Valve Holder and Loading Integration for Prosthetic Heart Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional storage, transfer, and delivery techniques for collapsible prosthetic heart valves often result in physical damage and contamination, compromising the integrity and quality of the valves during shipping and handling.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a jar and a ring with channels and clips to stabilize and secure the prosthetic heart valve, allowing for secure storage, transport, and minimization of handling damage, while maintaining sterility through aseptic techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional storage and transfer techniques are used for collapsible prosthetic heart valves, then the valve can be transported, but the valve may be damaged or contaminated during shipping and handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested container system where the collapsible prosthetic heart valve is placed within an inner container, which is then placed within an outer container. The valve is positioned within a retainer that fits into the inner container, creating multiple nested protective layers. This nested structure protects the valve from damage and contamination during storage, transport, and handling while maintaining accessibility for deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary retainer mechanism that acts as a mediator between the valve and the container. The retainer includes features such as a rim with channels and engagement structures that securely hold the valve in place within the container. This intermediary component prevents direct contact between the valve and potentially harmful external factors while facilitating safe transfer and storage.
2Ease of operation
If the valve is collapsed to reduce circumferential size for minimally invasive delivery, then delivery via catheter is enabled, but the valve becomes more vulnerable to damage during handling
Solution Approach 1:
The nested container system provides protective enclosure for the collapsed valve, allowing it to be transported and stored in a compact form factor suitable for minimally invasive delivery while preventing damage during handling. The multiple container layers protect the valve's collapsed structure from external forces and contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates cushioning elements and protective features within the container system that are in place before the valve is loaded. These pre-positioned protective structures cushion and protect the valve during subsequent handling, transfer, and storage operations, preventing damage before it can occur.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for holding an implantable medical device includes a jar for receiving the implantable medical device, and a ring coupleable to the jar. The ring has a plurality of channels adapted to receive retaining features of the implantable medical device to stabilize the medical device within the jar.