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Updated: Jun 23, 2026
07:42
An Image Guided Transapical Mitral Valve Leaflet Puncture Model of Controlled Volume Overload from Mitral Regurgitation in the Rat
Published on: May 19, 2020
The QuantumCor device for treating mitral regurgitation: an animal study
Ramil Goel1, Thomas Witzel, Duane Dickens
1Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona, USA.
Summary
Radiofrequency (RF) energy effectively reduced mitral annular size in sheep, eliminating mitral regurgitation (MR). This novel percutaneous method shows promise for future human valve repair.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Medical Devices
- Surgical Innovation
Background:
- Mitral regurgitation (MR) is a significant cause of patient morbidity and mortality.
- Percutaneous treatment options for MR are under development.
- Radiofrequency (RF) energy offers a novel approach to percutaneous mitral valve repair.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of RF energy in shrinking the mitral valve annulus.
- To assess the potential of this technique for reducing mitral regurgitation.
- To determine the feasibility of a percutaneous mitral annular repair method.
Main Methods:
- Open-heart procedures were performed on 16 healthy sheep.
- A malleable probe delivered RF energy to the mitral annulus.
- Mitral annulus dimensions were measured before and after RF therapy.
Main Results:
- RF therapy reduced the anteroposterior (AP) annular distance by 23.8% acutely.
- Mitral regurgitation was eliminated in six sheep with naturally occurring MR.
- Sustained annular contraction was observed in chronic survivors.
Conclusions:
- Direct application of RF energy to the mitral annulus causes sustained contraction.
- This preclinical study demonstrates the potential of RF therapy for MR treatment.
- Further research may lead to a percutaneous mitral valve repair technique for human subjects.
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