Segmented Annuloplasty Device with Pawl Locking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current treatments for functional mitral regurgitation, such as annuloplasty rings, face challenges in effectively reducing annular dimensions and preventing migration of the annuloplasty ring during post-procedural annular dilation.

Innovation Solution

An annuloplasty device with a plurality of segments, each having first and second ends, a flexible body, a pawl at the second end, and a plurality of teeth, forming a closed loop, along with a pull wire securely attached to the segments, allows for selective plication of annulus tissue and prevents ring migration by forming a locked loop configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a traditional annuloplasty ring is used to reduce annular dimensions, then the circumference and septal-lateral diameter can be reduced, but the ring may migrate during post-procedural annular dilation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveannular dimension reductionVSAvoidring migration prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The annuloplasty ring is divided into multiple segments that can be independently adjusted and locked. Each segment includes teeth and pawls that engage with adjacent segments to form a locked configuration, preventing migration while allowing precise control over annular dimension reduction at each location

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The annuloplasty ring transitions from a static structure to a dynamic system where segments can be selectively adjusted during deployment. The pull wire allows real-time modification of segment positions and locking states, enabling the ring to adapt to annular dilation while maintaining reduced dimensions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If selective plication of annulus tissue is implemented, then tailored treatment can be achieved, but procedural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveselective tissue plicationVSAvoidprocedural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The annuloplasty ring is divided into multiple segments that can be independently adjusted and locked. Each segment includes teeth and pawls that engage with adjacent segments to form a locked configuration, preventing migration while allowing precise control over annular dimension reduction at each location

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The annuloplasty device utilizes the patient's own tissue and the mechanical engagement of teeth with pawls to achieve selective plication. The pull wire system allows the surgeon to control which segments engage and lock, enabling tailored treatment without requiring complex external mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4026519A1Segmented annular reduction systems and methods
Publication Date: 2022.07.13 MEDTRONIC INC
  • EP4026519A1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4026519A1 patent drawingFigure 1C~2
  • EP4026519A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Aspects include a system that includes an annuloplasty device having a plurality of segments. Each segment includes first and second ends, a flexible body, a pawl at the second end, and a plurality of teeth positioned along the body. At least ones of the pawls and teeth are engaged in a manner such that the plurality of segments form a closed loop. The system can further include a pull wire releasably secured to at least one of the plurality of segments. Methods of reducing dimensions of an annulus, such as a mitral valve annulus, using the systems of the disclosure are also disclosed.