Annuloplasty Ring With Sliding Pusher for Adjustable Valve Repair

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current mitral annuloplasty rings cannot be adjusted multiple times after implantation on a beating heart, and adjusting their size can lead to valve stenosis due to reduced annulus surface area.

Innovation Solution

An annuloplasty ring system comprising an external support ring, an inner adjustable ring, and a sliding pushing element actuated by means such as a cable or shape memory alloy, allowing precise deformation of the inner ring without altering its perimeter, enabling multiple adjustments post-implantation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the mitral ring size is adjusted after implantation, then the annulus miss-sizing problem is overcome and repair quality improves, but the ring becomes smaller and valve stenosis may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability of ring sizeVSAvoidannulus surface area

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The ring is divided into an inner adjustable ring and an external support ring. The inner ring can be deformed locally by the pushing element while the external ring maintains the overall perimeter and surface area. This segmentation allows size adjustment without compromising the total annulus surface area, preventing valve stenosis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pushing element acts as an intermediary mechanism between the external support ring and the inner adjustable ring. It transmits force to deform the inner ring locally, enabling multiple adjustments of the annulus shape while maintaining the overall ring perimeter through the external support structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the ring is made adjustable multiple times, then real-time adjustment capability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of adjustmentsVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ring system transitions from a static structure to a dynamic one with multiple adjustment capabilities. The pushing element can be actuated multiple times to deform the inner ring at different positions, enabling real-time adaptation to changing hemodynamic conditions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The pushing element is designed to be actuated by the surgeon during the procedure without requiring complex external mechanisms. The actuating means can be manually operated or integrated with existing surgical instruments, allowing the device to adjust itself during the surgical process without adding significant complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If the pushing element deforms the inner ring, then precise local deformation is achieved, but the perimeter of the inner ring may be altered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of deformationVSAvoidperimeter of inner ring

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The ring is segmented into an inner ring that can be locally deformed and an external support ring that maintains the overall perimeter. The pushing element applies force to the inner ring to achieve precise local deformation, while the external ring compensates to maintain the total perimeter, ensuring that the annulus surface area remains adequate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 repeated adjustments of the mitral annulus shape to improve valve coaptation and reduce the risk of stenosis, allowing for real-time hemodynamic verification and potential adjustments during or after surgery.

Implementation Method 1

The shape memory members are responsive to changes in temperature and/or exposure to a magnetic field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShape memory: Shape Memory Alloy

Implementation Method 2

The pushing element is designed, when actuated by the actuating means, to slide between the external ring and the inner ring and to push or press on the inner ring

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 3

at least one shape memory element, one of the support and the hook being designed to slide along said shaft with respect to the other when one is moved by at least one shape memory element changing its form

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShape memory alloy: Shape Memory Alloy

Data Source

PatentEP2654622B1Annuloplasty ring system

Publication Date: 2017.01.18 CENT HOSPITALIER UNIV VAUDOIS (C H U V)

AI summary

The present invention relates to an annuloplasty ring system for repairing an atrioventricular cardiac valve. The annuloplasty ring comprises an external support ring (2), an inner adjustable ring (4), a sliding pushing element (6) mounted between said external and inner rings (2, 4), and actuating means designed to control said pushing element (6). The pushing element (6) is designed, when actuated by the actuating means, to slide between the external ring (2) and the inner ring (4) and to press on the inner ring (4) by using the external ring (2) as a support, in such a way that a precise part of the inner ring (4) is deformed without modifying the perimeter of said inner ring (4).