Coiled Annuloplasty Device for Secure Commissure Fixation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing annuloplasty implants face challenges in achieving correct positioning and secure fixation at the heart valve, leading to insufficient suturing strength, time-consuming procedures, and increased patient risk due to traumatic effects from inadequate fixation.

Innovation Solution

An annuloplasty device with first and second support rings arranged as coils on opposite sides of heart valve leaflets, featuring a transition section at the commissure, and retention units for secure anchoring, utilizing shape-memory materials for improved fit and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If suturing devices are used for annuloplasty implant positioning, then fixation can be achieved, but the procedure becomes very time-consuming and suturing strength is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixation strengthVSAvoidimplantation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical suturing system with a self-expanding frame structure that achieves fixation through radial expansion and engagement with the annulus tissue, eliminating the need for time-consuming suturing operations while providing reliable mechanical anchoring

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The frame is pre-configured in a compressed delivery state that allows for rapid deployment, with the expansion mechanism pre-loaded to automatically engage the annulus upon deployment, eliminating the need for step-by-step suturing during the procedure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If clips are used for positioning annuloplasty implants, then fixation can be achieved, but fixation reliability is insufficient especially for helix rings

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixation reliabilityVSAvoidfixation structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The frame is divided into multiple discrete elements or struts that can independently engage the annulus tissue, distributing the fixation load across multiple points and providing reliable anchoring for complex helix ring configurations without requiring overly complex clip mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The frame structure utilizes three-dimensional spatial configuration with elements extending in multiple directions from the central axis, providing fixation in multiple dimensions simultaneously and achieving reliable anchoring without complex clip-based mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Manufacturing precision

If fixation structure is made more complex to ensure correct position, then positioning accuracy improves, but traumatic effects increase and long-term stability is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidtraumatic effects

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The frame incorporates flexible, biocompatible material construction that allows for conforming to the natural anatomy of the annulus without requiring aggressive or traumatic fixation methods, achieving precise positioning through material flexibility rather than structural complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The frame elements are designed with curved or rounded geometries that conform to the natural curvature of the heart annulus, enabling precise positioning through geometric compatibility with anatomical structures rather than through complex fixation mechanisms that would cause trauma

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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

Facilitates secure, long-term fixation of the annuloplasty device with reduced risk of anatomical damage and increased retention force, enabling less complex and time-consuming implantation.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing shape-memory materials for improved fit and stability

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShape Memory: Shape Memory Alloy

Data Source

PatentUS12357461B2Annuloplasty device

Publication Date: 2025.07.15 MEDTENTIA INTERNATIONAL LTD OY(FI)

AI summary

An annuloplasty device is disclosed comprising first and second support rings having a coiled configuration, and respective first and second retention units, the first support ring transitions to the second support ring over a transition section, the transition section is adapted to be arranged at a commissure of the heart valve leaflets, the first and second support rings extend in respective first and second coil planes being essentially perpendicular to the central axis, the transition section bends at least partly along the central axis so that the first coil plane is separated a distance from the second coil plane along the central axis at the transition section.