Suture Adjustment Mechanism for Minimally Invasive Heart Valve Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current minimally invasive heart valve repair techniques face challenges in securely anchoring artificial chordae sutures, particularly in adjusting suture length and tension within the heart, which is crucial for proper valve function, as surgeons lack control over the suture once it is inserted.
Innovation Solution
A suture adjustment mechanism that allows external adjustment of suture length and tension by using tensioning strands, with an anchor implanted in the heart wall to securely anchor the suture as an artificial chordae, enabling precise adjustment from outside the body to ensure proper valve function.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a suture is inserted as an artificial chordae through minimally invasive catheter, then the invasiveness is reduced, but the ability to adjust suture length and tension is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The suture system is divided into two functional segments: a permanent suture portion implanted in the heart that provides structural support, and a temporary tensioning strand introduced through the catheter that enables adjustment. After proper tensioning is achieved, the tensioning strand is cut and withdrawn, leaving only the permanent suture in place. This segmentation allows minimally invasive delivery while preserving adjustment capability during the procedure.
2Reliability
If the suture is anchored securely in the heart wall, then the reliability of valve support is improved, but the ability to adjust length from outside the body is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor is designed with a preliminary action mechanism where the suture is initially secured in a loose configuration that allows for later tensioning. The anchor structure includes features that enable the suture to be tightened and locked into place after implantation, ensuring secure anchoring while maintaining adjustability during the procedure.
3Device complexity
If the suture length is fixed after insertion, then the procedure simplicity is improved, but the ability to achieve proper valve function is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The suture system transitions from a static fixed-length design to a dynamic adjustable design. The tensioning strand allows the suture length and tension to be modified in real-time during the procedure based on observed valve function, enabling precise optimization of valve performance while maintaining procedural simplicity through a straightforward tensioning and cutting process.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are various embodiments of suture adjustment mechanisms for anchors configured to be inserted into a heart wall of a patient to anchor a suture as an artificial chordae under an appropriate tension for proper valve function. Suture adjustment mechanisms can be configured to retain suture ends extending from the leaflet to the anchor with sufficient force to prevent natural movement of the leaflet from adjusting a length of the suture between the anchor and the leaflet. Free ends of the suture can extend from the anchor external to the body as tensioning strands. A surgeon can supply sufficient force on the tensioning strands from external the body to adjust a length and tension of the suture between the anchor and the leaflet.