Open-Ended Aortic Annuloplasty Ring with Variable Elasticity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aortic annuloplasty rings have limitations in expansibility and compliance, failing to adequately support and stabilize the aortic valve due to materials that are less compliant than native tissue and limited radial expansion capacity, which does not align with the dynamic expansion of the aortic annulus during the cardiac cycle.
Innovation Solution
The development of open-ended aortic annuloplasty rings with elastic core members and outer sheath layers featuring non-uniform cross-sections and varying elastic properties along the perimeter, designed to mimic the asymmetric dynamics of the aortic root, allowing for improved support and stabilization of the aortic valve by increasing thickness in segments that need more support and using materials like silicone and polyester fabric for enhanced flexibility and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional aortic annuloplasty rings are used, then structural support is provided, but compliance and expansibility are insufficient compared to native tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The annuloplasty ring combines an elastic core member (providing structural support) with an outer fabric layer (providing compliance and tissue-like properties). This composite structure resolves the contradiction by integrating materials with complementary properties - the elastic core maintains ring shape and provides strength, while the fabric layer enables compliance and radial expansion similar to native tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring features non-uniform cross-sections with varying thickness and elastic properties at different segments. This allows specific regions to have different compliance characteristics, enabling the ring to adapt to the asymmetric dynamics of the aortic root while maintaining overall structural integrity. The local variation in material properties resolves the contradiction between uniform strength and localized compliance.
2Ease of manufacture
If uniform cross-section rings are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but asymmetric dynamics of aortic root cannot be accommodated
Solution Approach 1:
The ring incorporates non-uniform cross-sections with varying thickness and elastic properties at different segments to match the asymmetric dynamics of the aortic root. This allows the device to adapt to physiological variations in different regions while remaining manufacturable through techniques like 3D printing or selective material deposition, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and physiological adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring is divided into multiple sections with different elastic properties along its perimeter, allowing each segment to respond independently to local physiological demands. This segmentation enables the ring to accommodate asymmetric aortic root dynamics while maintaining overall structural coherence and manufacturability through modular construction approaches.
3Adaptability or versatility
If highly compliant materials are used, then tissue-like flexibility is achieved, but structural stability and durability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The combination of elastic core material (providing structural stability) and outer fabric layer (providing tissue-like flexibility) resolves the contradiction. The elastic core maintains structural integrity and ring shape, while the fabric layer provides compliance and radial expansion capability similar to native tissue, achieving both durability and flexibility simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer fabric layer acts as a flexible shell that provides tissue-like compliance and radial expansion while the elastic core provides structural support. This shell structure enables the ring to exhibit flexible, tissue-like behavior on the outer surface while maintaining internal structural stability, resolving the contradiction between flexibility and durability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
These rings provide improved support and stabilization of the aortic valve, matching the native aortic root's dynamic expansion, reducing the need for extensive surgery and maintaining the natural dynamics of the aortic valve, with demonstrated acceptable expansibility and targeted support to specific segments of the aortic annulus.
Implementation Method 1
the elastic core member comprises at least two sections comprising different elastic properties along the perimeter of the ring
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention concerns an external aortic annuloplasty ring for positioning around the circumference of an aortic valve for external aortic root repair or stabilization of the annulus to support the aortic valve, wherein the ring is open-ended and thereby having two opposite open ends, wherein the ring comprises at least two sections with different elastic properties along the perimeter of the ring, and wherein said opposite open ends are suitable for being joined together, such as by suturing, so as to form a closed ring around the aortic root. The invention further concerns a method for manufacturing such a ring.