Coiled Annuloplasty Ring Deployment With Thermal Line Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing annuloplasty devices face issues with less-than-optimal engagement and deployment mechanisms, leading to complicated, time-consuming procedures, increased patient risk, and reduced steerability, which complicates cardiac valve replacement and repair.
Innovation Solution
An annuloplasty system with coiled support rings and a heating element to sever a connecting line, allowing for secure implantation, easier repositioning, and a less cumbersome detachment process, enhancing maneuverability and reducing procedure time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If prior art engagement and deployment mechanisms are used, then the annuloplasty device can be delivered, but the engagement and deployment are less-than-optimal requiring exact navigation and manipulation which increases procedure time and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The annuloplasty device is pre-loaded onto the delivery device in a constrained configuration within the delivery catheter. The support rings are pre-positioned around the central axis with the line attached, ready for deployment. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex real-time navigation and manipulation during the procedure, allowing for rapid and reliable engagement and deployment at the target site.
2Reliability
If prior art deployment mechanisms are used, then the annuloplasty device can be delivered, but the mechanisms are more complex which reduces cost-effectiveness and increases device size
Solution Approach 1:
The complex engagement and deployment mechanisms are extracted from the system. Instead of using complicated mechanical locking or anchoring systems, the invention relies on the simple principle of the support rings being constrained by the delivery catheter and then released by withdrawing the catheter. The fixation is achieved through the natural elastic recoil of the support rings, eliminating the need for complex deployment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The annuloplasty device is self-deploying through the elastic recoil of the support rings. When the delivery catheter is withdrawn, the support rings automatically expand to their native configuration and self-fixate to the annulus without requiring additional mechanical engagement mechanisms. The device performs its own deployment and fixation functions, reducing overall system complexity.
3Strength
If the annuloplasty device has a larger cross-sectional profile for structural integrity, then the device is stronger, but the steerability and maneuverability during navigation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The annuloplasty device is nested within the delivery catheter in a compressed configuration during navigation. The support rings are collapsed around the central axis, creating a small profile that can easily navigate through the vasculature and reach the target site. Once deployed, the support rings expand to their full structural strength configuration, providing both steerability during delivery and structural integrity after implantation.
Solution Approach 2:
The annuloplasty device transitions dynamically between two states: a compressed, low-profile state during navigation and delivery, and an expanded, high-strength state after deployment. This dynamic transformation allows the device to adapt its characteristics based on the operational phase, achieving both steerability during delivery and structural strength after implantation.
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 system facilitates secure, efficient, and accurate implantation of annuloplasty devices with reduced complexity and risk of complications, improving surgical outcomes and patient safety.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element configured to be heated upon receiving a supply of energy, wherein the heating element is positionable to heat and sever the line upon the heating element receiving said energy
Data Source
AI summary
A system for annuloplasty is disclosed comprising an annuloplasty device comprising first and second support rings having a coiled configuration in which the first and second support rings are arranged as a coil around a central axis, wherein the first and second support rings are configured to be arranged on opposite sides of native heart valve leaflets of a heart valve, a line attached to the first and/or second support ring, and a heating element configured to be heated upon receiving a supply of energy, wherein the heating element is positionable to heat and sever the line upon the heating element receiving said energy.