Tissue Anchor with Restraining Element for Annuloplasty
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for repairing the atrioventricular valve, particularly the mitral valve, face challenges in effectively anchoring and securing annuloplasty devices to the valve annulus, leading to potential displacement and reduced efficacy in preventing mitral regurgitation and cardiac output issues.
Innovation Solution
A tissue anchor system comprising a distal tissue coupling element and a proximal implant-penetrating element with a post and restraining mechanism, allowing for secure implantation and locking of annuloplasty devices along the valve annulus, utilizing a cord for guidance and a locking mechanism to prevent proximal movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current anchoring methods are used for annuloplasty devices, then implantation is simpler, but device stability and resistance to displacement are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The tissue anchor is divided into distinct functional segments: a distal tissue coupling element (helical anchor) for tissue engagement, a proximal implant-penetrating element with post for implant interaction, and a restraining element for securing. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant-penetrating element with its post structure is nested within the overall anchor assembly, with the post extending through the implant to provide internal support and anchoring. The restraining element is positioned to engage with the implant from the proximal side, creating a nested configuration that maximizes stability within the limited space of the valve annulus.
2Reliability
If anchors are made more secure to prevent displacement, then device stability improves, but implantation difficulty and procedural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The distal tissue coupling element is pre-formed as a helical anchor that automatically engages with the tissue upon insertion, eliminating the need for separate tightening or securing steps. The proximal implant-penetrating element with post is pre-configured to penetrate the implant and provide immediate mechanical interlocking, ensuring anchor security while maintaining implantation simplicity.
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent proximal movement, then device stability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The restraining element is designed to automatically engage with the implant and prevent proximal movement through its own structural configuration, without requiring external locking mechanisms or additional activation steps. The element's geometry provides self-locking functionality that maintains device stability while minimizing added complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for use with an implant configured to be coupled to cardiac tissue of a patient, the apparatus including: a tissue anchor including: a distal tissue coupling element configured to couple the tissue anchor to the cardiac tissue of the patient, and a proximal implant-receiving element configured to receive at least a portion of the implant and facilitate coupling of the implant to the tissue anchor. The proximal implant-receiving element includes an implant-restraining element coupled to a portion of the implant-receiving element, the implant-restraining element being configured to restrain the implant from separating from the implant-receiving element. Other applications are also described.