Healthcare Professionals
Simulus Semi-Rigid Annuloplasty System
Designed to support the annulus and maintain the repair, the Simulus® Semi-Rigid Ring and Band accommodate annular flexion and leaflet curvature.
Summary
Surgeons can choose between a semi-rigid ring with a flexible anterior segment or a semi-rigid band, based on their preference and their patient’s needs.
Simulus Semi-Rigid Ring
The Simulus Semi-Rigid Annuloplasty Ring for mitral valve repair is a unique hybrid between a saddle shape and a flat ring. Conforming to the physiologic movement of the human mitral annuli, the Simulus Semi-Rigid Ring rises as a saddle in systole and flattens to a planar shape in diastole. Studies of rings that respect the dynamic curvature of the annulus indicate that they reduce valvular stress, potentially increasing repair durability.1,2 According to Jensen et al., “Saddle-shaped annuloplasty rings provide superior uniform annular force distribution compared to flat rings and appear to represent a configuration that minimizes out-of-plane forces that could potentially be transmitted to leaflets and chords.”2
Simulus Semi-Rigid Band
The Simulus Semi-Rigid Annuloplasty Band provides support for posterior annuloplasty while preserving the physiologic motion of the aorto-mitral curtain. Constructed with an MP35N wire stiffener, the semi-rigid band helps stabilize the annulus. Flexible tips allow secure attachment at the trigones.
The Simulus Semi-Rigid Ring and Band include the following features:
- Braided polyester fabric – enables easy needle penetration, prevents bunching, and minimizes stretching to maintain annulus stability
- Internal spring and stiffener – provide radiographic visualization
- Generous suture target area with green suture line – provides demarcation between structural components and the suture target area
- Trigone markers – assist in suture placement and positioning of ring and band
- Clear holder for use in implant – provides visibility and proprietary one-cut release
- Nine sizes – ranging from 24 mm to 40 mm
Important Safety Information
Only physicians who have received proper training in valve repair should use this device.
Adverse events can include: thromboembolic events, dehiscence, hemolysis, stenosis, residual incompetence, heart block, endocarditis, systolic anterior motion, left ventricular outflow tract obstruction, anticoagulant-related bleeding or hemorrhage.
For additional information please refer to the Instructions for Use provided with the product or contact your local Medtronic representative.
References
1
Ryan L, Jackson B, Hamamoto H, et al. The influence of annuloplasty ring geometry on mitral leaflet curvature. Ann Thorac Surg. 2008;86:749-760.
2
Jensen MO, Jensen H, Smerup M, et al. Saddle-shaped mitral valve annuloplasty rings experience lower forces compared with flat rings. Circulation. 2008;118;S250-S255.