Mitral Valve Docking Device Anchoring via Segmented Coil

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current anchoring devices for replacing mitral valves face challenges due to the anatomical differences between the mitral and aortic valves, making it difficult to securely implant replacement mitral valves non-invasively, and existing solutions risk paravalvular leakage and migration into the ventricle.

Innovation Solution

A docking device with a hypotube coil design, featuring varying cuts and pitches, and an actuating wire system, allows for secure anchoring and maneuverability to fit non-circular anatomies, reducing the risk of paravalvular leakage and migration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If current percutaneously delivered valves designed for aortic valve replacement are used in mitral valve annulus, then the valve can be deployed, but the delivery profile becomes too large making endovascular delivery dangerous and difficult to navigate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevalve deployment capabilityVSAvoiddelivery profile diameter
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The anchoring device is divided into multiple functional segments including a distal anchor portion, a central region with radial expansion capability, and a proximal region. This segmentation allows each segment to perform specific functions: the distal anchor provides initial positioning, the central region expands to engage the mitral annulus, and the proximal region connects to the delivery system, thereby achieving secure anchoring while maintaining a navigable delivery profile.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The anchoring device is designed to be nested within the delivery catheter in a compressed state during delivery, similar to a nested doll structure. The device can be collapsed to a small profile for navigation through the vasculature and then expanded at the target site to achieve its full functional size for secure anchoring in the mitral valve annulus.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If self expanding stents are used to anchor the valve, then the valve becomes anchored to the valve annulus, but the stent may occlude the left ventricle outflow tract for the adjacent aortic valve

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanchoring stabilityVSAvoidoutflow tract occlusion risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The anchoring device incorporates localized engagement features specifically designed to interact with the mitral annulus geometry without extending into the left ventricle outflow tract. The radial expansion mechanism is constrained to engage only the annular tissue at the appropriate depth, providing reliable anchoring while avoiding harmful occlusion of the adjacent aortic valve outflow tract through precise local control of the expansion zone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If traditional anchoring devices are used in the mitral valve annulus, then anchoring is attempted, but the thinner and wider mitral valve annulus makes it difficult to properly seat the replacement valve

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevalve seating securityVSAvoidvalve implantation difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The anchoring device incorporates a dynamic radial expansion mechanism that allows it to adapt to the thinner and wider mitral valve annulus geometry. The device transitions from a compressed delivery state to an expanded anchored state, with the expansion force distributed radially to engage the annular tissue securely. This dynamic adaptation enables proper valve seating in the challenging mitral annulus anatomy without requiring complex manual positioning techniques.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4699573A2Docking station for heart valve prosthesis
Publication Date: 2026.02.25 EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES CORP
  • EP4699573A2 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4699573A2 patent drawingFigure 2A~2D
  • EP4699573A2 patent drawingFigure 2E~2F

AI summary

An anchoring device that can be positioned within a native valve, such as the native mitral valve, to secure a replacement prosthetic valve in place. The anchoring device can comprise a docking Station formed of an elastic tube-like member defining a generally coiled shape. The docking Station can have an atrial or stabilization turn, a leading or encircling turn, and a central region. In many embodiments, the docking device possess a plurality of cuts on opposing sides of the tube-like member to allow biasing of the member.