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New Technology

Evaluation of a Shape Memory Alloy Reinforced Annuloplasty Band for Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Repair

^a Edward P. Fitts Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
^b Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
^c Department of Statistics, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
^d Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Accepted for publication April 17, 2009.

^_* Address correspondence to Dr Buckner, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, North Carolina State University, Campus Box 7910, Raleigh, NC 27695 (Email: greg_buckner{at}ncsu.edu).

Purpose: An in vitro study using explanted porcine hearts was conducted to evaluate a novel annuloplasty band, reinforced with a two-phase, shape memory alloy, designed specifically for minimally invasive mitral valve repair.

Description: In its rigid (austenitic) phase, this band provides the same mechanical properties as the commercial semi-rigid bands. In its compliant (martensitic) phase, this band is flexible enough to be introduced through an 8-mm trocar and is easily manipulated within the heart.

Evaluation: In its rigid phase, the prototype band displayed similar mechanical properties to commercially available semi-rigid rings. Dynamic flow testing demonstrated no statistical differences in the reduction of mitral valve regurgitation. In its flexible phase, the band was easily deployed through an 8-mm trocar, robotically manipulated and sutured into place.

Conclusions: Experimental results suggest that the shape memory alloy reinforced band could be a viable alternative to flexible and semi-rigid bands in minimally invasive mitral valve repair.