Atrial Docking Element Anchoring for Mitral Valve Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for mitral valve disease, such as open heart surgery, pose risks and complications, especially for elderly patients, and there is a need for less invasive methods to address damaged mitral valves.
Innovation Solution
A docking element is used to facilitate the anchoring of a prosthetic mitral valve apparatus to a subject's mitral valve. The docking element includes an atrial component with hingedly coupled links and a ventricular component with anchors, which are anchored to the mitral valve using tissue ingrowth and mechanical force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If open heart surgery is used to treat mitral valve disease, then the damaged valve can be repaired or replaced, but the patient faces risks and complications especially if elderly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a docking element as an intermediary device that is first implanted in the left atrium and serves as an anchor for the prosthetic mitral valve. This mediator allows the valve to be secured without requiring open heart surgery, thereby reducing surgical risks while maintaining valve repair effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into separate components: a docking element with atrial and ventricular components, and a prosthetic mitral valve apparatus. The docking element can be implanted first to prepare the anchoring structure, and the valve can be attached later, allowing for a less invasive initial procedure
2Reliability
If a docking element with frame and struts is used to anchor the prosthetic valve, then secure anchoring is achieved, but the structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The docking element is segmented into a frame with multiple struts that can be independently positioned and expanded. This segmentation allows the complex structure to be delivered in a compressed state through a catheter and then expanded to its functional configuration, making the complexity manageable during implantation
Solution Approach 2:
The frame and struts are designed to nest within each other during delivery, allowing the complex anchoring structure to be contained within a small delivery catheter. Upon deployment, the struts expand outward to form the stable anchoring framework
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 docking element provides a secure anchoring system for prosthetic mitral valve apparatus, allowing for minimally invasive procedures and reducing the risks associated with open heart surgery, while also impeding the progression of mitral annulus dilation.
Implementation Method 1
The docking element is configured to become anchored to tissue of the left atrium at least partially via ingrowth of the tissue of the left atrium to the docking element
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods are described for treating a subject with a diseased atrioventricular valve. A docking element is implanted within the subject's atrium such that no portion of the docking element extends through the subject's atrioventricular valve. The docking becomes anchored to tissue of the atrium at least partially via ingrowth of the tissue of the atrium. The docking element includes a ring, which is implanted at the annulus of the atrioventricular valve, and a frame having a height of at least 15 mm, which extends upwardly from the ring. A prosthetic atrioventricular valve apparatus is placed at least partially inside the docking element subsequent to the ingrowth of the tissue of the atrium having occurred, and becomes anchored to the docking element, at least partially by radially expanding against the ring. Other applications are also described.