Tricuspid Annulus Plication Using Coronary Sinus Anchors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for treating tricuspid valve regurgitation, such as annuloplasty rings and catheter-based techniques, have limitations and drawbacks, necessitating alternative approaches for effectively reducing tricuspid annulus circumference.

Innovation Solution

A percutaneous repair system comprising a first anchor deployed inside the coronary sinus and a second anchor deployed across the tricuspid annulus, with tensioning members and a lock member to apply and maintain tension, reducing the distance between the anchors to decrease the tricuspid annulus circumference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an annuloplasty ring is implanted to repair the tricuspid valve, then the valve opening is reduced and proper closure is achieved, but the procedure requires open-heart surgery resulting in long recovery time and significant post-operation pain

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevalve repair effectivenessVSAvoidrecovery time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical open-heart surgery approach with a percutaneous catheter-based delivery system. The annuloplasty ring is delivered through a catheter inserted via a peripheral vein, eliminating the need for sternotomy and cardiopulmonary bypass, thereby dramatically reducing recovery time and surgical trauma while maintaining valve repair effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a delivery catheter as an intermediary device to transport the annuloplasty ring to the target location. This intermediary system enables minimally invasive placement of the repair device through venous access, avoiding direct surgical exposure of the heart and reducing patient trauma and recovery time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If an annuloplasty ring is implanted to repair the tricuspid valve, then the valve opening is reduced and proper closure is achieved, but the surgical procedure is highly invasive requiring sternotomy and cardiopulmonary bypass

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevalve repair effectivenessVSAvoidsurgical trauma
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the invasive mechanical surgical approach with a percutaneous catheter-based delivery system. The annuloplasty ring is delivered through a catheter inserted via a peripheral vein, eliminating the need for sternotomy and cardiopulmonary bypass, thereby dramatically reducing surgical trauma and patient suffering while maintaining valve repair effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a delivery catheter as an intermediary device to transport the annuloplasty ring to the target location. This intermediary system enables minimally invasive placement of the repair device through venous access, avoiding direct surgical exposure of the heart and reducing patient trauma and recovery time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3397207B1System for reducing tricuspid regurgitation
Publication Date: 2026.04.01 EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES CORP
  • EP3397207B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3397207B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~4
  • EP3397207B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present teachings provide devices and methods of treating a tricuspid valve regurgitation. Specifically, one aspect of the present teachings provides devices each includes a vascular anchor, an annulus anchor, and at least one tensioning member connecting with the vascular anchor or the annulus anchor. Another aspect of the present teachings provides methods of deploying a vascular anchor at a first treatment location inside the coronary sinus, and deploying an annulus anchor at a second treatment location across the tricuspid annulus. When both the anchors are pulled towards each other, the portion of the annulus between the two anchors is plicated, which improves the coaptation of the tricuspid valve leaflets.