Mitral valve annuloplasty is a surgical technique in heart valve technology for the repair of leaking mitral valves. An annuloplastic ring is essential for the following three reasons: (I) to restore the size and shape of the native annulus; (II) to prevent future annular dilatation; and (III) to provide functional annular support. Due to various factors, the two leaflets normally involved in sealing the mitral valve to retrograde flow may not coapt properly. Surgical repair typically involves the implantation of a device surrounding the mitral valve, called an annuloplasty device, which pulls the leaflets together to facilitate coaptation and aids to re-establish mitral valve function.
Some background: The annulus of a living heart valve is the semi-rigid circumference or ring of tissue surrounding and supporting the valve leaflets. In some instances the annulus becomes abnormally expanded or dilated with the result that the valve leaflets can no longer contact each other (i.e. coapt) and close properly which in turn may lead to valve regurgitation or backflow complications. To correct this condition surgical procedures such as annuloplasty are performed in an attempt to return the dilated annulus to a smaller size. The support offered by the ring “forces” the annulus to a smaller size and helps prevent long term enlargement of the natural annulus.
Yehonatan Medical’s annuloplasty ring system has a biocompatible curved base that is designed to expediate the surgery for the benefit of the patient and surgeon.
It contains:
- Multiple suturing guide structures that slide along the ring
- Novel ratcheting mechanisms to expediate “threading” the suture
- Portions of the base being drug eluting
These features provide for greater flexibility in placement of the ring systems and shortening of the time necessary for same, in terms of the application of the sutures and further greatly reduces complications during the surgical procedure.
