28 patents in this list

Updated:

Prosthetic heart valves face continuous mechanical stress and biological interactions that can lead to complications like thrombosis, calcification, and structural deterioration. Current monitoring relies heavily on periodic imaging, which can miss early signs of valve dysfunction and provides only intermittent snapshots of valve performance. Clinical data shows that 3-5% of mechanical valves and 10-30% of bioprosthetic valves require reoperation within 10 years of implantation.

The core engineering challenge lies in developing robust, miniaturized sensors that can reliably monitor valve function without compromising hemodynamics or durability.

This page brings together solutions from recent research—including pressure gradient monitoring systems, wireless data transmission architectures, energy harvesting mechanisms, and integrated impedance sensing approaches. These and other advances aim to enable continuous, real-time monitoring of valve performance while maintaining the strict safety and reliability requirements of cardiac implants.

1. Cardiac Implant with Integrated Sensors for Valve Function Monitoring and Wireless Data Transmission

UNITED INNOMED LTD, UNITED INNOMED SHANGHAI LTD, 2024

Cardiac implant with integrated sensors to monitor valve function and heart health after implantation. The cardiac implant has a device to repair valve closure and prevent regurgitation, and sensors attached to the device to sense physiological parameters like pressure. This allows continuous monitoring of valve function and heart conditions after implantation without needing follow-up visits. The sensors wirelessly transmit data to external devices for analysis and early warning of issues.

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2. Prosthetic Heart Valve Delivery Assembly with Integrated Inlet and Outlet Pressure Sensors

Edwards Lifesciences Corporation, EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES CORP, 2024

Delivery assembly for measuring pressure gradients across prosthetic heart valves without additional devices. The assembly has a delivery device and guidewire with sensors near the valve inlet and outlet. Simultaneously measuring pressures at these locations allows calculating the gradient across the valve. This enables direct, non-invasive measurement of valve performance after implantation without Doppler or catheters.

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3. Prosthetic Heart Valve with Integrated Inflow and Outflow Pressure Sensors for Wireless Monitoring

EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES CORPORATION, 2023

Monitoring heart valve performance using integrated sensors in prosthetic valves to provide real-time data on valve function and patient condition. The valves have sensors at the inflow and outflow ends to measure pressure and transmit wirelessly. This allows continuous monitoring of valve parameters like pressure gradient and blood flow post-surgery to detect issues early. The sensor signals are received externally to track valve health and detect complications.

4. Implantable Heart Valves with Integrated Inlet and Outlet Sensors for Wireless Data Transmission

EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES CORP, 2023

Implantable heart valves with integrated sensors to monitor valve function and patient health post-surgery. The valves have sensors in the inlet and outlet portions to detect parameters like blood pressure. They transmit the data wirelessly to external receivers. This allows continuous monitoring of valve performance and patient conditions after surgery to detect complications early. The sensors provide early indications of changes in cardiac function and can alert healthcare professionals. The system enables remote monitoring of implanted valves outside the hospital.

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5. Artificial Heart Valve with Integrated Pressure Sensor and Wireless Power/Data Transfer System

CHERO TECH CO LTD, CHERO TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2022

Artificial heart valve with integrated pressure sensor and wireless power/data transfer for continuous, accurate measurement of transvalvular pressure difference. The valve has a pressure sensor, power receiver, and signal transmitter integrated into the support. It receives wireless power and sends data to an external device. This allows implantable, continuous monitoring of transvalvular pressure without invasive catheters or echocardiography.

6. Implanted Heart Valve with Embedded Wireless Sensor System for Functional Status Monitoring

THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY, Ohio State Innovation Foundation, 2022

Embedded sensor system for wireless monitoring of the functional status of implanted heart valves to detect anomalies like leaflet thrombosis, regurgitation, calcification, and malposition. The system uses sensors embedded in heart valves like TAVRs to wirelessly transmit signals containing valve function data. An external device receives the signals, analyzes them, and sends the results to healthcare providers. This allows long-term, remote monitoring of valve health without repeat imaging. The sensors can be pressure, acceleration, or strain sensors positioned on the valve frame, leaflets, or sinuses.

7. Prosthetic Heart Valve with Integrated Sensors and Wireless Data Transmission System

Edwards Lifesciences Corporation, 2022

Monitoring prosthetic heart valves in patients after implantation to detect complications and provide remote diagnostics. The valves have integrated sensors to measure parameters like deflection, pressure, and electrical activity. A wireless transmitter sends the data to an external receiver worn by the patient. This allows monitoring outside the hospital to detect issues earlier. The receiver relays the data to a remote care facility for analysis. The valves can also harvest power from blood flow vibrations using laminated piezoelectric-polymer generators.

