Prosthetic Valve Crimping Funnel for Fast Sheath Loading

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a challenge in crimping self-expandable prosthetic valves for easy and quick loading into a delivery apparatus while aligning and connecting the connection features with the delivery apparatus, as existing crimping devices are not efficient for this purpose.

Innovation Solution

A crimping device with a housing and actuator that compresses the prosthetic valve radially using a funnel segment and pusher member, allowing axial movement and alignment of the valve for efficient loading into a sheath, featuring a rotatable actuator and pusher member with ribs and an annular groove for secure engagement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional crimping devices are used, then prosthetic valves can be crimped, but the process is time-consuming and difficult to align connection features

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecrimping speedVSAvoidalignment difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The crimping device is divided into distinct functional segments: a housing with a funnel segment for receiving the valve, a pusher member with ribs for engagement, and an actuator mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, with the funnel guiding alignment and the pusher applying controlled force.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pusher member acts as an intermediary between the actuator and the prosthetic valve. It features ribs that engage with the valve frame and an annular groove that receives the valve, mediating the transfer of force while maintaining proper alignment during the crimping process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If manual crimping procedures are used, then prosthetic valves can be compressed, but the process requires multiple operators and is not portable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesingle-operator capabilityVSAvoidcrimping mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The actuator is rotatably coupled to the housing, converting rotational motion into axial movement of the pusher member. This dynamic mechanism allows a single operator to control the entire crimping process through simple rotation, eliminating the need for multiple operators while maintaining controlled compression.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The manual multi-operator crimping procedure is replaced with a self-contained mechanical system where the actuator automatically drives the pusher member through the housing. This substitution of manual coordination with an automated mechanical linkage simplifies operation to a single user's rotational action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If conventional crimping methods are used, then valves can be loaded into sheaths, but the process lacks predictability and control

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecrimping predictabilityVSAvoidloading efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The funnel segment is pre-configured with a specific geometry that guides the prosthetic valve into the correct position before crimping begins. The pusher member's ribs are pre-positioned to engage with specific features on the valve frame, ensuring predictable and reliable compression throughout the process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The crimping device controls the compression process by gradually changing the radial dimensions of the valve as the pusher member advances. The funnel segment's geometry and the pusher's rib configuration work together to progressively compress the valve to the required delivery diameter with predictable control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables efficient radial compression and alignment of prosthetic valves for easy loading into a delivery apparatus, facilitating single-operator operation and predictable crimping procedures, improving the portability and usability of crimping devices in minimally invasive surgical procedures.

Implementation Method 1

rotation of the actuator causes the prosthetic valve to move axially through the funnel segment such that at least a portion of the prosthetic valve compresses radially by engagement with the funnel segment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadial compression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

an actuator rotatably coupled to the housing, wherein rotation of the actuator relative to the housing causes the prosthetic valve to move axially through the funnel segment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentUS11344409B2System and method for crimping a prosthetic valve

Publication Date: 2022.05.31 EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES CORP

AI summary

Embodiments of a crimping device for crimping a radially expandable and compressible prosthetic valve are disclosed. A crimping device can comprise a housing configured to receive a prosthetic valve in a radially expanded state. The housing member can include a funnel segment and an outlet in communication with the funnel segment. The crimping device can further comprise an actuator rotatably coupled to the housing, wherein rotation of the actuator relative to the housing causes the prosthetic valve to move axially through the funnel segment such that at least a portion of the prosthetic valve compresses radially by engagement with the funnel segment and exits the crimping device via the outlet.