[New Device for Mitral Valve Repair].

PURPOSE: Our objective is to develop a new device for the treatment of mitral regurgitation by transapical chordal implantation, allowing procedures to be conducted while the heart is beating, thus eliminating the need for extracorporeal circulation. This approach promises both simpler and more reliable procedure than existing devices.

METHODS

The target disease is mitral valve prolapse, where adequate coaptation of the anterior and posterior leaflets can be achieved solely through chordal implantation. Our treatment approach involves accessing the mitral valve via the left ventricular apex, attaching an artificial chorda tendineae to the prolapsed mitral valve leaflet, and pulling it to an appropriate length towards the left ventricular apex. We propose the design and operational mechanism of a device to facilitate this procedure.

RESULTS

The device utilizes a grasper with a hollow structure to catch the prolapsed valve leaflet and then attaches the artificial chordae tendineae to the valve leaflet by using a clip within the hollow structure. This structure enables visual confirmation of the procedure using a fiber scope, thus ensuring greater procedural reliability.

CONCLUSION

This device represents a conceptual breakthrough, although several considerations remain, such as the durability of the materials used and their compatibility with tissue.