Valve Prosthesis with Segmented Commissure Tabs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transcatheter heart valve prostheses face challenges in balancing valve-frame integration and mechanical performance, as reinforcement of the valve can hinder the mechanical performance of the frame, leading to tradeoffs between these competing needs.
Innovation Solution
A valve prosthesis with a one-piece molded valve comprising commissures and reinforcement members applied to the commissures, where the reinforcement members provide strength to the commissures through commissure stitching, and commissure tabs or trident posts are used to decouple direct attachment, reducing stress on the commissures and frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If reinforcement members are applied to the commissures to strengthen them, then the strength and stability of the commissures is improved, but the mechanical performance of the frame is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
Commissure tabs are introduced as intermediary elements between the commissures and the frame. These tabs extend from the commissures and can be attached to the frame, distributing the attachment forces and reducing direct stress on the commissures themselves. This mediator structure allows the frame to be reinforced without directly compromising commissure integrity or frame mechanical performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The commissure reinforcement is segmented into discrete commissure tabs rather than applying continuous reinforcement material. Each tab is a separate element that can be individually attached to the frame, allowing for localized reinforcement at specific commissure points without affecting the overall frame structure or its mechanical performance.
2Device complexity
If direct attachment of commissures to frame is used to simplify structure, then device complexity is reduced, but stress concentration on commissures increases
Solution Approach 1:
Commissure tabs serve as intermediary attachment elements between the commissures and the frame. Instead of directly attaching the commissures to the frame, the tabs extend from the commissures and provide a buffer zone that distributes attachment forces. This reduces stress concentration on the commissures while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
3Reliability
If valve reinforcement is increased to prevent valvular dysfunction, then reliability is improved, but the mechanical integrity of the frame is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Reinforcement is segmented into discrete commissure tabs located only at the commissure points where stress concentration occurs. This localized reinforcement approach improves valve durability and reliability at critical points without adding excessive material or complexity that would compromise the overall frame mechanical integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcement structure exhibits local quality by concentrating strengthening elements (commissure tabs) only where needed at the commissures, rather than uniformly reinforcing the entire valve structure. This allows improved reliability at stress-prone locations while maintaining the frame's overall mechanical integrity elsewhere.
Data Source
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AI summary
The techniques of this disclosure generally relate to a valve prosthesis including a one-piece molded valve comprising commissures and reinforcement members applied to the commissures. The reinforcement members provide reinforcement and strength to the commissures, e.g., from the stress applied by commissure stitching on the commissures.