Linear Electrode Array for Mitral Valve Pre-Excitation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mitral and tricuspid regurgitation, characterized by abnormal backflow of blood due to improper closure of valve leaflets, poses significant challenges in heart function, leading to complications like pulmonary edema and reduced systemic perfusion, often requiring surgical intervention.
Innovation Solution
Electrical stimulation is applied to a region of the ventricle near the mitral or tricuspid valve to pre-excite the area during early ventricular systole, using a linear electrode array to ensure uniform stimulation, thereby preventing or reducing regurgitation by altering the contraction patterns and tethering forces on the valve leaflets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If surgical intervention is used to treat mitral regurgitation, then the regurgitation can be corrected, but the patient faces surgical risks and recovery time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical surgical intervention with electrical stimulation therapy. Instead of physically repairing or replacing the mitral valve through surgery, the invention uses electrical signals delivered via electrode arrays to modify ventricular contraction patterns, thereby preventing regurgitation through physiological modulation rather than mechanical correction
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the timing parameters of ventricular contraction through paced stimulation. By delivering electrical impulses at specific intervals (pre-excitation timing), the ventricular myocardium contracts in a modified sequence that improves mitral valve coaptation, effectively treating regurgitation by altering temporal parameters of cardiac function rather than structural parameters
2Productivity
If conventional pacing is used, then ventricular contraction is stimulated, but uniform stimulation of the pre-excited region is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the pacing function into multiple independent electrodes arranged in arrays along the ventricular wall. Instead of using a single pacing site, multiple electrodes can be activated simultaneously or in programmed sequences, allowing segmented control of the stimulation front and achieving more uniform pre-excitation across the target region
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from point-source pacing to distributed linear or two-dimensional electrode arrays. This dimensional expansion allows the stimulation field to be distributed across a larger area of the ventricular myocardium, creating a more uniform activation pattern that improves contraction efficiency and prevents regurgitation more effectively
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
This method effectively lessens or prevents mitral regurgitation by ensuring proper coaptation of valve leaflets, potentially delaying the need for surgical intervention and improving cardiac output.
Implementation Method 1
pacing stimulation is provided to a region of the ventricle in proximity to the mitral or tricuspid valve apparatus in a manner which pre-excites the region during early ventricular systole
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus are disclosed for treating mitral regurgitation with electrical stimulation. By providing pacing stimulation to a region of the left ventricle in proximity to the mitral valve apparatus in a manner which pre-excites the region during early ventricular systole, a beneficial effect is obtained which can prevent or reduce the extent of mitral regurgitation.