A novel annuloplasty ring with a shape memory alloy core has been developed to facilitate minimally invasive mitral valve repair. In its activated (austenitic) phase, this prototype ring provides comparable mechanical properties as commercial semi-rigid rings. In its pre-activated (martensitic) phase, this ring is flexible enough to be introduced through an 8 mm trocar and easily manipulated with robotic instruments within the confines of a left atrial model. The core is constructed of 0.508 mm diameter NiTi, which is maintained below its M s temperature (24°C) during deployment and suturing. After suturing, the stiffener is heated to its Af temperature (37°C, normal human body temperature) enabling the NiTi to retain its optimal geometry and stiffness characteristics indefinitely. The NiTi core is shape set in a furnace to the appropriate size and optimal geometry during fabrication. The ring is cooled in a saline bath prior to surgery, making it compliant and easy to manipulate. Evaluation of the ring included mechanical testing, robotic evaluation, static pressure testing, dynamic flow testing and fatigue testing. Experimental results suggest that the NiTi core ring could be a viable alternative to flexible bands in robot-assisted mitral valve repair.
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