Advancing Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair

The Mitral butterfly implant is a posterior leaflet augmentation device which functions to prevent excessive posterior leaflet motion.

The implant comprises a)a Nitinol frame designed to sit comfortably within the anatomy of the heart and to provide the overall structure of the implant,b)an artificial leaflet, in the form of a flexible mesh which serves to restrict the prolapsing leaflet and provide a surface for adequate coaptation, and c)a method of anchoring.

The implant can be folded into a catheter to facilitate delivery and be deployed in the target region with minimal actuation.

The shape memory capabilities of nitinol allow the implant to self-expand when released, and the design of the frame ensures the correct orientation within the valve, consequently, the procedure involves minimal actuated steps with the main mechanical complexity arising from the anchorage. The anchorage itself is achieved with a secondary self-expanding nitinol mechanism.