Provides Surgeons Improved and Constant Visualization, Increasing the Efficiency, Precision, Safety, and Speed of the Operation
This septal myectomy retractor improves the visualization, speed and safety of the septal myectomy procedure, resulting in a more successful surgical outcome. Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) is a congenital heart defect affecting 1 in 500 persons in the U.S. and an estimated 20 million people worldwide. HOCM patients with severe symptoms undergo the septal myectomy, procedure. During the septal myectomy, surgeons remove a portion of the overgrown left ventricular septum, to improve blood outflow and overall cardiac function.
Septal myectomy, like many surgical repairs in the realm of congenital heart surgery, is dangerous and complicated. The procedure involves removing the overgrown muscle through the open aorta and aortic valve while a patient is on cardiopulmonary bypass. Current retractors do a poor job of exposure, do not protect the entire aortic valve, and require frequent adjustments. These limitations set the patient up for increased risk of complications, including complete heart block, aortic valve damage, and inadequate or incomplete resection of the overgrown septum. Surgeons need a better retractor.
Researchers at the University of Florida have developed a septal myectomy retractor made from a flexible and biosafe material. The retractor helps cardiac surgeons reduce the need to make frequent adjustments by stenting the aorta open, enabling better and constant visualization of the ventricular septum. The easy-to-use surgical instrument also provides a firm grip, allowing surgeons to complete the operation efficiently and safely. These benefits lead to a more successful surgical outcome.
Application
Stents the aorta open, enabling better and constant visualization during septal myectomy surgery, improving the efficiency and safety of the procedure
Advantages
- The retractor is made with a biosafe coating material, eliminating adverse reactions between the instrument and biological tissues during contact
- Adjustable diameter to match the known aortic valve annulus, reducing the cross-clamp and cardiopulmonary bypass times, and allowing for precise positioning and optimal exposure
- The refractor is made with flexible material, reducing the risk of further injuries on the leaflet, aorta, and conduction during aortic entry and exit
- The refractor is easy to use and does not slip, eliminating the need for constant readjustment and preventing injury
Technology
The septal myectomy retractor protects delicate areas, including the aortic valve leaflets, aorta, and conduction system, minimizing the risk of injuries during the septal myectomy surgery. It gently stents open the valve in a controlled manner, preventing strain on the anti-ventricular (AV) electrical conduction system. The retractor has an adjustable diameter, allowing surgeons to customize it to match the patient's aortic valve annulus size, ranging from 15mm to 29mm. This adjustable feature reduces cross-clamp time and cardiopulmonary bypass time. The retractor guides the bulging ventricular septum, allowing surgeons to accurately identify and access the targeted tissue for removal during surgery.
Brochure
