Adjustable Suture Locking Device for Mitral Valve Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods are inadequate for effectively treating and preventing mitral valve regurgitation, a condition characterized by abnormal blood leakage from the left ventricle to the left atrium, which can lead to heart failure if left untreated.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable tensioning device with a locking mechanism is used to apply tension to a suture loop around the mitral valve annulus, reducing its size and enhancing leaflet coaptation by adjusting and locking the suture tension, thereby addressing mitral valve regurgitation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking device with teeth is used to secure suture portions, then the reliability of tension maintenance is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking pin is designed to automatically engage with the suture portions through its teeth when positioned in the inner position, creating a self-locking mechanism that maintains tension without requiring additional active components or continuous energy input. The geometry of the teeth and groove creates automatic engagement that prevents slippage.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking pin is made movable between two distinct positions (outer and inner) along the groove, allowing the device to transition between locked and unlocked states. This dynamic capability enables both secure tension maintenance and adjustable repositioning as needed.
2Ease of operation
If the locking pin is movable between outer and inner positions, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of tension locking may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The teeth on the locking pin automatically engage with the suture portions when the pin is in the inner position, creating a self-locking mechanism that maintains tension without requiring additional active components or continuous energy input. The geometry of the teeth and groove creates automatic engagement that prevents slippage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a snare member with variable effective diameter is used, then the adaptability to different suture configurations is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The snare member's effective diameter is made variable through the moveable member mechanism, allowing the loop to expand and contract. This dynamic capability enables the snare to capture sutures of different sizes and configurations while maintaining secure engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The snare member is positioned within the enclosure and can be moved along the longitudinal axis, allowing it to nest within the device body when not in use and extend outward when needed for suture capture and tensioning.
Data Source
AI summary
A tensioning device is provided comprising a locking device. The locking device comprises a locking enclosure comprising a groove and a locking pin comprising teeth. The tensioning device further comprises a suture comprising first and second portions. The first and second portions of the suture and the locking pin are positioned within the groove of the locking enclosure and the locking pin is movable within the groove between a first, outer position in which the teeth are disengaged from the suture so that the locking device is movable along the first and second portions of the suture and a second, inner position in which the teeth are engaged with the suture so that the locking device is not movable along the suture. Methods for treating mitral valve regurgitation are also provided.