U.S. patent application number 11/519645 was filed with the patent office on 2007-03-15 for device and method for reshaping mitral valve annulus.
Invention is credited to Donald E. JR. Bobo, David L. Hauser, Jan Otto Solem.
Application Number | 20070061010 11/519645 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37556040 |
Filed Date | 2007-03-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070061010 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hauser; David L. ; et
al. |
March 15, 2007 |
Device and method for reshaping mitral valve annulus
Abstract
Devices and methods for reshaping a mitral valve annulus are
provided. One preferred device is configured for deployment in the
right atrium and is shaped to apply a force along the atrial
septum. The device causes the atrial septum to deform and push the
anterior leaflet of the mitral valve in a posterior direction for
reducing mitral valve regurgitation. Another preferred device is
deployed in the left ventricular outflow tract at a location
adjacent the aortic valve. The device is expandable for urging the
anterior leaflet toward the posterior leaflet. Another preferred
device comprises a tether configured to be attached to opposing
regions of the mitral valve annulus.
Inventors: |
Hauser; David L.; (Newport
Beach, CA) ; Bobo; Donald E. JR.; (Santa Ana, CA)
; Solem; Jan Otto; (Stetten, CH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES CORPORATION
LEGAL DEPARTMENT
ONE EDWARDS WAY
IRVINE
CA
92614
US
|
Family ID: |
37556040 |
Appl. No.: |
11/519645 |
Filed: |
September 11, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60716012 |
Sep 9, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
623/2.36 ;
600/37; 623/1.36 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 2/2445 20130101;
A61F 2/246 20130101; A61F 2/2487 20130101; A61F 2210/0004 20130101;
A61F 2220/0016 20130101; A61F 2230/0004 20130101; A61F 2/2454
20130101; A61F 2/82 20130101; A61F 2002/8483 20130101; A61F
2210/0014 20130101; A61F 2/2442 20130101; A61F 2/2478 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
623/002.36 ;
623/001.36; 600/037 |
International
Class: |
A61F 2/24 20060101
A61F002/24 |
Claims
1. A device for treating mitral valve regurgitation, comprising: an
implantable body configured for deployment in the right atrium,
wherein the body is shaped to apply a lateral force along the
atrial septum at a location adjacent to the mitral valve.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the body comprises a first anchor
sized for deployment in the inferior vena cava, a second anchor
sized for deployment in the superior vena cava and a pusher member
extending between the first and second anchors, the pusher member
being configured for contacting the atrial septum.
3. The device of claim 2, wherein the first and second anchors
comprise first and second stents.
4. The device of claim 3, wherein the first and second stents are
self-expandable.
5. The device of claim 3, wherein the first and second stents are
balloon expandable.
6. A device for treating mitral valve regurgitation, comprising: an
expandable stent configured for deployment in the left ventricular
outflow tract, wherein the expandable stent is adapted to exert a
radial force for reshaping a mitral valve annulus, thereby moving
an anterior leaflet of a mitral valve in a posterior direction.
7. The device of claim 6, wherein the expandable stent has a
protrusion along a first side for increasing the force applied to
the mitral valve annulus.
8. The device of claim 6, wherein the expandable device is deployed
within the aortic annulus and further comprises a valvular
structure for replacing the function of a native aortic valve.
9. A method of reducing mitral valve regurgitation, comprising:
delivering an expandable body into the left ventricular outflow
tract, wherein the expandable body is configured to urge the
anterior leaflet of a mitral valve toward the posterior leaflet of
a mitral valve, thereby improving leaflet coaption.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the expandable body comprises a
stent configured to be delivered to the left ventricular outflow
tract in a minimally invasive manner.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the stent is delivered to a
location in the left ventricular outflow tract just beneath the
aortic valve.
12. A method for repairing a mitral valve, comprising: providing a
repair device having a deployment mechanism for independently
applying first and second fastener elements to first and second
regions of a mitral valve annulus; grasping the first region of
tissue with a vacuum force from the repair device; deploying the
first fastener element into the first region of tissue; disengaging
the first region of tissue from the repair device while leaving the
first fastener element deployed therein; stabilizing the second
region of tissue with a vacuum force from the repair device;
deploying the second fastener element into the stabilized second
region of tissue; disengaging the second region of tissue from the
repair device while leaving the second fastener element deployed
therein; and pulling the first and second fastener elements
together for reducing the distance between the first and second
regions of tissue.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present invention claims priority to Provisional
Application No. 60/716,012, filed on Sep. 9, 2005, entitled "Device
and Method for Reshaping Mitral Valve Annulus."
