Artificial Chordae Anchoring for Less Invasive Valve Leaflet Repair

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Solution Overview

Problem

Chordae tendineae degeneration leads to valve leaflet prolapse, necessitating invasive surgical procedures with high morbidity and mortality risks, which can be mitigated by delivering and implanting artificial chordae tendineae using less invasive methods.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a flexible cord with anchors and a capture device for transcatheter implantation, utilizing a helical wire to anchor the cord to heart valve leaflets and tissue walls, and a puncture needle for precise placement, reducing the need for open surgery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If open surgical procedure is used for chordae tendineae repair, then repair effectiveness is improved, but morbidity and mortality risk increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverepair effectivenessVSAvoidmorbidity and mortality risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a transcatheter delivery system as an intermediary approach between open surgery and minimal invasive techniques. The device includes a catheter-based delivery mechanism with a capture device that can be advanced through blood vessels to the heart valve, allowing chordae repair without open surgical exposure while maintaining repair effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical open surgical approach with a catheter-based transcatheter system. The delivery device uses fluoroscopic guidance and catheter navigation to achieve precise positioning and deployment of the chordae repair device, eliminating the need for open thoracic surgery and reducing associated morbidity and mortality risks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If transapical or transatrial delivery approach is used, then surgical invasion is reduced, but delivery complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurgical invasionVSAvoiddelivery complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a multi-functional transcatheter delivery system that combines several functions in a single device: the catheter serves as both the delivery conduit and the positioning mechanism, the capture device integrates both leaflet engagement and cordae anchoring capabilities, and the system provides both diagnostic and therapeutic functions through fluoroscopic guidance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The delivery system is divided into distinct functional segments: a catheter component for vascular navigation, a capture device for leaflet engagement, and a deployment mechanism for chordae anchoring. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system coherence and reducing procedural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Strength

If helical wire is used to anchor flexible cord to leaflet, then anchoring strength is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanchoring strengthVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the helical wire anchoring mechanism with the flexible cord and capture device into an integrated assembly. The helical wire is pre-attached to the flexible cord in a configured state, allowing simultaneous deployment and anchoring of both components in a single transcatheter procedure, thereby reducing overall device complexity despite the sophisticated anchoring mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

The method provides a less invasive approach to chordae tendineae repair, minimizing surgical risks while effectively maintaining valve competence and reducing regurgitation.

Implementation Method 1

a helical wire configured to attach to one of the first end and the second end of the flexible cord and anchor the flexible cord to a leaflet of a heart valve

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 2

a capture device having a channel and configured to clamp the leaflet of the heart valve and deliver the flexible cord through the channel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Clamping: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 3

the puncture needle is configured to puncture the leaflet while the capture device clamps the leaflet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Penetration: Impact Force

Data Source

PatentUS20260053624A1Artificial chordae tendineae repair devices and delivery thereof

Publication Date: 2026.02.26 WL GORE & ASSOC INC

AI summary

Various aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward apparatuses, systems, and methods that include device for chordae tendineae repair. The device may include a flexible cord having a first end and a second end; and a helical wire configured to attach to one of the first end and the second end of the flexible cord and anchor the flexible cord to a leaflet of a heart valve; and a capture device having a channel and configured to clamp the leaflet of the heart valve and deliver the flexible cord through the channel to anchor the helical wire to the leaflet.