Columbia Technology Ventures

Ring constructs and methods for improving outcomes in heart valve repair surgery

This technology describes constructs for an annuloplasty ring and associated attachment designed to improve outcomes of valve-in-ring surgeries.

Unmet Need: Easily implantable and modular device for heart valve repair

Heart valve repair surgeries typically require the implantation of a ring device for support. Currently, the most commonly utilized ring devices are rigid complete and semi-rigid complete rings. However, they are suboptimal for a valve-in-ring (VIR) procedure since they cannot become fully circular leading to leakage, and more flexible or incomplete rings do not provide adequate anchor. There is a need for a flexible ring design to provide long-term support and improve patient outcomes following heart valve repair.

The Technology: Adaptable ring constructs for improved VIR surgery outcomes

This technology is an adaptable, annuloplasty ring design with an optional accessory to facilitate safe yet effective heart valve repair surgery. The ring construct is adjustable to a rigid or semi-rigid design allowing for the desired amount of support. Additionally, the attachment can convert an incomplete ring to a complete ring without altering the shape or damaging neighboring structures, becoming part of the surrounding tissue with time. This technology is modular and durable, capable of facilitating effective valve repair, improving post-surgical outcomes, and providing extra support for future valve-in-ring procedures.

Applications:

  • Mitral valve repair surgery
  • Tricuspid valve repair surgery
  • Support for valve repair surgery

Advantages:

  • Flexible design facilitates different implementations
  • Easily implantable for surgeons
  • Provides durable, long-term valve support for patients
  • Combines the advantages of complete and incomplete rings
  • Adaptable to a rigid or semi-rigid design

Lead Inventor:

Vinayak Nilkanth Bapat, Ph.D.

Patent Information:

Patent Pending

Tech Ventures Reference: