Prosthetic Valve Crimping Collet for Precise Catheter Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for crimping prosthetic valves are cumbersome, requiring additional steps and tools for pre-crimping and lack efficient mechanisms for precise crimping onto delivery catheters, complicating the delivery process.
Innovation Solution
A radially expandable and compressible prosthetic valve system with a crimping device featuring a radially compressible collet and a rotatable knob, allowing for pre-assembly in a partially crimped configuration, which can be easily transitioned to a delivery configuration by twisting the knob, and includes a releasable holding mechanism for the catheter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional crimping systems are used for prosthetic valves, then the valve can be crimped onto the delivery catheter, but the process requires additional steps and tools for pre-crimping and lacks efficient mechanisms for precise crimping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pre-crimping and final crimping functions into a single integrated crimping device. The device includes a crimping surface with a recess that can accommodate the valve in both pre-crimped and final crimped configurations, eliminating the need for separate pre-crimping tools and steps. This merging of functions simplifies the overall crimping process and reduces the number of tools required.
Solution Approach 2:
The crimping device is designed to receive a valve that has been pre-crimped outside the device, and then complete the crimping process within the device. The recess in the crimping surface is configured to guide and position the pre-crimped valve, facilitating the transition from pre-crimped to final crimped configuration. This preliminary action approach allows for efficient workflow while maintaining precision.
2Ease of operation
If the valve is pre-assembled in a partially crimped configuration within the crimping device, then the transition to delivery configuration is easier, but the device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The crimping device incorporates a movable plunger that can be actuated to apply radial compression force to the valve. The plunger moves along an axis perpendicular to the crimping surface, allowing dynamic adjustment of the crimping force. This dynamic mechanism enables the transition from pre-crimped to final crimped configuration without requiring a large fixed structure, thus reducing device size while maintaining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The crimping device is designed with a compact structure where the plunger, crimping surface, and supporting components are nested within a housing. The recess in the crimping surface is integrated into the housing structure, and the plunger fits within the housing cavity. This nested arrangement minimizes the overall device volume while accommodating all necessary components for the crimping process.
3Manufacturing precision
If a releasable holding mechanism is added to maintain the position of the crimping device relative to the catheter shaft, then the crimping precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The releasable holding mechanism acts as an intermediary between the crimping device and the delivery catheter shaft. It includes a holding surface that engages with a corresponding feature on the catheter shaft, providing precise positioning during the crimping process. The mechanism can be released after crimping is complete, allowing the device to be removed. This intermediary connection ensures accurate positioning without requiring complex integration with the catheter system.
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
Facilitates efficient and precise crimping of prosthetic valves onto delivery catheters, reducing the size and complexity of the crimping device, enabling easier and more streamlined delivery into patients.
Implementation Method 1
a radially expandable and compressible prosthetic valve, a crimping device positioned around the valve and configured to reduce the diameter of the valve to a delivery configuration
Implementation Method 2
a rotatable knob coupled to the collet, wherein rotation of the knob causes radial compression of the collet and crimping of the valve
Implementation Method 3
The first and second axial end portions are each tapered from a greater outer diameter adjacent to the intermediate portion to a lesser outer diameter proximate the respective axial ends of the collet
Data Source
AI summary
A system for crimping a prosthetic valve can include a radially compressible collet positioned around the prosthetic valve, a housing positioned around the collet, and a pusher at least partially disposed within the housing. The collet can include a first axial end portion, a second axial end portion, and an intermediate portion therebetween. The first axial end portion can have an outer diameter adjacent the intermediate portion that is greater than an outer diameter of the intermediate portion. The second axial end portion can have an outer diameter adjacent the intermediate portion that is greater than the outer diameter of the intermediate portion. The housing can include a housing internal annular ledge configured to slidably engage the second axial end portion of the collet. The pusher can include a pusher internal annular ledge configured to slidably engage the first axial end portion of the collet.