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to medical devices and methods
and, more particularly, to medical devices and methods for
repairing a defective mitral valve in a human heart.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Heart valve regurgitation, or leakage from the outflow to
the inflow side of a heart valve, occurs when a heart valve fails
to close properly. Regurgitation often occurs in the mitral valve,
located between the left atrium and left ventricle, or in the
tricuspid valve, located between the right atrium and right
ventricle. Regurgitation through the mitral valve is typically
caused by changes in the geometric configurations of the left
ventricle, papillary muscles and mitral valve annulus. Similarly,
regurgitation through the tricuspid valve is typically caused by
changes in the geometric configurations of the right ventricle,
papillary muscles and tricuspid valve annulus. These geometric
alterations result in incomplete leaflet coaptation during
ventricular systole, thereby producing regurgitation.
[0004] A variety of heart valve repair procedures have been
proposed over the years for treating heart valve regurgitation.
With the use of current surgical techniques, it has been found that
between 40% and 60% of regurgitant heart valves can be repaired,
depending on the surgeon's experience and the anatomic conditions
present. The advantages of heart valve repair over heart valve
replacement are well documented. These advantages include better
preservation of cardiac function and reduced risk of
anticoagulant-related hemorrhage, thromboembolism and endocarditis.
Although surgical techniques are typically effective for treating
heart valve regurgitation, due to age or health considerations,
many patients cannot withstand the trauma associated with an
open-heart surgical procedure.
[0005] In recent years, a variety of new minimally invasive
procedures for repairing heart valves have been introduced. These
minimally invasive procedures do not require opening the chest or
the use of cardiopulmonary by-pass. At least one of these
procedures involves introducing an implant into the coronary sinus
for remodeling the mitral annulus. The coronary sinus is a blood
vessel commencing at the coronary sinus ostium in the right atrium
and passing through the atrioventricular groove in close proximity
to the posterior, lateral and medial aspects of the mitral annulus.
Because the coronary sinus is positioned adjacent to the mitral
valve annulus, an implant deployed within the coronary sinus may be
used to apply a compressive force along a posterior portion of the
mitral annulus for improving leaflet coaption.
[0006] Although implants configured for use in the coronary sinus
have shown promising results, it has been found that this treatment
may not be effective for all patients. For example, in certain
cases, the coronary sinus may be too weakened or fragile to support
the implant. In other cases, due to variations in heart anatomy,
the location of the coronary sinus may not be well-situated for
treating the mitral valve. For example, the coronary sinus may be
above or below the mitral valve annulus, thereby diminishing the
effectiveness of the implant. In other cases, it has been found
that deployment of the implant in the coronary sinus may impinge on
the circumflex artery. Due to the limitations associated with
existing treatment procedures, a need exists for still further
approaches for treating heart valve regurgitation in a minimally
invasive manner.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Preferred embodiments of the present invention provide new
devices and methods for treating heart valve regurgitation. The
devices and methods are particularly well suited for treating
mitral valve regurgitation in a minimally invasive manner.
[0008] In one preferred embodiment, an implantable body is
configured for deployment in the right atrium. The body is shaped
to apply a lateral force along the atrial septum at a location
adjacent to the mitral valve. The force causes the atrial septum to
deform, thereby affecting the anatomy on the left side of the
heart. More particularly, by pressing on the atrial septum, the
anterior leaflet of the mitral valve is pushed toward the posterior
leaflet. The amount of force can be selected such that the anterior
leaflet is pushed a sufficient amount for closing the gap in the
mitral valve and reducing or eliminating mitral valve
regurgitation.
[0009] One preferred device configured for this purpose generally
comprises at least one anchor member for anchoring the device
relative to the right atrium and a pusher member for engaging and
pressing against the atrial septum. The anchor member may comprise
an expandable stent configured for deployment in the superior vena
cava. If desired, the anchor member may further comprise a second
expandable stent configured for deployment. in the inferior vena
cava. The pusher member is coupled to the first and second anchors.
The pusher member may comprise a bow-shaped member.
[0010] In another preferred embodiment, a device is provided for
placement in the right ventricle. In one aspect, the device
comprises a ring or U-shaped member that changes shape for pushing
against the ventricular septum.
