Columbia Technology Ventures

Heart valve delivery system with rotational alignment

This technology is a delivery system for safe, reliable heart valve replacement.

Unmet Need: Heart valve transplantation with precise alignment

Almost 80% of heart valves transplanted into patients by transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) are misaligned. While TAVR is a minimally invasive procedure, potential valve misalignment can lead to life-threatening complications and limited access to the area in an emergency situation. There remains a large unmet need for a system that facilitates proper valve alignment during TAVR procedures.

The Technology: Facilitated delivery system for precise valve alignment

This technology consists of a medical delivery system for facilitated transcatheter heart valves. Utilizing radiopaque markers with fluoroscopy, this method enables precise alignment of the valve implant with the native valve. Where valve commissures are identified, this delivery method allows for rotation of the implant to the appropriate angle. Applicable for procedures replacing aortic, mitral, and tricuspid valves, this technology enables an adjustable alignment for precise placement of valve implants to maximize procedural success and patient outcomes.

Applications:

  • Delivery and deployment of properly aligned valve implants in native aortic, mitral, and tricuspid valves
  • Delivery of valve implants within calcified valves and bioprosthetic valves
  • Realignment of existing valve implants
  • Identification and characterization of heart valve commissures and sinuses

Advantages:

  • Valve alignment with native commissures
  • Adjustable angles during implant procedure
  • Minimally invasive

Lead Inventor:

Gilbert Tang, M.D.

Patent Information:

Patent Status

Tech Ventures Reference: