Mitral Valve Coaptation Element for Catheter-Based Leaflet Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing treatments for mitral valve regurgitation, such as pharmacological therapies and invasive surgical procedures, are inadequate due to patient compliance issues, invasiveness, high costs, and reliance on surgical skill, while existing minimally invasive implants face challenges in sealing and fatigue failure during heartbeats.
Innovation Solution
A coaptation assistance element that remains within the blood flow path, conformable, and extends laterally across the valve opening, enhancing leaflet coaptation without disrupting anatomy, deployable via a less-invasive approach using a delivery catheter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If pharmacological therapies are used to treat mitral valve regurgitation, then treatment options are provided, but patient compliance is poor and side effects occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces pharmacological therapy with a mechanical device (coaptation assistance element) that physically enhances leaflet coaptation. The device provides structural support to the valve leaflets during systole, ensuring proper sealing without relying on patient compliance with medications.
2Reliability
If open-heart surgery is performed to repair or replace the mitral valve, then effective treatment is achieved, but invasiveness and surgical skill dependency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the valve treatment function into a separate coaptation assistance element that can be deployed independently through a catheter, rather than requiring complete valve replacement or complex open-heart surgery. The device addresses only the coaptation function while leaving the rest of the valve anatomy intact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a coaptation assistance element as an intermediary device between the delivery catheter and the valve leaflets. This intermediary provides the necessary mechanical support to enhance coaptation without requiring direct surgical manipulation of the valve itself.
3Ease of operation
If existing minimally invasive implants are used, then invasiveness is reduced, but sealing effectiveness and fatigue resistance during heartbeats are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing targeted support specifically at the coaptation zone where the leaflets meet during systole. The coaptation assistance element is positioned to locally enhance sealing in the critical area without interfering with the overall valve anatomy or requiring extensive surgical manipulation.
4Reliability
If complex surgical procedures are performed, then valve repair is achieved, but costs and surgical skill requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the coaptation assistance element to be deployed and adjusted through a catheter-based system that can be manipulated through the vasculature, eliminating the need for complex open-heart surgery. The device self-positions and provides continuous coaptation support without requiring sophisticated surgical skills or expensive operating room infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for use in the transcatheter treatment of mitral valve regurgitation, specifically a coaptation assistance element for implantation across the valve; a system including the coaptation assistance element and anchors for implantation; a system including the coaptation assistance element and delivery catheter; and a method for transcatheter implantation of a coaptation element across a heart valve.