosthesis with light of a wavelength between 100 nm and 450 nm

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUV irradiation: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

plasma-activated chemical vapor deposition

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical vapor deposition: Chemical Vapour Deposition

Implementation Method 3

plasma-activated chemical vapor deposition

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPlasma: Plasma

Data Source

PatentUS20250312517A1Method to reduce the calcification of a biological heart valve prosthesis by a titanium containing coating in combination with UV irradiation

Publication Date: 2025.10.09 PFM MEDICAL TITANIUM GMBH

AI summary

The invention relates to a method to reduce the calcification of a biological heart valve prosthesis by a titanium containing coating in combination with UV irradiation. The method for treating the biological heart valve prosthesis with a titanium containing coating, particularly a glutaraldehyde-fixed pericardium, comprising the steps of:a) treating the biological heart valve prosthesis with a titanium containing coating; andb) irradiating the treated biological heart valve prosthesis with light of a wavelength between 100 nm and 450 nm.This results in a biological heart valve prosthesis by a hypothesized polymerization with a homogenous surface.