Anchor-Delivery Channel Gripping Teeth for Annuloplasty Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Annuloplasty structures comprising flexible materials tend to twist and warp during anchor deployment, necessitating devices and techniques to minimize or eliminate such distortion.
Innovation Solution
A tubular structure with an implant-gripping element, such as teeth or deformable elements, is used to reversibly engage the annuloplasty structure, preventing twisting and warping by securely anchoring the annuloplasty structure to tissue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an anchor is driven through flexible material of an annuloplasty structure, then the anchor is secured to tissue, but the flexible material twists and warps during deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The implant-gripping element is engaged with the implant before anchor deployment to establish a stable reference frame. This preliminary gripping action prevents the implant from moving or deforming during subsequent anchor insertion, thereby eliminating twisting and warping while maintaining reliable anchor securing
Solution Approach 2:
The implant-gripping element acts as an intermediary between the anchor-delivery tool and the implant. It provides a stable interface that transmits forces without causing deformation to the flexible implant material, enabling secure anchor placement while preventing distortion
2Adaptability or versatility
If the tubular structure is advanced freely within the implant lumen, then navigation is flexible, but the implant cannot be securely held during anchor deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The implant-gripping element transitions from a non-engaged state during navigation to an engaged state during anchor deployment. This dynamic behavior allows the system to maintain navigation flexibility when needed while providing secure implant holding when required, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and stability
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is provided, for use with a tissue anchor, the apparatus comprising an implant and an anchor-delivery tool. The implant is dimensioned to be advanced into a body of a subject. The tool comprises an anchor-delivery channel and an implant-gripping element. The anchor-delivery channel defines a lumen, and is dimensioned to be moveable within the implant. The implant-gripping element is disposed at a distal end portion of the anchor-delivery channel, and comprises multiple teeth configured to reversibly grip an inner wall of the implant during implantation of the tissue anchor via the anchor-delivery channel. Other embodiments are also described.