Transcatheter Leaflet Securing Device for Mitral Valve Obstruction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) often leads to left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction due to static and dynamic obstructions, particularly in cases with native mitral annular calcification, valve-in-ring, and valve-in-valve procedures, resulting in high mortality rates and exclusion of patients from treatment.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a grasping mechanism that secures the native mitral valve's leaflet to a prosthetic component via transcatheter means, utilizing a first grasping component to grab chordae tendineae and a second grasping component to anchor the leaflet to a prosthetic component, such as a stent, to prevent LVOT obstruction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a mitral valve prosthesis is implanted to replace the native mitral valve, then valve function is restored, but LVOT obstruction occurs due to static and dynamic forces pushing the anterior leaflet toward the interventricular septum

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve functionVSAvoidLVOT obstruction

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and removes the problematic anterior mitral leaflet that causes LVOT obstruction when pushed by the prosthesis. By selectively removing this leaflet while preserving the chordae tendineae and other valve structures, the device eliminates the source of obstruction while maintaining necessary valve function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention segments the mitral valve into functional components, selectively addressing only the anterior leaflet that causes obstruction. The device distinguishes between the problematic leaflet tissue and the functional chordae tendineae, allowing differential treatment - removing the leaflet while preserving the chordae for potential reattachment to a new annulus.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the anterior mitral leaflet is long with redundant chordae, then the valve may prolapse back into the transcatheterly-implanted mitral valve interfering with closure, but aggressive resection risks damaging functional chordae tendineae

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve closure functionVSAvoidleaflet resection precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses the chordae tendineae as an intermediary structure to guide and control the resection process. By targeting the attachment points of the chordae rather than blindly resecting leaflet tissue, the device achieves precise removal of redundant leaflet while automatically preserving the functional chordae that are critical for valve closure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The chordae tendineae serve as self-identifying landmarks that guide the resection process. The redundant nature of the chordae provides a built-in safety mechanism where excess chordal tissue can be removed without compromising function, while essential chordae are naturally protected by their functional importance and anatomical positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If transcatheter means are used to access the mitral valve, then minimally invasive benefits are achieved, but precise manipulation and securing of leaflet components becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess methodVSAvoidleaflet positioning precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces complex mechanical manipulation of the anterior leaflet with a simpler system that works through the interatrial septum. Instead of requiring precise transseptal catheter navigation and manual leaflet manipulation, the device uses a more direct mechanical approach that secures the posterior leaflet and chordae through a less technically demanding access route.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20220273434A1Device for transcatheter grabbing and securing a native mitral valve leaflet to a prosthesis

Publication Date: 2022.09.01 RGT UNIV OF CALIFORNIA

AI summary

The present invention is directed to a device for first grabbing, and then securing the native atrioventricular valve's leaflet to a prosthesis via transcatheter means. The present invention features a grasping device for securing a leaflet component of a native mitral valve. The leaflet component comprises a leaflet and chordae tendineae associated with the. In some embodiments, the device may comprise a first grasping component configured to grab chordae tendineae of said native mitral leaflet component, and a second grasping component configured to anchor the native mitral leaflet component to a prosthetic component. In some embodiments, the first grasping component may comprise at least one grasping arm configured to transition from a non-extended state to an extended state to a grasping state. In some embodiments, the second grasping component may comprise a hook disposed at a distal end of the device capable of anchoring to the prosthetic component.