Valve Holder Deflecting Stent Posts for Aortic Implantation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current prosthetic heart valve holders are inadequate for aortic and pulmonic valve replacements due to limited access and interference during implantation, as they are not designed to effectively deflect stent posts in these areas, leading to complications such as suture looping and damage to the valve.
Innovation Solution
A valve holder that attaches near the tips of stent posts to temporarily deflect them, providing increased space for suturing and knot tying, with a sliding collar mechanism to lock the deflected position until the holder is removed, allowing for predefined deflection amounts and easier implantation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional prosthetic valve holders are used for aortic and pulmonic valve replacements, then the holder structure provides basic holding function, but the limited access and interference during implantation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is divided into multiple functional segments: a body portion that interfaces with the valve, an elongate shaft that transmits force, and a distal tip structure that directly engages the stent posts. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while reducing overall interference during implantation.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the holder attach to the proximal end of the valve (as in conventional mitral valve holders), this invention attaches to the distal end, reversing the traditional approach. This inversion allows the holder to deflect stent posts away from the surgical field, improving access for aortic and pulmonic valve replacements.
2Reliability
If stent posts are left in extended position during implantation, then the holder structure is simple, but suture looping and damage to the valve occur
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is pre-configured with engagement structures (teeth or grippers) that automatically engage the stent posts when the holder is attached to the valve. This preliminary positioning ensures immediate deflection protection without requiring additional manual manipulation during the critical suturing phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder acts as an intermediary device between the surgeon's suturing tools and the stent posts. By physically interposing the holder's deflection mechanism between the sutures and stent posts, it prevents direct contact that would cause looping or damage, while still allowing the valve to function.
3Illumination intensity
If stent posts are deflected during implantation, then visibility and access are improved, but additional deflection control mechanisms are required
Solution Approach 1:
The holder's deflection mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through the natural forces applied during valve implantation. As the valve is positioned and sutures are tensioned, the holder automatically deflects the stent posts to the optimal position without requiring separate control inputs from the surgeon.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder provides adjustable deflection parameters, allowing the stent posts to be deflected to different degrees based on the specific surgical needs. The mechanism can accommodate varying deflection angles and forces, optimizing visibility and access for different patient anatomies and surgical approaches.
4Reliability
If the holder remains attached during knot tying, then deflection is maintained, but interference with knot tying maneuvers occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is designed with dynamic release capabilities, allowing it to be quickly detached or repositioned during knot tying maneuvers. The engagement mechanisms can be rapidly disengaged from the stent posts, providing temporary clear access for knot manipulation while maintaining deflection protection when attached.
Data Source
AI summary
A valve holder for a prosthetic valve having a stent comprising a stent base and multiple commissure posts projecting from the stent base, the valve holder including a connector hub, a plurality of legs connected to the connector hub, each leg having an elongate portion and a commissure post engaging plate, a sliding member slideably connected to each leg of the plurality of legs and positioned between the connector hub and the commissure post engaging plates of the plurality of legs and slideably positionable at a first position relative to the connector hub with the commissure post engaging plates in an uncompressed configuration and a second position relative to the connector hub with the commissure post engaging plates in a compressed configuration, and a handle extending from the connector hub.