Mitral Valve Prosthesis Partial Covering for Prolapse Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical treatments for mitral valve incompetence, such as mitral valve replacement and repair, face challenges with long-term durability and require complex procedures, while existing mitral annuloplasty fixes the posterior leaflet in a closed position, limiting the natural opening and closing mechanism of the mitral valve.
Innovation Solution
A valve prosthesis with a tubular member configured for deployment in the mitral valve annulus, featuring radially outward fastening mechanisms to attach to cardiac tissue above and below the annulus, and a dynamically adjustable partial covering to simulate a fixed or mobile posterior mitral leaflet, preventing prolapse of the anterior leaflet during systole.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mitral valve replacement is performed, then valvular competence is achieved, but long-term durability is poor and anticoagulation is required
Solution Approach 1:
The valve prosthesis is divided into multiple functional segments: a tubular member for annular support, fastening mechanisms for secure attachment, and a partial covering for leaflet simulation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the partial covering providing durable structural support while the fastening mechanisms ensure reliable fixation, thereby improving long-term durability without sacrificing valvular competence
Solution Approach 2:
The partial covering is strategically positioned to cover only the posterior mitral leaflet region, providing localized structural support and durability where needed most, while leaving the anterior leaflet and other regions to function naturally. This local application of structural reinforcement achieves long-term durability without requiring full valve replacement
2Reliability
If mitral annuloplasty is performed, then valvular competence is improved, but the natural opening and closing mechanism is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The partial covering provides structural support and annular reinforcement only in the posterior region where it is most needed, rather than encircling the entire annulus. This partial action maintains valvular competence by supporting the posterior leaflet while deliberately leaving the anterior region and natural opening/closing mechanism unrestricted, allowing physiological motion to be preserved
Solution Approach 2:
The valve prosthesis is designed to be dynamically adjustable, allowing the partial covering to adapt to the natural opening and closing motions of the mitral valve. The structure provides support during systole when the valve closes, while permitting full range of motion during diastole when the valve opens, thus maintaining both valvular competence and natural mechanics
3Reliability
If a fixed posterior leaflet is created, then prolapse prevention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the essential function of posterior leaflet support needed to prevent prolapse, rather than creating a complete fixed posterior leaflet structure. The partial covering provides the minimum necessary structural reinforcement in the posterior region to prevent prolapse during systole, while avoiding the complexity of a full artificial leaflet mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The partial covering is designed as a flexible, thin-walled structure that provides structural support for prolapse prevention while maintaining flexibility to accommodate natural valve motion. This thin-film approach achieves reliable prolapse prevention without the mechanical complexity of rigid or multi-component fixation systems
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides valve prostheses and methods of installation. One embodiment of the prosthesis has a generally tubular body adapted for placement proximate a mitral annulus. The tubular body has a generally tubular upper portion adapted to substantially reside in the left atrium above the mitral annulus. The generally tubular upper portion has a first circumferential wall that is outwardly biased to urge against cardiac tissue of the left atrium. The tubular body also includes a lower portion extending downwardly from the generally tubular upper portion, the lower portion being configured to substantially reside in the left ventricle below the mitral annulus. The lower portion of this embodiment can be defined by an generally circumferential wall that extends downwardly from the generally tubular upper portion. The generally circumferential wall has a first circumferential end and a second circumferential end, and defines a circumferential extent therebetween.