Pericardial Anchor Deployment Through Narrow Heart Wall Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a more secure anchoring system for medical devices in the chambers of the heart, as existing methods often rely on embedding anchors in the myocardium, which may not provide sufficient stability.
Innovation Solution
An anchoring system comprising an anchor and a tether, where the anchor is advanced through a narrow access channel in the heart wall and expanded into the pericardial space to secure the device, with methods involving guidewires, catheters, and needle catheters to facilitate deployment and anchoring in the pericardial space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an anchor is embedded in the myocardium using existing methods, then the device can be anchored in the heart chamber, but the anchoring stability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The anchoring system is divided into distinct components: a delivery catheter for access, an anchor device with deployable elements, and a tether for securing. This segmentation allows the anchor to be delivered through a narrow catheter in a compressed state and then deployed in the pericardial space to achieve stable anchoring without requiring complex surgical procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor device is nested within the delivery catheter in a low-profile configuration during delivery. The anchor elements are contained within the catheter lumen, allowing passage through narrow access channels. Upon deployment, the anchor expands from this nested state to a larger profile in the pericardial space, achieving stable anchoring while maintaining ease of delivery
2Reliability
If an anchor is expanded to a larger size for secure anchoring, then the anchoring stability improves, but the anchor cannot pass through narrow access channels
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor device transitions dynamically between two states: a compressed low-profile state for delivery through narrow catheters and access channels, and an expanded high-profile state for stable anchoring in the pericardial space. This dynamic transformation is achieved through deployable elements that can be actuated after delivery, allowing the anchor to adapt its size to the requirements of different stages of the procedure
Solution Approach 2:
The physical parameters of the anchor, particularly its size and shape, are changed between delivery and deployment phases. The anchor is delivered in a compressed configuration with reduced dimensions that fit within the catheter, then expanded to a larger configuration in the pericardial space to achieve stable anchoring. This parameter change resolves the contradiction between passability and anchoring stability
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
Various aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward apparatuses, systems, and methods for cardiac device anchoring and more specifically to accessing and anchoring in the pericardial space.