Prosthetic Valve Crimping Funnel for Faster Delivery Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional crimping devices face challenges in easily and quickly aligning and connecting the connection features of self-expandable prosthetic valves with the delivery apparatus during crimping and loading, necessitating improved loading and crimping devices.

Innovation Solution

A crimping device with a housing featuring a funnel segment and an actuator that converts rotational motion into axial advancement of a pusher member, allowing for precise alignment and radial compression of prosthetic valves, coupled with a loading assembly for complete crimping and loading into a delivery apparatus.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional crimping devices use static conical tubes or crimping jaws, then crimping force can be applied to compress the prosthetic valve, but alignment and connection of the valve with the delivery apparatus becomes difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment and connection easeVSAvoidcrimping and loading time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The delivery apparatus is pre-configured with external connection features that extend beyond the sheath, allowing the prosthetic valve to be connected to the delivery apparatus before crimping occurs. This preliminary connection eliminates the need for complex alignment during crimping and enables quick attachment-detachment operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The crimping device incorporates a dynamic compression mechanism where the sheath can be moved axially relative to the prosthetic valve during crimping. This dynamic approach, combined with the pre-positioned connection features, allows the operator to easily align and connect the valve with the delivery apparatus while maintaining crimping force.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the prosthetic valve is crimped immediately before implantation in the operating room, then the valve maintains optimal functionality, but the loading device must be portable and easy to use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve function after deploymentVSAvoidloading device usability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into separable components: the prosthetic valve with its connection features, the delivery apparatus with mating connection features, and the crimping mechanism. This segmentation allows the valve to be connected to the delivery apparatus in a simple, portable loading device that can be easily used in the operating room, while maintaining reliable valve function through proper connection geometry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of manufacture

If self-expandable prosthetic valves are used, then the valve can be easily deformable for crimping, but the connection features must be precisely aligned with the delivery apparatus during deployment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve deformabilityVSAvoidconnection feature alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The connection features are pre-positioned on the prosthetic valve and delivery apparatus before the crimping process. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the valve is deployed from the sheath, the connection features are already aligned with the delivery apparatus, eliminating the need for precise alignment during the deployment moment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The sheath acts as an intermediary that maintains the relative position of the prosthetic valve and delivery apparatus during crimping. The external connection features extend beyond the sheath, serving as a mediator that ensures proper alignment is maintained throughout the crimping and deployment process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 accurate crimping and loading of prosthetic valves, ensuring proper alignment and connection with the delivery apparatus, enhancing procedural efficiency and ease of use.

Implementation Method 1

an actuator that converts rotational motion into axial advancement of a pusher member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical translation:

Implementation Method 2

a funnel segment extending at least partially along an axial length of the housing... causing the prosthetic valve to move axially through the funnel segment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadial compression: Compression

Data Source

PatentUS20250387227A1System and method for crimping and loading a prosthetic heart valve

Publication Date: 2025.12.25 EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES CORP

AI summary

A system for loading a delivery apparatus including a crimping device and a loading assembly. The crimping device having a housing including a funnel segment and an outlet in communication with the funnel segment, and an actuator configured to advance a radially expanded prosthetic device at least partially through the funnel segment and outlet thereby partially crimping the prosthetic device. The loading assembly including a support tube disposable over at least a portion of a capsule of a delivery apparatus, the loading assembly comprising an inlet end configured to be disposed adjacent the outlet of the crimping device such that the loading assembly can be axially advanced over the partially crimped prosthetic device to move the prosthetic device into a fully compressed configuration.