Saddle-Shaped Mitral Annuloplasty Ring With Posterior Width Variation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current prosthetic annuloplasty rings often fail due to dehiscence, particularly at the posterior portion of the mitral annulus, as they do not effectively restore the normal geometry of the valve annulus and are prone to stress-related failures.
Innovation Solution
Design of saddle-shaped annuloplasty rings with a 4:3 ratio between transverse and vertical dimensions, featuring a semi-flexible core made of materials like Elgiloy or Nitinol, and an outer band with increased width in the posterior region to facilitate secure suturing, along with trigone markings for correct positioning, to mimic the natural geometry of the mitral annulus and prevent dehiscence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If rigid or semi-flexible rings are used to restore the normal shape of the mitral annulus, then the shape restoration is improved, but the risk of dehiscence increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the rigidity of different portions of the ring. The posterior portion is made more rigid to resist dehiscence in the high-stress area, while other portions maintain appropriate flexibility. This is achieved through differential cross-sectional dimensions or material properties in different regions of the ring structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetry by creating a non-uniform ring structure where the posterior portion has different mechanical properties than the anterior portion. The cross-sectional dimensions or material composition vary along the ring circumference, with the posterior region being more rigid to specifically address the dehiscence risk in that location.
2Strength
If the outer band width is increased in the posterior region to facilitate secure suturing, then the anchoring strength is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the increased outer band width specifically in the posterior region where anchoring is most critical. The width variation is localized rather than uniform, allowing enhanced suturing capability where needed while maintaining simplicity in other regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the ring into regions with different outer band widths, specifically increasing the width in the posterior portion to facilitate secure suturing. This segmentation allows targeted reinforcement without requiring the entire ring structure to be more complex.
Data Source
AI summary
A mitral annuloplasty ring with an inner core and an outer band located therearound. The ring has an anterior region, a posterior region opposite the anterior region, and two side regions therebetween. A cross-sectional width dimension of the outer band is greater in the posterior region of the ring than in the anterior region. A cross-sectional width dimension of a semi-flexible core is thinner in the anterior and posterior regions than in the side regions so that the mitral ring is more rigid in bending in the anterior-posterior direction. A tricuspid annuloplasty ring of the invention has an inner core and an outer band located therearound. The inner core has an anterior region separated across a gap from a septal region, and a posterior region. A cross-sectional width dimension of the outer band is greater in the septal region than either the anterior or posterior regions.