[0011] In another preferred embodiment, an expandable stent is
configured for deployment in the left ventricular outflow tract.
The expandable stent is adapted to exert a radial force for
reshaping a mitral valve annulus, thereby moving an anterior
leaflet of a mitral valve in a posterior direction. The device is
preferably deployed at a location adjacent the aortic valve and,
more preferably, the device is deployed beneath the aortic valve.
The stent may be configured with a protrusion to increase the force
applied along the portion of the LVOT that is adjacent to the
mitral valve. The stent may further comprise a valvular structure
to provide a prosthetic valve configured for replacing an aortic
valve, thereby providing a device configured to treat the aortic
valve and mitral valve simultaneously.
[0012] In another aspect, a method of reducing mitral valve
regurgitation comprises delivering an expandable body into the left
ventricular outflow tract, wherein the expandable body is
configured to urge the anterior leaflet of a mitral valve toward
the posterior leaflet of a mitral valve, thereby improving leaflet
coaption. In one variation, the expandable body may comprise a
stent configured to be delivered into the left ventricular outflow
tract in a minimally invasive manner. The stent is preferably
delivered to a location in the left ventricular outflow tract just
beneath the aortic valve.
[0013] In another preferred embodiment, a tether or other tension
member is provided for pulling the anterior leaflet toward the
posterior leaflet. In one embodiment, the tether is located within
the left ventricle. In another embodiment, the tether is located
within the left atrium. The tether is configured to pull opposing
regions of tissue into closer proximity for reshaping the mitral
valve annulus.
[0014] In another aspect, a method for repairing a mitral valve
involves providing a repair device having a deployment mechanism
for independently applying first and second fastener elements to
first and second regions of a mitral valve annulus. The repair
device is used to grasp the first region of tissue with a vacuum
force and then deploy a first fastener element into the first
region of tissue. The first region of tissue is then disengaged
from the repair device while leaving the first fastener element
deployed therein. The repair device is then used to grasp the
second region of tissue with a vacuum force and then deploy the
second fastener element into the second region of tissue. The
second region of tissue is then disengaged. The first and second
fastener elements are then pulled together for reducing the
distance between the first and second regions of tissue, thereby
improving coaption of the mitral valve leaflets.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a first cross-sectional view of a typical
four-chambered heart.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view generally illustrating
forces pushing against a septum for reshaping a mitral valve
annulus.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view generally illustrating one
preferred medical implant configured for applying a force along the
atrial septum.
[0018] FIG. 3A is a schematic view illustrating the function of the
implant of FIG. 3.
[0019] FIG. 3B illustrates the force acting on the anterior leaflet
for urging the anterior leaflet toward the posterior leaflet.
[0020] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view generally illustrating
another preferred medical implant configured for applying a force
along the ventricular septum.
[0021] FIG. 5 is a second cross-sectional view of a typical
four-chambered heart.
[0022] FIG. 6 illustrates an expandable stent deployed in the left
ventricular outflow tract for reshaping the mitral valve
annulus.
[0023] FIG. 6A illustrates a preferred cross-section of an
expandable stent having a protrusion configured to apply a force
along the anterior portion of the mitral valve annulus.
[0024] FIG. 7 illustrates yet another approach for treating a
mitral valve wherein a tether extends across the left ventricle at
a location beneath the mitral valve for improving mitral valve
function.
[0025] FIG. 8 illustrates a tether attached to opposing regions of
a mitral valve annulus at a location above the mitral valve for
improving mitral valve function.
[0026] FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate a preferred method of attaching a
tether to the mitral valve annulus.
[0027] FIGS. 8C through 8E illustrate various tether configurations
for reshaping the mitral valve annulus.
[0028] FIG. 9 illustrates an alternative approach wherein one end
of a tether is attached to chordae within the left ventricle.
[0029] FIG. 10 illustrates a prosthetic valve for replacing a
native aortic valve and including a lower portion configured for
reshaping the mitral valve annulus.
