Beating-Heart Mitral Leaflet Capture for Minimally Invasive Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical techniques for heart valve repair, particularly mitral valve repair, require invasive procedures such as median sternotomy and cardiopulmonary bypass, leading to significant trauma, complications, and a lengthy recovery period, and existing minimally invasive methods are not suitable for beating heart repairs.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a handle assembly, capture assembly, and needle head is used to deliver and implant artificial chordae tendineae to a flailing or prolapsing leaflet in a beating heart, utilizing a capture mechanism with an asymmetric cross-section to minimize blood loss and enable precise suture placement without cardiopulmonary bypass.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current surgical techniques (median sternotomy and cardiopulmonary bypass) are used for heart valve repair, then reliable valve repair can be achieved, but significant trauma, complications, and lengthy recovery period occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical open-chest surgical system with a minimally invasive percutaneous system. A catheter-based delivery device is inserted through a small puncture in the left ventricular apex, eliminating the need for sternotomy and thoracic cavity opening. The delivery device mechanically delivers artificial chordae tendineae to the mitral valve leaflet through the ventricular wall, achieving valve repair without major surgical trauma.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary delivery device (catheter with needle and artificial chordae) that mediates between the operator and the target tissue. The delivery device includes a needle that penetrates the ventricular wall and positions artificial chordae at the leaflet, serving as an intermediary tool that enables minimally invasive access to the heart valve without requiring direct surgical exposure.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If existing minimally invasive methods are used, then reduced trauma is achieved, but they are not suitable for beating heart repairs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs preliminary action by capturing the mitral valve leaflet before delivering the artificial chordae. The delivery device includes a leaflet capture mechanism that secures the target tissue in advance, providing stability and precision during the subsequent chordae delivery process. This preliminary capture enables accurate positioning and suture placement on the beating heart without requiring cardiac arrest.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates dynamic elements that adapt to the beating heart environment. The delivery device includes flexible components and adjustable mechanisms that can accommodate cardiac motion and deformation. The needle and artificial chordae delivery system is designed to function effectively during cardiac cycles, allowing the device to adapt its position and orientation as the heart beats.
3Manufacturing precision
If a capture mechanism with asymmetric cross-section is used, then precise suture placement is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry in the capture mechanism design. The delivery device features an asymmetric cross-sectional geometry at the distal end, with different dimensions in radial and axial directions. This asymmetric design provides enhanced engagement with the leaflet tissue, enabling precise capture and stable positioning during suture placement. The asymmetric shape allows for directional control and accurate orientation of the artificial chordae relative to the leaflet attachment point.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for performing minimally invasive repair of mitral valve leaflets in a beating heart through the delivery and implantation of artificial chordae tendineae includes a handle for positioning the device into a chest cavity of the patient, a capture assembly adapted to capture a valve leaflet between distal an proximal tip portions, a needle adapted to penetrate the valve leaflet, and a capture confirmation system for verifying capture of the valve leaflet between the distal and proximal tip portions.