Expandable Valve Docking Frame for Large Annulus Anchoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies face challenges in effectively addressing the challenges of implanting aortic and pulmonary valves, particularly in larger native valves and pulmonary arteries, where transcatheter heart valves may not be large enough to secure in place due to varying patient-specific geometries.

Innovation Solution

The development of expandable docking stations with a frame comprising strut portions forming a continuous curved longitudinal profile, featuring outer radial retaining portions and an inner radial central portion defining a valve seat, allowing for secure expansion and seating of prosthetic valves in larger implantation sites.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a standard-sized transcatheter heart valve is used, then the valve can be delivered through the catheter, but the valve is too small to securely anchor in larger native valves and pulmonary arteries

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve anchoring securityVSAvoidvalve size adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The docking station acts as an intermediary structure between the transcatheter heart valve and the native valve annulus. The docking station is expanded to a larger diameter than the valve itself, allowing it to securely anchor in larger native valves and pulmonary arteries, while the valve remains a standard size for catheter delivery. The docking station's struts engage with the native tissue to provide stable positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The solution transitions from a single-dimension valve size problem to a two-dimension system approach. Instead of enlarging the valve (which would compromise deliverability), the system adds a docking station that expands in radial dimension to provide anchoring security in larger anatomies, effectively decoupling the valve size from the anchoring structure size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If the docking station frame is expanded to engage the native tissue, then secure anchoring is achieved, but the frame must be compressed to a small diameter for delivery

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedocking station anchoringVSAvoidframe delivery diameter

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The docking station frame is designed with a nested structure where the struts can be compressed into a low-profile configuration for delivery through the catheter. Upon deployment, the struts expand outward to engage the native tissue. The frame's modular strut design allows it to nest within itself during delivery and then unfold to its functional expanded configuration at the implantation site.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The docking station frame employs dynamic structural elements that transition from a compressed delivery state to an expanded functional state. The struts are designed with inherent elasticity and mechanical memory, allowing them to self-expand or be actively expanded to engage the native tissue, providing anchoring security while maintaining a compact delivery profile.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20260000507A1Devices and systems for docking a heart valve

Publication Date: 2026.01.01 EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES CORP

AI summary

A docking station frame for a medical device includes a plurality of strut portions extending from a proximal end to a distal end and forming a plurality of cells.