Enhanced Leaflet Support Systems for Cardiac Implants

Improved leaflet support systems for cardiac implants, offering enhanced durability, adjustability, and thrombogenicity minimization to address heart valve regurgitation.

The original patent's leaflet support design had limitations in terms of durability, adjustability, and blood flow facilitation. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing reinforced lattice structures, radially adjustable frames, and dynamically adjustable frames to optimize coaptation and minimize thrombogenicity.

The new leaflet support systems comprise reinforced frames with lattice structures to improve durability and resistance to fatigue. The frames can be radially adjustable to conform to the native heart valve annulus, ensuring a secure fit. Additionally, the frames can be dynamically adjustable to optimize coaptation of the native heart valve leaflets. The systems also feature cells defined by the frame that facilitate blood flow and minimize thrombogenicity. Anchoring elements disposed along the frame secure the device to the native heart valve annulus.

The new claims introduce novel features such as reinforced lattice structures, radially adjustable frames, and dynamically adjustable frames, which provide significant improvements over the original patent's design. These features address the limitations of the original patent and provide a non-obvious solution to the problem of heart valve regurgitation.

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include varying the lattice structure pattern, using different materials for the frame, or incorporating sensors to monitor heart valve function. Variations could also include adapting the design for use in different heart valve locations or for use in conjunction with other cardiac implant devices.

The enhanced leaflet support systems have significant commercial potential in the cardiac implant market, particularly in the treatment of heart valve regurgitation. The target industries include medical device manufacturers, cardiac implant companies, and hospitals specializing in cardiac care.