Segmented Annuloplasty Implant with Articulating Locking Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing annuloplasty implants face challenges in navigating and delivering due to a compromise between strength and flexibility, leading to difficulties in conforming to the catheter during delivery and adapting to the heart's movement, which increases patient risk and complicates valve replacement or repair procedures.
Innovation Solution
An annuloplasty implant comprising individual wires with a locking unit that allows relative movement between them, enabling easier manipulation between shapes and reducing the force required for delivery and adaptation to the heart's anatomy, while maintaining structural stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the annuloplasty ring is made strong and durable for long-term implantation, then the strength and reliability are improved, but the ability to conform to the catheter during delivery and adapt to varying anatomies deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The annuloplasty ring is divided into multiple discrete segments or links connected by articulation points, allowing the structure to flex and conform during delivery while maintaining overall structural integrity for long-term support
Solution Approach 2:
The ring incorporates dynamic articulation points that allow relative movement between segments, enabling the implant to adapt to varying anatomies and heart movements while maintaining sufficient strength through the connected segmented structure
2Strength
If the annuloplasty ring is made rigid to maintain structural stability, then the strength is improved, but the ease of delivery and manipulation to the target site deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The ring is segmented into multiple sections that can articulate relative to each other, allowing the structure to be compressed and manipulated into a low-profile delivery configuration while maintaining structural stability when deployed
Solution Approach 2:
The segmented ring structure allows the segments to nest or pack together during delivery, creating a compact low-profile configuration that is easy to deliver through catheters while maintaining the ability to expand to the functional shape at the target site
3Adaptability or versatility
If the annuloplasty ring is made flexible to adapt to varying anatomies, then the adaptability is improved, but the strength and durability for long-term implantation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented structure provides flexibility at the articulation points for adaptation while maintaining overall structural strength through the connected segments, achieving both adaptability and durability simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The ring utilizes composite construction combining flexible articulation mechanisms with strong structural segments, creating a device that is both adaptable to varying anatomies and durable for long-term implantation
4Ease of operation
If the annuloplasty ring is designed with optimal delivery characteristics, then the ease of delivery is improved, but the long-term functioning and flexibility in the moving heart deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic articulation points enable the ring to be in a constrained low-profile state during delivery for ease of access, then transition to a flexible articulated state in the implanted position to accommodate heart movements
Data Source
AI summary
An annuloplasty implant comprises a plurality of individual wires, each extending in a longitudinal direction of the implant between first and second opposite ends of the implant. A locking unit arranged at at least one of the ends comprises a locking structure connected to the plurality of individual wires, thereby collecting said plurality of individual wires together at at least one of the ends. The locking structure is configured to allow a relative movement between at least two of the plurality of individual wires inside the locking structure.