[0030] FIG. 11 illustrates a stent deployed in the right
ventricular outflow tract for improving tricuspid valve
function.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0031] Various embodiments of the present invention depict medical
implants and methods of use that are well-suited for treating
mitral valve regurgitation. It should be appreciated that the
principles and aspects of the embodiments disclosed and discussed
herein are also applicable to other devices having different
structures and functionalities. For example, certain structures and
methods disclosed herein may also be applicable to the treatment of
other heart valves or other body organs. Furthermore, certain
embodiments may also be used in conjunction with other medical
devices or other procedures not explicitly disclosed. However, the
manner of adapting the embodiments described herein to various
other devices and functionalities will become apparent to those of
skill in the art in view of the description that follows.
[0032] With reference now to FIG. 1, a four-chambered heart 10 is
illustrated for background purposes. On the left side of the heart,
the mitral valve 12 is located between the left atrium 14 and left
ventricle 16. The mitral valve generally comprises two leaflets, an
anterior leaflet and a posterior leaflet. The mitral valve leaflets
are attached to a mitral valve annulus 18, which is defined as the
portion of tissue surrounding the mitral valve orifice. The left
atrium receives oxygenated blood from the pulmonary veins 20. The
oxygenated blood that is collected in left atrium enters into the
left ventricle through the mitral valve 12. Contraction of the left
ventricle forces blood through the aortic valve and into the
aorta.
[0033] On the right side of the heart, the tricuspid valve 22 is
located between the right atrium 24 and right ventricle 26. The
right atrium receives blood from the superior vena cava 30 and the
inferior vena cava 32. The superior vena cava 30 returns
de-oxygenated blood from the upper part of the body and the
inferior vena cava 32 returns the de-oxygenated blood from the
lower part of the body. The right atrium also receives blood from
the heart muscle itself via the coronary sinus. The blood in the
right atrium enters into the right ventricle through the tricuspid
valve. Contraction of the right ventricle forces blood through the
pulmonic valve and into the pulmonary trunk and then pulmonary
arteries. The blood enters the lungs for oxygenation and is
returned to the left atrium via the pulmonary veins 20.
[0034] The left and right sides of the heart are separated by a
wall generally referred to as a septum 34. The portion of the
septum that separates the two upper chambers (the right and left
atria) of the heart is termed the atrial (or interatrial) septum 36
while the portion of the septum that lies between the two lower
chambers (the right and left ventricles) of the heart is called the
ventricular (or interventricular) septum 38.
[0035] On the left side of the heart, enlargement (i.e., dilation)
of the mitral valve annulus 18 can lead to regurgitation (i.e.,
reversal of bloodflow) through the mitral valve 12. More
particularly, when a posterior aspect of the mitral valve annulus
18 dilates, the posterior leaflet may be displaced from the
anterior leaflet. As a result, the anterior and posterior leaflets
fail to close completely and blood is capable of flowing backward
through the resulting gap.
[0036] With reference now to FIG. 2, according to one aspect of the
invention, a lateral force F.sub.1 may be applied to the atrial
septum 36 from within the right atrium 24 for altering the geometry
of the mitral valve annulus on the left side of the heart. More
particularly, the force applied along the atrial septum 36 may be
used to reshape the mitral valve annulus 18. The resulting change
in shape causes the anterior leaflet of the mitral valve to be
located closer to the posterior leaflet. The effect of this is to
close the gap between the leaflets. By closing the gap, leaflet
coaption is improved, thereby reducing or eliminating mitral valve
regurgitation. In addition or alternatively, a force F.sub.2 may be
applied to the ventricular septum 34 from within the right
ventricle 26 to reshape the mitral valve annulus in a similar
manner. In either case, it is preferable that the force is applied
to the septum at a location close to the mitral valve annulus.
[0037] With reference now to FIGS. 3 through 3B, one preferred
embodiment of a mitral valve repair implant 100 is illustrated. The
implant 100 is deployed substantially within the right atrium 24
and is configured to press against the atrial septum 36, preferably
along a lower portion of the atrial septum. One preferred
embodiment of the implant 100 comprises, generally, a first anchor
102, a second anchor 104 and a pusher member 106. The first anchor
102 is preferably an expandable stent configured to expand within
the superior vena cava 30, preferably along or adjacent to the
ostium wherein the superior vena cava empties into the right
atrium. The second anchor 104 is preferably an expandable stent
configured to expand in the inferior vena cava 32, preferably along
or adjacent to the ostium wherein the inferior vena cava empties
into the right atrium. The superior and inferior vena cava are
desirable anchoring points because the tissue in this region is
relatively stable and non-compliant and thereby provides a suitable
foundation for anchoring the implant 100. Although the illustrated
embodiment comprises two anchors, it will be appreciated that a
device may be provided with only a single anchor while still
remaining within the scope of the present invention.
