Enhanced Stented Prosthetic Heart Valve System with Variable Stiffness and Real-Time Monitoring
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
An improved stented prosthetic heart valve system featuring variable stiffness regions, enhanced valve structure, and real-time monitoring capabilities to provide better patient outcomes and improved physician control.
Background and Problem Solved
Conventional prosthetic heart valves have limitations in terms of stiffness, valve structure, and monitoring capabilities. The present inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing variable stiffness regions, enhanced valve structure, and real-time monitoring capabilities, thereby improving the overall performance and safety of prosthetic heart valves.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The enhanced stented prosthetic heart valve system comprises a stent frame with variable stiffness regions, allowing it to adapt to different anatomical locations within the heart. The valve structure is enhanced with a novel attachment mechanism that reduces leaflet flutter, and the system features real-time monitoring capabilities through sensors integrated into the stent frame. The sensors provide feedback to the physician, enabling more precise control and improved patient outcomes. The system can be deployed using a novel compression and expansion mechanism, ensuring improved radial force and reduced complications.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new inventive concept introduces variable stiffness regions, enhanced valve structure, and real-time monitoring capabilities, which are not present in the original patent. These features provide a significant improvement over the prior art, offering better patient outcomes, improved physician control, and enhanced safety.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include varying the number and configuration of sensors, using different materials for the stent frame and valve structure, or integrating additional features such as anti-calcification coatings or drug-eluting capabilities.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The enhanced stented prosthetic heart valve system has significant commercial potential in the cardiovascular device market, with potential applications in heart valve replacement and repair procedures. The system's improved performance, safety, and monitoring capabilities make it an attractive solution for physicians and patients alike.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61F2/2418 |
| A | A61 | A61F2250/0018 |
| A | A61 | A61F2250/0029 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Medical Device Engineering, specifically Cardiovascular Implant Design, focusing on prosthetic heart valve technologies with expertise in biomechanical engineering, material science, and minimally invasive surgical techniques
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or medical device designer with advanced degree, 5-10 years experience in cardiovascular implant design, familiar with stent frame technologies, valve deployment mechanisms, and surgical intervention strategies
Obviousness Rationale
A person skilled in the art would recognize that the PTD's variations represent predictable engineering improvements to the source patent's fundamental heart valve design. The disclosed enhancements like variable stiffness regions and integrated sensors are logical extensions of existing prosthetic valve technologies, applying known design principles to incrementally improve device performance and clinical outcomes.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,413 |
|---|---|
| Title | Stented prosthetic heart valve with variable stiffness and methods of use |
| Assignee(s) | Medtronic Vascular Galway |