New Semi-Rigid Annuloplasty Ring

The polyester braid discourages "bunching” during suturing, offers low resistance for easy needle penetration, and allows the needle to be placed anywhere along the width of the material. A single cut is sufficient to release the ring from its innovative spoked-ring holder. The new rings are especially suited for robotic use. The ATS Simulus semi-rigid annuloplasty ring is a product of ATS Medical (Minneapolis, MN, USA), and has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

"I have utilized the original ATS Simulus flexible annuloplasty ring and band in hundreds of surgical cases and have been impressed with its superior handling and suturability,” said Douglas Murphy, M.D. of St. Joseph's Hospital (Atlanta, GA, USA). "A semi-rigid version coupled with the variety of surgical repair techniques available will now allow us to further individualize and refine each patient's care with an eye towards continuous outcome improvement.”

Annuloplasty is a technique aimed at repairing the fibrous tissue at the base of the heart valve--the annulus. Sometimes, the annulus becomes distended, which enables blood to back up into the atrium. To repair this, sutures are sewn around the ring to make the opening smaller. This creates a "purse string” effect around the base of the valve and helps the leaflets meet again when the valve closes. In some cases, it becomes necessary for the surgeon to implant an annuloplasty ring to support the valve, and reinforce other repair techniques.


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