Flexing Delivery Catheter for Precise Mitral Valve Anchoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transcatheter techniques for implanting prosthetic heart valves do not effectively address the unique anatomy and challenges of the mitral and tricuspid valves, leading to improper valve implantation and leakage.
Innovation Solution
The present invention relates to a delivery catheter as defined in claim 1. Preferred embodiments of the delivery catheter are defined in the dependent claims.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing transcatheter techniques are used for implanting prosthetic heart valves, then the implantation process is simplified, but the unique anatomy and challenges of the mitral and tricuspid valves are not effectively addressed, leading to improper valve implantation and leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery catheter is divided into multiple functional sections: a proximal section for operator control, a mid section with flexing capabilities, and a distal section with the anchoring device. This segmentation allows each section to be optimized for its specific function while working together as an integrated system to address the unique challenges of mitral and tricuspid valve implantation
Solution Approach 2:
The delivery catheter acts as an intermediary tool that bridges the operator and the anchoring device, providing precise control and positioning capabilities. The catheter's flexible tube with controlled flexing sections serves as a mediator to navigate the complex anatomy and deliver the prosthetic valve accurately to the target location
2Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible delivery catheter is used to navigate complex cardiac anatomy, then access to mitral and tricuspid valves is improved, but control and positioning precision may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery catheter incorporates dynamic flexing capabilities through its mid section, allowing it to adapt to complex cardiac anatomy while maintaining operator control. The flexing sections can be actively manipulated to change the catheter's configuration, enabling it to navigate tortuous pathways and position the anchoring device with precision in the target valve location
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C
AI summary
A delivery catheter is in various embodiments configured to deliver an anchoring device to a native valve annulus of a patient's heart, where the anchoring device can better secure a prosthesis at the native annulus. The delivery catheter can includes a distal section that includes one or more spines or is laser cut to assume a particular shape for better facilitating delivery of the anchoring device at the implant site and can include a flexible tube, a first pull wire, and a second pull wire. The flexible tube can comprise a bore extending between the first end and the second end sized for passing the anchoring device therethrough. The distal portion can comprise a first flexing section and a second flexing section. Actuation of the first pull wire and the second pull wire can cause the flexible tube to move from a first configuration to a second configuration.