Tricuspid Leaflet Joining Structure for Coplanar Three-Flap Capture

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for treating tricuspid regurgitation, such as MITRACLIP™, are ineffective in simultaneously catching all three flaps of the tricuspid valve, especially in cases of a highly dilated tricuspid annulus, and lack ease in targeting the point for harpooning heart valve leaflets.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a cylindrical proximal body with flexible arms that expand radially to support valve flaps, internal catheters guided to diverge from the central axis by a deflector body, and thread-like connection elements to align and join the flaps, allowing precise alignment and fixation of valve leaflets.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a single-clamp device like MITRACLIP is used to treat tricuspid regurgitation, then the device can be introduced through a catheter with a vascular approach, but it cannot simultaneously catch all three flaps of the tricuspid valve, especially in cases of highly dilated annulus

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecatheter introduction easeVSAvoideffectiveness in catching all three flaps

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device divides the single-clamp structure into three separate clamps, each capable of independently catching one flap of the tricuspid valve. This segmentation allows each clamp to be positioned and operated independently, ensuring all three flaps can be caught simultaneously even in highly dilated annulus conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device combines multiple functions into a single integrated system: it maintains catheter-based introduction capability while simultaneously providing three independent catching mechanisms. The common shaft structure allows the device to perform both the vascular approach function and the multi-flap catching function through a unified design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If the internal catheters are directed along the central axis of the device, then the device structure is simplified, but it becomes difficult to establish the correct direction for harpooning heart valve leaflets

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecatheter arrangement simplicityVSAvoidtargeting precision for harpooning

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device allows the internal catheters to dynamically adjust their orientation relative to the central axis. The catheters can be directed at specific angles depending on the anatomical requirements of the patient's valve geometry, enabling precise targeting while maintaining the simplicity of the central axis as a reference framework.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the device have different functional characteristics: the central shaft provides structural simplicity and alignment, while the distal portions of the internal catheters provide localized directional control for precise harpooning. This local differentiation allows each part to optimize its function without increasing overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS20260033828A1Device for joining flaps of a heart valve

Publication Date: 2026.02.05 STAR TRIC SRL

AI summary

A device for joining the leaflets of a heart valve together by joining them together while they are held aligned along the valve plane is equipped with a plurality of arms. Each arm is configured to assume a radially expanded position so that, when they are in the radially expanded position, they define as many radially oriented coplanar supports to support valve flaps.