Segmented Heart Valve Ring with Snap-Fit Sizing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heart valve reinforcement rings and aortic root remodeling grafts are difficult to size properly and secure into position, especially during minimally invasive procedures, requiring excessive labor and time.
Innovation Solution
A heart valve ring system comprising an inner and outer ring that snap together, allowing sutures to be captured between them for sizing, with options for permanent securing using self-cinching or self-securing sutures, and the use of disposable or reusable sizers for accurate fit determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional heart valve reinforcement rings are used, then the valve can be reinforced, but the procedure requires excessive labor and time for proper sizing and securing
Solution Approach 1:
The ring is divided into two separate components: an inner ring and an outer ring. The inner ring can be independently sized and positioned on the valve annulus, while the outer ring is subsequently positioned around it. This segmentation allows for easier sizing and positioning of each component separately, reducing the overall complexity and time of the implantation procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner ring is first sized and positioned on the valve annulus before the outer ring is added. This preliminary positioning allows the surgeon to ensure proper fit and alignment before committing to the final secured configuration, thereby improving sizing accuracy and reducing the need for additional adjustments.
2Measurement precision
If proper sizing is performed for heart valve rings, then accurate fit is achieved, but additional labor is required to secure the ring into position
Solution Approach 1:
The inner and outer rings incorporate self-securing features such as interlocking surfaces, friction fits, or snap-fit mechanisms that automatically secure the rings together once positioned. This eliminates or significantly reduces the need for additional sutures or complex securing steps, allowing the sizing accuracy to be maintained while reducing the labor required for securing.
Solution Approach 2:
The sizing and securing functions are merged into a single integrated process. The inner ring is sized and positioned, then the outer ring is placed around it in a continuous motion, with both sizing and securing occurring in one operational sequence rather than as separate steps, thereby reducing overall procedure complexity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If minimally invasive procedures are used, then patient recovery is improved, but implantation of the ring becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Dividing the ring into two smaller components (inner and outer rings) allows each component to be smaller and more manageable, facilitating their introduction through minimally invasive access routes. The segmented design enables the surgeon to navigate and position each component separately through small incisions, maintaining the benefits of minimally invasive surgery while reducing implantation difficulty.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner ring is positioned first through the minimally invasive access, then the outer ring is positioned around it. This nested arrangement allows both components to be delivered through a single small incision site, maintaining the minimally invasive approach while enabling proper positioning and securing of the complete ring structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A prosthetic heart valve reinforcement ring is disclosed for reinforcing a natural heart valve with leaflets. The prosthetic ring includes a ring body sized and dimensioned to fit around the annulus of the heart valve. The ring body has an inner surface with a plurality of grooves on the inner surface of the ring body, where each of grooves is configured to grasp a suture. A method of reinforcing a natural heart valve is also disclosed. Sutures are provided around an annulus of a natural heart valve with leaflets. A prosthetic ring is selected that is sized to fit around the annulus. The prosthetic ring is attached to the annulus by inserting sutures into the grooves until the leaflets are properly closed. The fit of the prosthetic ring is adjusted by individually manipulating the sutures in the grooves. The sutures are tied, securing the prosthetic ring in place.