Cardiac Tissue Compression Anchors for Beating-Heart HCM Treatment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing treatments for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), such as surgical procedures and alcohol ablation, are unpredictable and can cause adverse effects, and it is difficult to assess the efficacy of these treatments before completion.

Innovation Solution

A cardiac device comprising anchoring elements attached to opposite sides of a thickened tissue wall, with a cinching mechanism to compress the tissue and create a channel for improved blood flow, which can be delivered via a transcatheter procedure on a beating heart.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If surgical procedures or alcohol ablation are used to treat hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, then tissue reduction can be achieved, but the treatment becomes unpredictable and may cause adverse effects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue reduction precisionVSAvoidtreatment predictability

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The treatment is divided into discrete, controllable steps: first anchoring element placement, then second anchoring element placement, followed by incremental cinching device tightening. This segmentation allows real-time assessment and controlled tissue reduction, eliminating the unpredictability of conventional methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cinching device provides dynamic, adjustable compression force that can be incrementally increased and immediately assessed. The force is not fixed but can be modulated in real-time based on tissue response, allowing precise control over the reduction process and immediate correction if adverse effects occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If surgical procedures are performed to assess treatment efficacy, then results can be evaluated, but the procedure must be completed before assessment is possible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficacy assessment accuracyVSAvoidtime to efficacy assessment

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The anchoring elements are positioned and the cinching device is attached before any significant tissue reduction occurs. This preliminary setup allows for real-time monitoring and assessment during the compression process, rather than waiting until the procedure is complete. Efficacy can be assessed incrementally as compression is applied.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If conventional treatment methods are used, then tissue reduction can be achieved, but damage to heart structures may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue reduction controlVSAvoiddamage to heart structures

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The compression force is applied locally at specific anchoring points rather than diffusely across the heart structure. The first and second anchoring elements create localized compression zones that can be precisely controlled, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue while effectively reducing the hypertrophic portion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The anchoring elements are securely positioned in the tissue before compression begins, creating stable anchor points that distribute forces evenly. This preliminary anchoring prevents unpredictable tissue displacement or damage during the compression process, cushioning against harmful effects before they can occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 device allows for effective reduction of tissue thickness, creating a channel for enhanced blood flow without surgical intervention, enabling real-time efficacy assessment and minimizing damage to heart structures.

Implementation Method 1

a cinching device configured to attach to the first anchoring element and the second anchoring element and apply force to the first anchoring element to move the first anchoring element towards the second anchoring element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

The first anchoring element may comprise one or more mini anchors configured to engage the tissue wall to prevent rotation of the first anchoring element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 3

The locking mechanism may be configured to fit into the helical groove to lock the cinching device in place

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentUS12419751B2Tissue compression anchors

Publication Date: 2025.09.23 EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES CORP

AI summary

A cardiac device comprises a first anchoring element configured to be attached to a first side of a tissue wall, a second anchoring element configured to be attached to a second side of the tissue wall, and a cinching device. The cinching device is configured to attach to the first anchoring element and the second anchoring element and apply force to the first anchoring element to move the first anchoring element towards the second anchoring element and at least partially compress the tissue wall.