Heart Valve Delivery Catheter With Tiltable Stent Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of implanting prosthetic valves via catheterization is the control and positioning of the distal end of the delivery apparatus and the variation in patient anatomy, making some delivery apparatuses unsuitable for specific anatomies.
Innovation Solution
A prosthetic implant delivery assembly with a pivotable and tiltable expandable stent portion coupled to an elongate catheter, allowing for precise alignment and positioning of the prosthetic valve relative to the native annulus, even in non-coaxial anatomies, through mechanisms like axially moveable and differently sized arms and locking elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid delivery catheter is used to maintain structural stability, then delivery strength is improved, but the ability to adapt to non-coaxial anatomies deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery catheter incorporates a tiltable stent portion that can pivot relative to the catheter body, transforming the system from a rigid structure to a dynamic one. This allows the stent to be tilted at various angles (e.g., 0-60 degrees) to match non-coaxial anatomical geometries while maintaining the structural strength needed for delivery through the vascular system.
Solution Approach 2:
The delivery catheter is divided into distinct functional segments: a rigid proximal catheter body for maintaining structural integrity during delivery, and a tiltable distal stent portion for adapting to anatomical variations. The hinge mechanism enables independent movement between these segments, allowing each to optimize its function without compromising the other.
2Manufacturing precision
If a fixed positioning system is used to ensure accurate valve deployment, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of operation for repositioning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a fixed positioning approach to a dynamic repositioning capability. The tiltable stent portion can be adjusted during the procedure to achieve precise alignment with the native annulus, and if repositioning is needed, the operator can tilt the stent to different angles without removing the delivery catheter, significantly improving operational ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows change in the angular parameter of the stent portion relative to the catheter body. By adjusting the tilt angle parameter, operators can optimize valve alignment with the annulus and facilitate repositioning if necessary, while maintaining the precision required for accurate deployment through controlled hinge movement.
Data Source
AI summary
A prosthetic implant delivery assembly includes a prosthetic implant and a catheter. The prosthetic implant includes a plurality of apices with apertures. Each apex of the plurality of apices is circumferentially-spaced apart relative to an adjacent apex. The catheter includes a plurality of arms with apertures and a plurality of sleeves slidably disposed relative to the apertures. Each sleeve is configured to selectively obstruct at least a portion of a corresponding aperture to alter an effective size of the aperture, thereby adjusting coupling engagement with an apex of the prosthetic implant.