Annuloplasty Band Connectors for Later TMVR/TTVR Ring Conversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current annuloplasty bands, used for heart valve repair, cannot serve as an anchor for future percutaneous valve replacement, necessitating a second open-heart surgery for patients with mitral or tricuspid bands, limiting access to less invasive TMVR/TTVR options.

Innovation Solution

An annuloplasty band designed with connectors at each end to allow connection with a cable, converting it into a complete ring, enabling support for percutaneous valve replacement without requiring removal from the patient.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a band (partial ring) is used for annuloplasty, then implantation is easier and minimally invasive procedures are enabled, but the device cannot serve as an anchor for future percutaneous valve replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of implantationVSAvoidsuitability for future percutaneous valve replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The annuloplasty device is divided into two functional parts: a band portion that provides the annuloplasty function and ease of implantation, and connector portions at each end that enable future cable attachment. This segmentation allows the device to serve both as a standalone annuloplasty band and as a framework for percutaneous valve replacement when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connectors are pre-integrated into the band structure at the time of manufacture, preparing the device in advance for potential future percutaneous valve replacement. This preliminary configuration ensures that when a patient requires TMVR or TTVR, the annuloplasty device is already ready to serve as an anchor without requiring additional surgical intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If a full ring is used for annuloplasty, then the device can serve as an anchor for future percutaneous valve replacement, but implantation is more complex and requires open-chest surgery

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuitability for future percutaneous valve replacementVSAvoidease of implantation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The full ring functionality is achieved through segmentation - the band provides the primary annuloplasty support while the connectors at the ends provide the anchoring capability. This allows the device to deliver full ring benefits without requiring the entire structure to be implanted as a rigid full ring, enabling minimally invasive delivery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device transitions from a flexible band configuration during minimally invasive implantation to a rigid full ring configuration when cables are attached for percutaneous valve replacement. This dynamic adaptability allows the same device to serve different functional requirements at different time points in the patient's treatment journey.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a band is used instead of a full ring, then surgical risk is reduced and aortomitral curtain flexibility is preserved, but a second open-heart surgery is required for valve replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurgical riskVSAvoidtime to valve replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The connectors are prepared in advance during the initial band implantation, creating a ready-to-use anchor system that eliminates the need for complex preparatory work during the second surgery. This preliminary configuration reduces both surgical risk and time requirements for the future valve replacement procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The connectors serve as an intermediary structure that bridges the initial band implantation and the future percutaneous valve replacement. This intermediary element allows the two procedures to be connected without requiring a second open-heart surgery, reducing both surgical risk and overall treatment time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Adaptability or versatility

If connectors are added to the band, then the device can be converted to a full ring for percutaneous valve replacement, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconvertibility to full ringVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connectors are merged with the band structure as an integrated unit rather than separate components. This combining approach maintains relative simplicity by eliminating the need for separate attachment mechanisms, while still providing the adaptability to convert to a full ring configuration when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20260053622A1Annuloplasty Band

Publication Date: 2026.02.26 TANNOUS TECH LLC

AI summary

An annuloplasty band is provided. The band is sized and configured to be attached to an annulus of a heart valve. Later, if needed, a cable may be attached to opposing ends of the annuloplasty band at connectors on each end of the band. This forms a more secure anchor and a closed shape of the band. A percutaneous TMVR or TTMR heart valve replacement may then be attached to the closed band using it as a framework for anchoring the valve.