Transapical Ventricular Tethering for Left Ventricle Reshaping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods are inadequate for reshaping and repairing hearts with dilated ventricles and mitral valve regurgitation, particularly due to structural injuries and alterations.
Innovation Solution
A transapical ventricular manipulation apparatus using a continuous tether and anchors with locking tabs to secure and reshape heart portions, reducing ventricle volume and treating mitral valve regurgitation by approximating papillary muscles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a continuous tether with locking tabs is used to secure anchors, then the reliability of securing heart portions is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional components: continuous tether, locking tabs, and anchors. Each component performs a specific function, allowing for reliable securing while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The locking tabs are pre-configured with multiple openings that align with corresponding openings in the anchors. This preliminary arrangement ensures that when the tether is threaded through, the locking tabs automatically engage the anchors at the correct position without requiring additional complex operations
2Manufacturing precision
If the locking tabs translate along the continuous tether to engage anchors, then the precision of positioning is improved, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking tabs are designed to automatically translate along the continuous tether and engage with the anchors through their own movement. The multiple openings in the locking tabs allow the tether to pass through and naturally guide the locking tabs into position, eliminating the need for external manipulation tools or complex operations
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous tether serves as an intermediary element that facilitates the engagement between locking tabs and anchors. By threading the tether through the openings in both the locking tabs and anchors, it enables precise positioning while simplifying the operation to a single directional movement
Data Source
AI summary
A transapical ventricular manipulation apparatus and method are disclosed. The apparatus for adjusting then securing portions of a heart includes a continuous tether for extending across a chamber of the heart during use, first and second anchors that are coupled by the continuous tether by passage of the tether through a substantially central opening in the first and second anchors, and first and second locking tabs, each tab having a plurality of openings for the passage of the continuous tether, the locking tabs translating along the continuous tether to engage the respective anchor to a fixed position during use.