Gerresheimer contributes to catheter delivery system

Gerresheimer has designed an ergonomic operating handle for Cathlete, a catheter delivery system, on behalf of JenaValve Technology

An artificial heart valve that can be compressed small enough to fit into a catheter is necessary for minimally invasive aortic valve implantation. JenaValve uses a self-expanding nitinol stent with a tissue prosthesis for this purpose.

Nitinol has an excellent shape memory, is very elastic at low temperatures and does not revert to its original shape until it warms up.

The surgeon inserts the refrigerated nitinol valve into the beating heart via the defective aortic valve. When it warms to body temperature it expands and immediately starts to perform its function.

Gerresheimer was requested to work on the design of the operating handle, in terms of its ergonomics, for the second generation of aortic valves by JenaValve.

The system needed an intuitive operating concept so handling was achievable without the assistance of a second person at all times.

Another requirement was that the design facilitated ergonomic operation.

Gerresheimer’s product comprised a handle with just one single control element plus a lock button.

During the process of positioning the artificial heart valve, the lock button is released by rotating it one position to the right so that the operating ring can be used.

This is designed to remove uncertainty about operating sequences or incorrect use.