Key result
Novel paired-ring sizing technique manipulates mitral annulus and predicts coaptation length in animal models.
Why the study?
Current annuloplasty ring sizing methods have remained unchanged for over half a century and provide estimates rather than objective measurements.
Does a novel paired-ring sizing system accurately measure and control mitral leaflet coaptation length in a cadaver animal heart model?
Does a novel paired-ring sizing system accurately measure and control mitral leaflet coaptation length in a cadaver animal heart model?
A novel paired-ring sizing technique allows for objective measurement and control of mitral leaflet coaptation length, offering a potential scientific approach to annuloplasty sizing.
Objective annuloplasty sizer feasible in cadaver model; leaves open human validation and outcome trials.
INTRODUCTION: For over half a century, our method of annuloplasty ring sizing for mitral (tricuspid) repair has remained unchanged. Commercially available sizers provide the surgeon estimates but no objective measurement. METHODS: This manuscript defines the engineering design process for a novel, objective sizing system and illustrates its clinical application. An early cadaver animal heart model was developed to validate the sizer's ability to both manipulate and measure coaptation length. RESULTS: An overview of the design process is presented to establish why the paired-ring sizing method is able to deliver precise mitral leaflet coaptation length measurements. The method of clinical application of a novel surgical technique is illustrated in detail. Preliminary animal heart validation results demonstrated the sizer's ability to effectively manipulate mitral annular structure and correctly predict changes in coaptation length. CONCLUSIONS: Because the paired-ring sizing technique allows coaptation length to be accurately measured and controlled, it has the potential-pending further study-to serve as the basis for a scientific annuloplasty sizing approach.
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Nikola Dobrilovic (2026) studied Mitral (tricuspid) repair. Paired-ring sizing method was evaluated on Ability to manipulate and measure coaptation length. A novel paired-ring sizing technique demonstrated the ability to effectively manipulate mitral annular structure and correctly predict changes in coaptation length in a preliminary animal heart model.
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