Adjustable Artificial Chordae System for Mitral Valve Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical techniques for mitral valve repair, particularly in cases of mitral valve prolapse, face challenges in consistently determining and achieving the correct length of artificial chordae tendinae, leading to inconsistencies and varying clinical success due to reliance on individual surgeon-based methods and manual adjustments.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable artificial replacement chordae system that allows for variable chordal lengths, featuring a mechanism where the surgeon can adjust the length by severing specific structures within the device, providing repeatable and simpler deployment of replacement chordae, with combinations of loops and suture lengths to achieve precise adjustments without the need for manual sewing techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If individual surgeon-based techniques are used for determining and adjusting artificial chordae length, then surgical flexibility is maintained, but consistency and reliability of the procedure deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing pre-marked suture lengths and pre-configured adjustment mechanisms that allow surgeons to select and adjust chordal length before final implantation. The suture includes pre-defined length markers and the adjustment mechanism is prepared in advance, enabling consistent length determination without requiring complex intraoperative measurements or judgments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the suture into multiple segments with different length characteristics. The suture includes a first portion with a first length and a second portion with a second length, allowing the surgeon to selectively use different segments to achieve the desired chordal length. This segmentation provides a systematic approach to length adjustment, improving consistency while maintaining procedural simplicity.
2Ease of operation
If manual sewing techniques are used for attaching ePTFE suture, then adaptability to different surgical situations is maintained, but ease of operation and surgical time deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing pre-configured sutures with attached structures that are ready for immediate implantation. The suture is pre-marked with length indicators and pre-prepared with attachment features, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual measurement and configuration during surgery. This reduces surgical time while maintaining ease of operation through a standardized, pre-prepared device.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed-length artificial chordae are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to varying patient anatomy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the suture into multiple segments with different length characteristics. The suture includes a first portion with a first length and a second portion with a second length, allowing the surgeon to selectively use different segments to achieve the desired chordal length. This segmentation provides a systematic approach to length adjustment, improving consistency while maintaining procedural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by providing an adjustable suture system that can change its effective length during the surgical procedure. The suture length can be modified by selecting different portions of the suture or by using the adjustment mechanism to achieve the desired chordal length. This dynamic capability allows adaptation to varying patient anatomy without requiring multiple different fixed-length sutures.
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment includes a chordal replacement system comprising: a pledget coupled to a first suture length and at least one of a first needle and a first ferrule; a second suture length coupled to the pledget and at least a second needle; and a third suture length coupled to the pledget and at least a third needle; wherein the second and third suture lengths are not monolithic with each other and do not constitute a single suture. Other embodiments are described herein.