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8. Heart Valve with Integrated Wireless Flow Sensor and Onboard Energy Harvesting

Edwards Lifesciences Corporation, 2022

Monitoring of heart valves, like prosthetic valves, to detect conditions that may affect valve function. The monitoring involves implanting a sensor on the valve that measures flow characteristics. The sensor wirelessly transmits data to an external reader. Analysis of the data using rule sets determines if drug therapy or further intervention is needed. This allows ongoing monitoring of valve function to prevent thrombosis and optimize anticoagulation regimens. The sensor can be self-powered using onboard energy harvesting.

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9. Collapsible Implantable Device with Integrated Wireless Deformable LCR-Based Pressure Sensors

NORTHWESTERN UNIV, NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY, 2022

Collapsible implantable devices like artificial valves with integrated wireless, deformable LCR-based pressure sensors. The sensors are implanted at multiple locations on the device. Each sensor has a deformable coil on the device surface and a capacitive pressure sensor inside. The coil forms an LCR circuit with a self-resonant frequency that changes with pressure. Antennas on the skin wirelessly read the self-resonant frequencies. By measuring the frequencies, the pressures at each sensor location can be calculated to monitor device performance. This allows detecting valve status and issues without invasive testing.

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10. Artificial Heart Valve with Magnetically Actuated Leaflet and Integrated Sensor System

Kyle Au, Syltianna Au Au, 2021

An artificial heart valve with magnetic leaflets and sensors to reduce blood cell damage and improve heart-brain communication. The valve has a single circular convex leaflet that slides up and down between opposing magnetic fields. A sensor on the leaflet sends signals to the brain. Coils on the valve and housing receive signals from the brain to control valve opening. The magnetic fields reduce shattering of blood cells compared to traditional valves. The sensors and brain signals aim to restore natural heart-brain communication lost after valve replacement.

11. Heart Valve Monitoring System with Implantable Wireless Flow Sensors and Energy Harvesting Capabilities

EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES CORP, 2021

A monitoring system for heart valves, including implantable sensors to continuously measure flow characteristics around native or prosthetic valves. The sensors wirelessly transmit data to an external reader. Analysis of the data determines recommendations for valve procedures or drug therapies. The implantable sensors can be self-powered by harvesting energy.

12. Implanted Heart Valve with Embedded Sensors for Wireless Monitoring of Leaflet Motion and Pressure Changes

OHIO STATE INNOVATION FOUNDATION, THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY, UNIV JOHNS HOPKINS, 2020

Embedded sensor system for wireless monitoring of the functional status of implanted heart valves to provide longitudinal/persistent monitoring of prosthesis function and early detection of onset of potential adverse outcomes. The system uses miniature sensors embedded in heart valves that wirelessly transmit signals containing data on valve function. An external device receives the signals, analyzes them, and sends the results to healthcare providers. The sensors are positioned strategically on the valve to estimate individual leaflet motion, measure pressure changes, and detect malfunctions.

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13. Implantable Heart Valve Prosthesis with Integrated Piezoelectric and Bimetallic Sensor System

BIOTRONIK AG, 2020

Implantable heart valve prosthesis with built-in sensors to monitor valve performance after implantation. The valve has components like piezoelectric elements and bimetallic members that generate signals indicative of valve function. These signals are measured to determine valve operativeness and detect degradation. The sensors can be piezo elements on leaflets, bimetallic members with spherical bodies, or oscillating circuits. They convert mechanical deformations into electrical signals. The signals are analyzed to detect changes in valve behavior that indicate degradation.

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14. Prosthetic Heart Valve Monitoring Device with Heart Sound-Based Function Assessment

CARDIAC PACEMAKERS INC, 2020

Monitoring implanted prosthetic heart valves using heart sounds to assess valve function and detect problems. A medical device with sensors receives acceleration data from the body, like heart sounds, to generate metrics that indicate prosthetic valve function. Changes in heart sounds can signal valve dysfunction or failure. This provides earlier detection compared to post-op visits, allowing intervention to prevent complications. The device can also help determine optimal valve implantation sites by analyzing heart sounds during surgery.

