Transformable Annuloplasty Ring for Percutaneous Valve Deployment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing annuloplasty rings are not compatible with percutaneous prosthetic heart valves, as they are generally non-circular and can interfere with the proper placement and functioning of the prosthetic valve, especially in cases where a previously implanted annuloplasty ring is present, making it impractical to deploy a prosthetic heart valve within the native heart valve.
Innovation Solution
An annuloplasty ring that can change shape from a non-circular configuration to a circular configuration under dilation force, allowing for the accommodation and deployment of a prosthetic heart valve, featuring a rigid and flexible design with a movable connection that can expand to accommodate a dilation balloon, enabling the ring to become elastic and adapt to the shape of a circular prosthetic valve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an annuloplasty ring is implanted to correct heart valve function, then valve integrity and prevention of reverse flow are improved, but the non-circular shape of the ring interferes with proper placement and functioning of percutaneous prosthetic heart valves
Solution Approach 1:
The annuloplasty ring incorporates a shape transformation capability that allows it to dynamically change from a non-circular configuration to a circular configuration. This is achieved through a support frame with expandable structure that can be transformed by dilation forces, enabling the ring to adapt its shape based on operational requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the annuloplasty ring by transforming its shape from non-circular to circular. This parameter change is facilitated by the expandable support frame structure that can be dilated to alter the ring's configuration, making it compatible with percutaneous prosthetic valves while maintaining its annuloplasty function
2Reliability
If a previously implanted annuloplasty ring is present, then initial valve repair is achieved, but deployment of a prosthetic heart valve within the native heart valve becomes impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The annuloplasty ring is designed with dynamic shape transformation capability, allowing it to change from its initial non-circular configuration to a circular configuration when subjected to dilation forces during prosthetic valve deployment. This dynamic adaptation enables subsequent prosthetic valve implantation without removing the original annuloplasty ring
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables a nested configuration where the prosthetic heart valve can be deployed within the dilated annuloplasty ring structure. The transformable ring creates a compatible geometric environment that allows the prosthetic valve to be nested within the same anatomical space, facilitating sequential procedures
3Strength
If the annuloplasty ring maintains a rigid non-circular shape, then structural support for valve repair is provided, but the ring cannot accommodate dilation forces from balloon catheters used in percutaneous valve implantation
Solution Approach 1:
The support frame is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to transition from a rigid non-circular shape to a dilated circular shape. The frame incorporates expandable elements that can withstand and respond to dilation forces, transforming the ring's configuration while maintaining structural integrity throughout the process
Solution Approach 2:
The annuloplasty ring incorporates flexible or transformable structural elements in its support frame that allow it to deform and expand under dilation forces. These flexible components enable the ring to accommodate the balloon catheter dilation process while maintaining its annuloplasty function, transitioning from a rigid non-circular to a flexible circular configuration
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the proper deployment and functioning of a prosthetic heart valve within a previously implanted annuloplasty ring by expanding to a circular shape, facilitating the integration of the prosthetic valve and improving heart valve function while maintaining the structural integrity of the annuloplasty ring.
Implementation Method 1
the annuloplasty ring is configured to assume a generally circular configuration when subjected to a dilation force such as that provided by a dilation balloon
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is an annuloplasty ring, and associated methods therefore, configured to reshape a native heart valve annulus to correct heart valve function, and also configured to be reshaped into a generally circular form in order to receive and/or support a prosthetic heart valve. The annuloplasty ring may be configured to have a generally D-shaped configuration when initially implanted to correct native valve function, but to assume a generally circular form when subjected to an outward force such as that provided by a dilation balloon.