Magnetic Annuloplasty Prosthesis Holder
Solution Overview
Problem
Current annuloplasty device holders are cumbersome and require the use of sharp instruments to release the prosthesis, which can be risky and lead to entanglement issues with sutures, and they often necessitate large inventories of sizers and holders due to varying heart valve annulus sizes.
Innovation Solution
A tool with jaws that can be transitioned between open and closed states, allowing for suture-less attachment and release of the annuloplasty prosthesis, and a suture management device to maintain sutures, eliminating the need for sharp instruments and reducing inventory needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional annuloplasty device holders are used to secure the prosthesis during implantation, then the prosthesis can be held stable, but sharp instruments are required to release the prosthesis which creates safety risks and potential entanglement issues with sutures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical suture-tying and knife-cutting system with a magnetic field-based attachment and release system. The prosthesis holder incorporates a magnet that magnetically attaches to a ferromagnetic material in the prosthesis during implantation, and the same magnetic field enables simple release by removing the holder, eliminating the need for sharp instruments and complex suture manipulation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sizers and holders are maintained in inventory to accommodate varying heart valve annulus sizes, then appropriate sizing can be achieved, but device inventory complexity and storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the prosthesis holder with a universal magnetic attachment mechanism that can accommodate multiple prosthesis sizes through a single device. The holder includes a magnet that can magnetically attach to ferromagnetic materials of varying sizes and shapes, eliminating the need for multiple specialized holders for different annulus sizes while maintaining precise sizing capability.
3Ease of operation
If sutures are managed in separate suture holding devices located away from the surgical field, then suture organization can be maintained, but suture entanglement occurs and corresponding segments become difficult to identify
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the suture management function directly into the prosthesis holder by incorporating a suture spool with the magnetic attachment mechanism. The suture is wound on the spool and passes through the holder, allowing the surgeon to manage sutures at the surgical site without separate holding devices, preventing entanglement while maintaining clear identification of suture segments through the integrated design.
Data Source
AI summary
A simplified and more easily employed tool for holding an implantable annuloplasty prosthesis during passage of sutures through the prosthesis and for conveniently and efficiently releasing the prosthesis from the tool. Separation of the implantable prosthesis and the tool may be conveniently accomplished without requiring the use of a sharp instrument. Attachment between the prosthesis and its surgical carrying tool can be accomplished in a suture-less fashion. The tool includes a suture management device in some embodiments for selectively receiving and maintaining sutures otherwise securing the prosthesis to tissue.