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15. Heart Valve with Embedded Multi-Parameter Sensors for Real-Time Wireless Monitoring

Canary Medical Inc., 2020

Heart valves with integrated sensors for monitoring valve performance, patient health, and valve integrity. The sensors are placed inside the valve to detect factors like motion, contact, vibration, pressure, flow, chemistry, and temperature. They can transmit data wirelessly for real-time monitoring of valve function, wear, obstruction, infection, regurgitation, and other issues. This allows continuous assessment of valve performance, patient health, and device status. It enables early detection of valve failure, infection, and other complications for timely intervention. The sensors also provide insights into valve-tissue interactions and valve-blood flow dynamics.

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16. Prosthetic Heart Valve with Stent-Attached Integrated Sensors for In Vivo Monitoring

St. Jude Medical, Cardiology Division, Inc., 2020

Prosthetic heart valve with integrated sensors for monitoring valve performance after implantation. The sensors are designed to attach securely to the stent of the valve in a collapsed state for delivery. The sensors can measure physiological data like pressures and flows to monitor valve function. The sensors have features like finger channels or chamfered heads to attach to the valve stent struts. This allows accurate monitoring of prosthetic valve performance in vivo and helps diagnose issues like leakage or calcification.

17. Artificial Heart Valve with Integrated Wireless Sensor System and Antennas

SAMKOV ALEXANDER V MR, 2019

An artificial heart valve with integrated medical sensors to monitor its performance without needing separate implantable devices. The valve has a case, leaflets, and a control device containing sensors like temperature, pressure, flow rate, and electrical activity sensors. They are powered wirelessly and transmit data wirelessly. Antennas are integrated into the valve components for communication. The sensors are built into the valve components to eliminate the need for separate implants and reduce compatibility issues with body tissues.

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18. Prosthetic Heart Valves with Integrated Sensor Arrays for Real-Time Function Monitoring

St. Jude Medical, Cardiology Division, Inc., 2019

Prosthetic heart valves with integrated sensors for monitoring valve function during implantation and post-procedure. The valves have sensors with coils and capacitors that can measure cardiac parameters like blood pressure and flow. The sensors are attached to the valve stent or annulus ring. They acquire data during implantation to assess fit and potential leaks. Post-implant, they monitor valve performance to detect issues like regurgitation. The sensor data can confirm proper functioning or indicate problems like misplacement or leakage. This allows immediate corrective action like repositioning or re-implantation.

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19. Prosthetic Aortic Valve with Integrated Electronics and Parylene-Encapsulated Circuitry

E-VALVE SYSTEMS LTD, 2019

Prosthetic aortic valve with integrated electronics for cardiac monitoring and therapy. The valve has electrodes, a prosthetic-valve coil, and circuitry enclosed in a parylene layer. It can be delivered compressed in a catheter, partially released to extend the electrodes, then fully deployed. Coils in the catheter and external unit wirelessly transfer power to the prosthetic coil for activation. This allows remote monitoring and therapy after valve implantation without additional devices.

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20. Implantable Cardiac Annulus Sensor Aligned with Blood Flow for Valvular Plane Kinematics Monitoring

TRE ESSE PROGETTAZIONE BIOMEDICA S R L, TRE ESSE PROGETTAZIONE BIOMEDICA SRL, 2018

Sensor for implantation at a cardiac valvular annulus to monitor heart function. The sensor has an alignment with the blood flow direction at the annulus. This allows sensing the kinematics of the valvular plane displacement during the cardiac cycle. The sensor can be integrated into implant devices like heart valves or annuloplasty rings at the annulus. By tracking the sensor's motion using a wireless system, it provides data on heart function like valve motion.

21. Heart Valve Prosthesis with Electrode-Based Impedance Monitoring System

22. Heart Valve Prosthesis with Stent-Attached Collapsible Sensors for Physiological Parameter Measurement

23. Prosthetic Heart Valve with Integrated Collapsible Sensors for Real-Time Monitoring

24. Heart Valve Devices with Integrated Inductive-Capacitive Sensors for In-Situ Hemodynamic Monitoring

25. Heart Valve Replacement Devices with Embedded Sensors and Adjustable Implants for Intraoperative Physiological Data Measurement

Sensor-integrated prosthetic heart valves represent a significant leap forward in cardiac care, allowing for real-time monitoring, earlier intervention, and improved patient outcomes. Although technological challenges like sensor miniaturization and power management remain, ongoing innovations are overcoming these hurdles.  By addressing these obstacles, the future of prosthetic valve technology promises even greater reliability and effectiveness in supporting patients' cardiac health.

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