Subvalvular Device for Mitral Valve Repair
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical interventions for Functional Mitral Regurgitation (FMR) and Secondary Tricuspid Regurgitation (STR) often focus on replacing or repairing the heart valve with prosthetic components, but these methods have not achieved a desired subvalvular therapeutic effect.
Innovation Solution
The development of an apparatus comprising a subvalvular device with a subvalvular portion, an anchor portion, and a connector neck, which is deployed adjacent to a subvalvular cardiac wall and anchored to maintain the valve leaflets in a predetermined position, thereby reducing regurgitation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional valve replacement or leaflet manipulation methods are used, then valve function can be restored, but subvalvular therapeutic effect is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is divided into distinct functional segments: a subvalvular portion positioned in the ventricle, a connector neck penetrating through the valve base, and an anchor portion securing the structure. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while collectively achieving both valve function restoration and subvalvular therapeutic effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from traditional valvular-only approaches to a three-dimensional solution that extends into the subvalvular space. The subvalvular portion is positioned in the ventricular chamber below the valve, creating a new therapeutic dimension that addresses the root cause of regurgitation related to ventricular dilation and leaflet tethering.
2Reliability
If subvalvular device is deployed to provide therapeutic effect, then regurgitation is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus merges multiple functions into a single integrated structure: the subvalvular portion provides ventricular support, the connector neck anchors the device through the valve base, and the anchor portion secures the structure in place. This consolidation achieves regurgitation reduction through coordinated action of all components while avoiding the need for multiple separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The subvalvular device serves multiple therapeutic functions simultaneously: it provides structural support to the valve leaflets, anchors the repair structure to the valve base, and offers subvalvular reinforcement to prevent leaflet tethering. This multi-functionality achieves comprehensive regurgitation treatment through a single apparatus.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for at least partially repairing a regurgitant heart valve includes at least one subvalvular device defining a longitudinal axis and including a subvalvular portion located adjacent a subvalvular cardiac wall adjacent to the heart valve. An anchor portion is adjacent to, and is longitudinally spaced from, the subvalvular portion. A connector neck is interposed longitudinally between, and is attached to both of, the subvalvular portion and the anchor portion. The connector neck penetrates longitudinally through at least one of a base of the first valve leaflet and an annulus of the heart valve at a manufactured puncture site. A fastener is selectively connected to the at least one subvalvular device. The fastener penetrates through at least one of the first and second valve leaflets to maintain the at least one leaflet in a predetermined position with respect to the at least one subvalvular device.