Prosthetic Valve Crimping Assembly for Fast Loading 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, particularly when transitioning from a radially expanded state to a compressed state.
Innovation Solution
A crimping device with a housing featuring a funnel segment and a pusher member, actuator, and threaded components that convert rotational motion into axial advancement, facilitating the alignment and compression of prosthetic valves within the delivery apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional crimping devices use static conical tubes or crimping jaws to compress self-expandable prosthetic valves, then the valve can be crimped to a smaller diameter, but the alignment and connection of connection features with the delivery apparatus becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The crimping device performs preliminary alignment of the connection features with the delivery apparatus before the crimping action occurs. The housing is configured to receive and preliminarily align the connection features, so that when the valve is compressed, the connection features are already positioned correctly for connection, eliminating the need for separate alignment steps
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the alignment function and connection function into the same housing structure. The housing simultaneously provides the crimping surface and the alignment features, combining multiple functions into a single integrated device that simplifies the overall operation
2Reliability
If the prosthetic valve is packaged and stored in the open diameter inside preserving solution, then the valve function is maintained, but pre-crimping by the manufacturer is precluded and crimping must be performed in the operating room
Solution Approach 1:
The crimping device is designed to be self-contained and portable, allowing the operator to perform the crimping operation independently in the operating room without requiring manufacturer-prepared crimped valves. The device includes all necessary components (housing, pusher member, actuator) to perform the crimping function on-demand
3Ease of operation
If disposable loading and crimping devices are shipped with each valve and delivery system, then the importance of portability and ease of use increases, but the device complexity and number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing serves multiple functions: it provides the crimping surface, aligns the connection features, and houses the pusher member and actuator. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining ease of operation
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 described crimping device efficiently transitions prosthetic valves from an expanded to a compressed state, ensuring accurate alignment and secure connection with the delivery apparatus, enhancing the ease and speed of the crimping process.
Implementation Method 1
threaded components that convert rotational motion into axial advancement
Data Source
AI summary
A loading assembly, can include a support tube configured to be disposed over a shaft of a delivery apparatus, a funnel member disposed over a first end portion of the support tube and configured to be disposed over at least a portion of a medical device, a first clamp member disposed over a portion of the funnel member, and a second clamp member disposed over a second end portion of the support tube. The funnel member can be axially advanced over a medical device, or the medical device can be retracted inside the funnel member to radially compresses the medical device.