[0038] The pusher member 106 preferably takes the form of an
elongate bridge extending between the first and second anchors. The
pusher member may comprise a curved or bow-shaped wire configured
for contacting the atrial septum 36. The implant may be formed of
any suitable biocompatible material. In one embodiment, the pusher
member 106 is formed at least in part from a shape memory material
that bows outward after deployment. As illustrated, the pusher
member is preferably shaped to extend along a path within the right
atrium (e.g., along the wall) that minimizes adverse hemodynamic
effects.
[0039] The pusher member 106 is configured for pushing against the
atrial septum after the implant 100 has been deployed. In one
embodiment, a resorbable material may be used to hold the pusher
member in a contracted position during delivery and deployment.
However, over time, the material is resorbed such that the pusher
member is allowed to lengthen, thereby causing the pusher member to
bow outward.
[0040] Resorbable materials are those that, when implanted into a
human body, are resorbed by the body by means of enzymatic
degradation and also by active absorption by blood cells and tissue
cells of the human body. Examples of such resorbable materials are
PDS (Polydioxanon), Pronova (Poly-hexafluoropropylen-VDF), Maxon
(Polyglyconat), Dexon (polyglycolic acid) and Vicryl (Polyglactin).
As explained in more detail below, a resorbable material may be
used in combination with a shape memory material, such as Nitinol,
Elgiloy or spring steel to allow the superelastic material to
return to a predetermined shape over a period of time.
[0041] In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second anchors
102, 104 are both generally cylindrically shaped members. The first
and second anchors 102, 104 each have a compressed state and an
expanded state. In the compressed state, each of the first and
second anchors has a diameter that is less than the diameter of the
superior and inferior vena cava, respectively. In the expanded
state, each of the first and second anchors has a diameter that is
preferably about equal to or greater than the diameter of the
section of vena cava to which each anchor will be aligned. The
anchors are preferably made from tubes of shape memory material,
such as, for example, Nitinol. However, the anchors 102, 104 may
also be made from any other suitable material, such as stainless
steel. When the anchors are formed with stainless steel, the
anchors may be deployed using a balloon catheter as known in the
art. Although the anchor mechanisms take the form of stents for
purposes of illustration, it will be appreciated that a wide
variety of anchoring mechanisms may be used while remaining within
the scope of the invention.
[0042] With particular reference to FIG. 3A, the functionality of
the implant is schematically illustrated. It can be seen that the
implant 100 is deployed in the right atrium 24 with the first
anchor 102 expanded in the superior vena cava 30 and the second
anchor 104 deployed in the inferior vena cava 32. The pusher member
106 extends between the anchors and is shaped for pressing against
the atrial septum 36 for reshaping the mitral valve annulus 18 on
the left side of the heart. In other words, the implant 100 applies
a force F.sub.1 against the atrial septum. With reference to FIGS.
3A and 3B, it can be seen that the force F.sub.1 is transferred
through the atrial septum for pushing the anterior leaflet 12A of
the mitral valve 12 toward the posterior leaflet 12B.
[0043] With reference now to FIG. 4, an alternative device 200 is
illustrated for reshaping a mitral valve annulus. In this
embodiment, the implant 200 is configured for deployment within the
right ventricle 26. In one preferred embodiment, the device
generally comprises a U-shaped member 202 that is suitable for
deployment in or adjacent to the tricuspid valve 22. More
particularly, the U-shaped member may extend around the chordae
and/or papillary muscles of the tricuspid valve. In a manner
substantially similar to that described above, the U-shaped member
urges the ventricular septum outward for reshaping the mitral valve
annulus 18 and pushing the anterior leaflet of the mitral valve
toward the posterior leaflet. Although a U-shaped member is shown
for purposes of illustration, any suitable force applying member
may be used.
[0044] Although particular devices have been illustrated for
purposes of discussion, it will be appreciated that a variety of
alternative mechanisms may be used to apply a force along the
septum for reshaping the mitral valve annulus. For example, in one
alternative embodiment, an expandable cage may be deployed in the
right atrium for urging the atrial septum toward the left side of
the heart, thereby moving the anterior leaflet toward the posterior
leaflet. Still further, it will be appreciated that the devices and
methods described herein may also be used to treat the tricuspid
valve. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a
substantially similar device may be deployed in the left atrium (or
left ventricle) for pushing the septum toward the right side of the
heart and improving coaption of the tricuspid leaflets.
