U-Shaped Support Frame for Prosthetic Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current implantable prosthetic valves face challenges in maintaining patency of body vessels while regulating fluid flow and minimizing irritation, due to dynamic changes in vein shape and blood flow conditions, which can lead to thrombosis and venous insufficiency.
Innovation Solution
The development of implantable prosthetic valves with support frames featuring symmetrically arrayed U-shaped member structures, made from biocompatible materials like shape memory metal, that provide radial strength and flexibility, along with flexible leaflets formed from extracellular matrix material, to regulate fluid flow and reduce thrombotic conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the implantable frame is made with high radial strength to maintain patency of the body vessel, then the vessel patency is improved, but the frame may damage the vein by failing to compress in response to normal fluctuations in vein diameter
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is designed with optimized radial strength parameters that allow it to maintain vessel patency while still compressing in response to normal vein diameter fluctuations. The material properties and geometric parameters are tuned to achieve this balance between strength and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The implantable frame is designed to be dynamically responsive to changing vein conditions. It can compress and expand in response to normal vein diameter fluctuations while maintaining sufficient radial strength to prevent collapse and maintain patency during abnormal conditions.
2Reliability
If the implantable frame has high surface area contacting the interior wall of the vein to ensure durability, then the durability is improved, but it may induce trauma in the vein wall
Solution Approach 1:
The surface area of the frame contacting the vein wall is optimized to provide sufficient durability and anchoring while minimizing the total contact area that could induce trauma. The geometric parameters are tuned to achieve this balance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the implantable frame lacks sufficient radial strength it may fracture under repeated fluctuations of the vein diameter
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is designed with appropriate radial strength to withstand repeated fluctuations in vein diameter without fracturing, while still maintaining flexibility to adapt to normal vein shape changes. The material and geometric properties are optimized for this dynamic environment.
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
The solution effectively maintains patency of body vessels, improves blood circulation, reduces stagnation, and minimizes trauma to the vessel wall, thereby addressing the challenges of dynamic vein shape changes and blood flow fluctuations.
Implementation Method 1
support frames featuring symmetrically arrayed U-shaped member structures, made from biocompatible materials like shape memory metal
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to implantable prosthetic valves comprising support frames. The support frames may include a plurality of symmetrically arrayed interconnected U-shaped member structures. Preferred support frames are tubular structures enclosing a longitudinal axis and including a plurality of U-shaped member structures facing a distal or a proximal end of the support frame. Each U-shaped member structure may be connected to a single longitudinally adjacent U-shaped member facing in an opposite longitudinal direction, as well as two laterally adjacent U-shaped members.