Ring-Based Prosthetic Cardiac Valve with Artificial Chordae
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current prosthetic heart valve technologies face challenges in mimicking native heart valve functionality, particularly for mitral and tricuspid valves, due to their complex anatomical structures, leading to complications and underutilization in replacement surgeries.
Innovation Solution
The development of ring-based prosthetic cardiac valve assemblies that include an annuloplasty ring with tissue-attached valve leaflets and artificial chordae tendineae, which are anchored to native papillary muscles, allowing for secure attachment and function similar to native valves, either by partial or complete removal of native structures, or by integration with existing tissue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional prosthetic heart valves are used to replace mitral or tricuspid valves, then valve replacement can be performed, but the complex anatomical structures of these valves make it difficult to mimic native valve functionality, leading to complications and underutilization
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthetic valve is divided into separate components: an annuloplasty ring that reconstructs the valve annulus, valve leaflets that mimic native leaflet structure, and artificial chordae tendineae that replicate the tendon structure. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function, improving overall reliability while managing complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The annuloplasty ring serves as an intermediary structure that provides a stable foundation for attaching the valve leaflets and artificial chordae tendineae to the native heart tissue. This intermediary component bridges the gap between the prosthetic valve components and the native anatomy, enabling reliable functionality without requiring complete removal of native structures
2Reliability
If native valve structures are completely removed and replaced with prosthetic components, then valve replacement is achieved, but secure attachment and prevention of prolapse become challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The annuloplasty ring is pre-formed with attachment mechanisms and geometric configurations that are optimized for securing the valve leaflets and artificial chordae tendineae before implantation. This preliminary preparation ensures secure attachment and proper positioning during implantation, reducing intraoperative complexity while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The prosthetic valve components are nested within each other in a hierarchical structure: the annuloplasty ring forms the outer framework, valve leaflets are attached to the ring, and artificial chordae tendineae connect the leaflets to the native papillary muscles. This nested arrangement ensures secure attachment while simplifying the implantation process through integrated design
3Reliability
If prosthetic valve leaflets are anchored to native papillary muscles using artificial chordae tendineae, then prolapse is prevented and long-term functionality is improved, but the implantation procedure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment of artificial chordae tendineae to native papillary muscles is combined with the implantation of the annuloplasty ring and valve leaflets into a single integrated procedure. This merging of steps, while maintaining the necessary complexity for secure anchoring, reduces the overall number of separate procedures and improves long-term functionality through proper positioning
Data Source
AI summary
A prosthetic cardiac valve assembly and method of implanting the same is disclosed. In certain disclosed embodiments, the prosthetic valve assembly is an annuloplasty ring with an attached artificial valve. The prosthetic valve assembly can be secured to native heart tissue by suturing or other suitable method of the annuloplasty ring to the native heart tissue. The prosthetic valve leaflets of the prosthetic valve can also be anchored to the native heart tissue to prevent prolapse. In certain embodiments, the prosthetic valve leaflets are anchored to the native papillary muscles. In still other embodiments, the prosthetic valve assembly contains exactly the number of prosthetic valve leaflets as are in the native valve that the prosthetic valve assembly is configured to replace. With the prosthetic valve assembly properly positioned, it will replace the function of the native valve.