Percutaneous Leaflet Clip With Axial Arm Deployment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional leaflet clips for treating heart valve insufficiency are difficult to implant, can damage associated valve structures, and are often limited to use with a single type of heart valve.
Innovation Solution
A leaflet clip with an elongated member and movable clipping arms, facilitated by a tubular member, allows for axial motion to transition between open and closed positions, enabling secure capture of valve leaflets and remodeling of the annulus, with a delivery system for precise implantation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional leaflet clips are used to treat heart valve insufficiency, then leaflet coaptation is improved, but the clips are difficult to implant and can damage associated valve structures
Solution Approach 1:
The clipping arms are nested within the delivery catheter in a compressed state during implantation. The distal ends of the clipping arms are positioned within the catheter lumen, allowing the entire clip assembly to be delivered through a minimally invasive percutaneous approach and then deployed at the target site.
Solution Approach 2:
The clipping arms are designed to be movable between a compressed configuration (for delivery and positioning) and an expanded configuration (for capturing leaflets). This dynamic transformation allows the clip to transition from a low-profile delivery state to an active clipping state, improving ease of implantation while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If conventional leaflet clips are used to improve coaptation, then regurgitation is reduced, but the clips can damage chordae and other valve structures
Solution Approach 1:
The clipping arms are designed with specific local characteristics: the distal ends have a rounded or tapered configuration to minimize stress concentration and prevent penetration of delicate structures like chordae. The arms are positioned to engage only the leaflet tissue at the commissural region, avoiding contact with underlying supportive structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The clipping arms are designed to capture only the necessary portion of the leaflet tissue required to achieve coaptation, without excessive compression that could damage underlying structures. The clip applies sufficient force to secure the leaflets together while distributing the load to avoid focal points of stress that could harm chordae.
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional leaflet clips are designed for specific valve types, then implantation precision is improved, but the clips are limited to use with a single type of heart valve
Solution Approach 1:
The clipping arm assembly is designed with adjustable characteristics including variable arm length, adjustable distal end configurations, and flexible positioning mechanisms that allow the same basic clip design to be adapted to different valve types (mitral, aortic, tricuspid, pulmonary) and anatomical variations while maintaining implantation precision through proper positioning and deployment techniques.
Data Source
AI summary
Valve repair systems and clips attachable to one or more leaflets of a heart valve. The systems and clips can have center member, first and second clipping arms, and a tubular member. The first and second clipping arms are movable between an open position and a closed position. The clipping arms including respective first end portions coupled together and respective second end portions extendable axially and radially outward. The tubular member is disposed about the first end portion of the center member and first end portions of the first and second clipping arms. Axial motion of the tubular member relative to the center member or axial motion of the center member relative to the tubular member causes corresponding movement of the clipping arms between the open and closed positions. Other implementations are also disclosed.