The anatomical approach to mitral device implantation
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The anatomical approach to mitral device implantation.
IRAS ID
127985
Contact name
S Yen HO
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Royal Brompton & Hareiield NHS Foundation Trust
Research summary
Competence of heart valves is important for optimal functioning of the heart. Inadequate closing of the valve leaflets between the upper and lower chambers on the left side of the heart (the mitral valve) can lead to progressive deterioration of the lower chamber which is the most important pump for the circulation. A leaky mitral valve (functional regurgitation) affects millions of elderly patients worldwide and has been reported to affect 7% of the population aged 75 years and older. Traditionally, the defective valve is repaired through open heart surgery. In the current era, the transcatheter route, not requiring opening the chest, is an alternative way to make the mitral valve work better, particularly in the very sick and elderly patients. Various types of small, specially engineered devices that can be delivered down tubes inserted into the heart have been developed. For example, there are devices to manipulate or fix the valve leaflets together, or to reduce the size of the valve ring, or to alter the geometry of the pumping chamber. Current devices have varying degrees of effectiveness so there is a need for further development of device options. In collaboration with a device engineering company, we propose to carry out an anatomical study on up to 20 post mortem adult heart specimens that are stored in the specimen archive of the Royal Brompton Hospital. Using elements of a novel device, we aim to assess 1) how effectively the elements can be put into the valve tissues in different parts of the valve and 2) how close/distant are important heart structures such as coronary arteries and veins. Our anatomically based study will allow better understanding of the impact of devices on valve and neighbouring heart structures to improve effectiveness and safety of new devices for treating this growing health care problem.
REC name
London - Chelsea Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/LO/1819
Date of REC Opinion
30 Dec 2013
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion