Annuloplasty Ring Shape Change for Prosthetic Valve Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing annuloplasty rings are not compatible with the circular configuration of percutaneous prosthetic heart valves, making it impractical to deploy a prosthetic heart valve within a previously implanted annuloplasty ring, as they often have non-circular shapes that interfere with proper placement and functioning.
Innovation Solution
An annuloplasty ring designed to change shape from a non-circular configuration to a circular configuration under dilation force, allowing for the deployment of a prosthetic heart valve within the native heart valve annulus, using a dilation balloon to expand and become elastic, accommodating the circular shape of percutaneously delivered prosthetic valves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a non-circular annuloplasty ring is used to repair a damaged heart valve, then the valve function is corrected, but the prosthetic heart valve cannot be properly deployed within the ring
Solution Approach 1:
The annuloplasty ring is designed to be dynamically transformable from a non-circular configuration (for valve repair) to a circular configuration (for prosthetic valve deployment). The ring includes a support frame with expandable elements that allow it to change shape in response to dilation forces, enabling it to adapt to different functional requirements at different stages of treatment.
Solution Approach 2:
The annuloplasty ring utilizes parameter changes in its physical state, specifically transitioning from a contracted non-circular shape to an expanded circular shape through application of dilation forces. This parameter change in geometry and configuration allows the same device to serve dual purposes: initial valve repair and subsequent prosthetic valve deployment.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the annuloplasty ring maintains a fixed non-circular shape, then it provides stable structural support, but it prevents proper placement of circular prosthetic heart valves
Solution Approach 1:
The annuloplasty ring transitions from a stable non-circular configuration during the repair phase to a flexible circular configuration during the deployment phase. The support frame incorporates expandable elements that can be compressed during deployment and then expand to provide stable structural support, dynamically adapting to operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The annuloplasty ring is pre-configured in a non-circular shape for initial valve repair, then undergoes a controlled transformation to a circular shape before prosthetic valve deployment. This preliminary reshaping action prepares the ring to accommodate the circular prosthetic valve while maintaining the benefits of the initial repair configuration.
3Reliability
If a traditional surgical approach is used to remove the annuloplasty ring and implant a prosthetic valve, then the prosthetic valve can be properly installed, but the procedure complexity and time are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The annuloplasty ring is pre-designed with the capability to be reshaped and expanded to accommodate a prosthetic heart valve. This preliminary configuration preparation eliminates the need for complex removal and reimplantation procedures, as the ring can be directly transformed to receive the prosthetic valve in situ.
Solution Approach 2:
The annuloplasty ring is designed to serve multiple functions: initial valve repair through its non-circular configuration and subsequent prosthetic valve deployment through its transformable circular configuration. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate procedures to remove the ring and implant the valve, reducing overall surgical complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the proper reshaping and repair of damaged heart valves while allowing for the later deployment of a prosthetic heart valve, improving the compatibility and functionality of prosthetic valve placement within the native valve annulus.
Implementation Method 1
the annuloplasty ring is configured to assume a generally circular configuration when subjected to a dilation force such as that provided by a dilation balloon used to deploy a prosthetic valve
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention is an annuloplasty ring, and associated methods therefore, configured to reshape a native heart valve annulus to correct heart valve function, and also configured to be reshaped into a generally circular form in order to receive and/or support a prosthetic heart valve. The annuloplasty ring may be configured to have a generally D-shaped configuration when initially implanted to correct native valve function, but to assume a generally circular form when subjected to an outward force such as that provided by a dilation balloon.