Cardiac Valve Annulus Cord Anchoring for Precise Ring Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for delivering and installing a cinching cord or annulus ring to a cardiac valve annulus are inefficient and lack precision in positioning and anchoring, leading to potential interference with tissue ingrowth and suboptimal cinching results.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs an elongated core with support arms and anchor launchers to precisely position and anchor a cinching cord or annulus ring around the cardiac valve annulus, utilizing pull wires and anchors for controlled deployment and a mechanism to prevent tissue ingrowth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing methods are used for delivering and installing cinching cord or annulus ring, then the procedure can be completed, but the positioning and anchoring precision is insufficient leading to suboptimal results
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery apparatus is segmented into multiple functional components including support arms with individual anchor launchers, pull wires for independent anchor deployment, and a cinching cord delivery mechanism. This segmentation allows precise independent positioning and anchoring at multiple locations around the annulus, improving both positioning precision and anchoring reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The support arms are pre-configured in a collapsed state within the delivery apparatus, with anchor launchers positioned and ready for deployment. The cinching cord is pre-loaded and guided through the apparatus. This preliminary preparation enables precise and rapid deployment at the target site without requiring complex assembly during the procedure
2Reliability
If existing delivery methods are used, then the procedure can be completed, but tissue ingrowth interference occurs leading to suboptimal results
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible protective sheath is used to cover the cinching cord during delivery and deployment. This sheath protects the cord from premature tissue ingrowth and interference, allowing the cord to be properly positioned and anchored before tissue interaction begins. The sheath can be removed or degraded after deployment, eliminating the harmful tissue interference while maintaining tissue compatibility
3Manufacturing precision
If existing methods are used for installing annulus ring, then the ring can be delivered, but the installation precision and stability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The annulus ring installation is achieved through segmented anchoring at multiple locations around the annulus using individual anchor launchers and pull wires. This allows precise positioning and stable fixation of the ring structure, ensuring both installation precision and long-term stability of the modified annulus
Solution Approach 2:
The support arms, anchor launchers, and ring delivery mechanism are combined into a single integrated delivery apparatus. This merging of functions allows coordinated deployment of multiple anchors and the ring structure itself, ensuring precise and stable installation in a single procedural step
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A cardiac valve annulus may be constricted by using an apparatus to deliver a cord to the annulus, affixing the cord, and subsequently tightening that cord. In some embodiments, this apparatus includes an elongated core with a main channel, a set of first channels, and at least one second channel, all of which run through the core. The first channels accommodate pull wires for triggering the anchor launchers, and the second channels accommodate portions of the cord. Support arms extend distally beyond the core, and anchor launchers are mounted to each of these support arms. The support arms hold the distal ends of the anchor launchers at positions distributed about the annulus. The anchors are launched to affix the cord, and the cord is tightened in a subsequent procedure.