Mitral Valve Repair Reference Elements for Neocord Length
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for repairing mitral valve prolapse using artificial chordae tendineae face challenges in determining the optimal length of neocords and securely attaching them to the native valve leaflets, leading to inconsistent and unreliable results.
Innovation Solution
A prosthetic device with reference elements that establish the proper length of neocords by extending within the annuloplasty device's lumen, allowing for accurate attachment and preventing knot slippage, which are then removed or cut away, ensuring reliable and reproducible results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If neocords are used to replace defective chordae tendineae, then the function of the native chordae is restored, but determining the optimal length and secure attachment to leaflets becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an annuloplasty device with reference elements as an intermediary tool during the repair procedure. These reference elements extend into the device lumen and serve as temporary anchors that guide neocord length and provide secure attachment points. The reference elements are removed after neocord implantation, having fulfilled their mediating function in establishing proper neocord configuration.
2Measurement precision
If pre-measurement tools are used to determine neocord length, then accurate length determination is achieved, but the device complexity and procedure time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The annuloplasty device performs self-measurement by using its own structural elements (reference elements extending into the lumen) as the measurement standard. The distance from the annuloplasty ring to the reference element tips automatically establishes the correct neocord length without requiring external measurement tools or complex pre-measurement procedures.
3Strength
If knots are used to attach neocords to leaflets, then attachment is achieved, but knot slippage occurs reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The reference elements serve as intermediary anchor points that replace the need for knots in attaching neocords to the valve structure. Neocords are secured to the reference elements (which extend from the annuloplasty device) rather than requiring knots on the leaflets themselves, eliminating the slippage problem associated with traditional knotting.
Data Source
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AI summary
Described is a prosthetic device (50) and methods for repairing a mitral valve having an annulus, leaflets, and chordae tendinae. The device (50) comprises an elongate band (52) including a plurality of reference elements (54) that are located along the elongate band (52) and protrude inwardly with respect thereto towards a center of the annulus (56), the plurality of reference elements (54) being adapted to receive a corresponding plurality of artificial cords that are tied onto the reference elements (54) and the plurality of reference elements (54) adapted to be cut or removed in order to release the tied artificial cords.