Magnetically Responsive Valve Leaflet Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for correcting mitral and tricuspid valve regurgitation, such as magnet-based systems, face issues with non-linear magnetic strength and the need for open heart surgery, and complex electrical systems, which complicate effective valve operation and patient safety.
Innovation Solution
A method involving attaching a magnetically responsive element to a heart valve leaflet using a transcatheter procedure, with an external coil generating an oscillating magnetic field synchronized with the heartbeat to enhance leaflet coaptation, eliminating the need for open heart surgery and allowing for minimally invasive implantation and energy recharging through electromagnetic induction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If magnets are attached to valve leaflets to correct regurgitation, then valve coaptation is improved, but magnetic strength becomes non-linear and may block blood flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces permanent magnets with an electromagnetic field generation system. Instead of relying on inherent non-linear magnetic strength from permanent magnets, the invention uses controllable electromagnetic fields generated by coils positioned against the chest wall to activate magneto-responsive elements on valve leaflets, providing linear and controllable activation forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the activation mechanism from passive permanent magnets to active electromagnetic fields with controllable parameters. The electromagnetic field strength, frequency, and duration can be precisely controlled to match cardiac cycle requirements, avoiding the non-linear strength issues of permanent magnets while ensuring proper timing of valve activation.
2Reliability
If electromagnets are implanted inside the heart to operate valve leaflets, then valve activation is achieved, but open heart surgery is required and electrical systems become complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the electromagnetic field generation component from inside the heart and places it outside the body in the form of portable coils positioned against the chest wall. This eliminates the need for open heart surgery and complex internal electrical systems while maintaining the ability to activate valve leaflets through magneto-responsive elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magneto-responsive elements as intermediaries between the external electromagnetic field and the valve leaflets. These elements are attached to the leaflets and respond to externally generated magnetic fields, enabling valve activation without direct electrical connection or internal electromagnet implantation.
3Reliability
If permanent magnets are used on valve leaflets, then magnetic attraction can close the valve, but the magnets may become permanently attached and block blood flow
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses periodic electromagnetic fields synchronized with the cardiac cycle to activate valve closure only when needed. The electromagnetic fields are applied intermittently during systole to ensure proper valve closure, then removed during diastole to allow the magneto-responsive elements to separate and permit normal blood flow, preventing permanent attachment and flow blockage.
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
This approach improves valve function by ensuring proper coaptation of leaflets without invasive surgery, allowing for adjustable and long-term correction of regurgitation issues with enhanced efficiency and reduced risk, using a magnetically susceptible element and an external electromagnet.
Implementation Method 1
a coil is connected to a source of electric energy and is positioned outside of the heart of the patient. When these steps are performed, the source of electric energy is activated to provide an oscillating current in the coil. These actions provide an oscillating magnetic field through the coil to effect movement of the element and the leaflet.
Implementation Method 2
attaching, to a leaflet of the valve, an element that is responsive to a magnetic field... provide an oscillating magnetic field through the coil to effect movement of the element and the leaflet
Data Source
AI summary
A method for improving the function of a valve in the heart of a patient, comprising attaching, to a leaflet of the valve, an element that is responsive to a magnetic field; positioning, outside of the heart of the patient, a coil connected to a source of electric energy; activating the source of electric energy to provide an oscillating current in the coil; and thereby providing an oscillating magnetic field through the coil to effect movement of the element and the leaflet.