[0045] To further enhance the ability to reshape the mitral valve
annulus, an implant for pushing against the anterior leaflet of the
mitral valve, such as the embodiments described above, may be used
in combination with an implant deployed in the coronary sinus for
pushing against the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve. One
example of a device configured for deployment in the coronary sinus
is described in Applicant's co-pending application Ser. No.
11/238,853, filed Sep. 28, 2005, the contents of which are hereby
incorporated by reference. It will be recognized that, by applying
compressive forces to both the anterior and posterior sides of the
mitral valve, the ability to improve leaflet coaption is further
enhanced.
[0046] With reference now to FIG. 5, an alternative illustration of
a four-chambered heart 10 is provided wherein all four heart valves
can be seen. As discussed above, on the left side of the heart, the
mitral valve 12 is located between the left atrium 14 and left
ventricle 16. The mitral valve generally comprises two leaflets, an
anterior leaflet 12A and a posterior leaflet 12B. Contraction of
the left ventricle forces blood through the left ventricular
outflow tract (LVOT) and into the aorta 19. The aortic valve 18 is
located between the left ventricle 16 and the aorta 19 for ensuring
that blood flows in only one direction (i.e., from the left
ventricle to the aorta). As used herein, the term left ventricular
outflow tract, or LVOT, is intended to generally include the
portion of the heart through which blood is channeled from the left
ventricle to the aorta. The LVOT shall include the aortic valve
annulus and the adjacent region extending below the aortic valve
annulus. For purposes of this discussion, the LVOT shall also
include the portion of the ascending aorta adjacent to the aortic
valve.
[0047] On the right side of the heart, the tricuspid valve 22 is
located between the right atrium 24 and right ventricle 26. The
right atrium receives blood from the superior vena cava 30 and the
inferior vena cava 32. Contraction of the right ventricle forces
blood through the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) and into
the pulmonary arteries. The pulmonic valve 28 is located between
the right ventricle and the pulmonary trunk 29 for ensuring that
blood flows in only one direction from the right ventricle to the
pulmonary trunk. As used herein, the term right ventricular outflow
tract, or RVOT, generally includes the pulmonary valve annulus and
the adjacent region extending below the pulmonary valve
annulus.
[0048] With reference now to FIG. 6, another preferred embodiment
of a medical implant 300 is illustrated for treating mitral valve
regurgitation. In this embodiment, the implant 300 is configured
for deployment within the LVOT at a location beneath the aortic
valve. Due to the proximity of the LVOT with respect to the
anterior portion of the mitral valve annulus, it has been found
that the deployment of an implant within the LVOT may be used to
reshape the mitral valve annulus and thereby affect the position of
the anterior leaflet of the mitral valve. More particularly, the
implant is configured to apply a force which pushes the anterior
leaflet 12A toward the posterior leaflet 12B for improving leaflet
coaption in the mitral valve.
[0049] In one preferred embodiment, the implantable device 300
generally comprises an expandable stent. The stent may be
self-expanding or balloon-expandable. When a self-expanding stent
is used, the stent is preferably formed of a shape memory material
and may be delivered using a sheath. After reaching the treatment
site, the stent is emitted from the sheath and is allowed to self
expand. When a balloon-expandable stent is used, the stent is
preferably formed of stainless steel. The stent is crimped and
placed over a deflated balloon provided on the distal end portion
of an elongate catheter. The distal end portion of the catheter is
advanced to the treatment site and the balloon is inflated for
expanding the stent within the LVOT. If desired, the stent may
further comprise engagement members, such as, for example, barbs or
hooks, to enhance the securement of the stent at the treatment
site. As shown in FIG. 6A, if desired, the stent may be formed with
a bulge or protrusion 301 for increasing the force applied in the
region of the anterior leaflet.
[0050] The implant 300 is preferably delivered to the treatment
site using a minimally invasive procedure. In one preferred method
of use, the device is inserted through the femoral artery and is
advanced around the aortic arch to the treatment site. In another
preferred method of use, the device is inserted into the femoral
vein and is advanced from the right side of the heart to the left
side of the heart via a trans-septal procedure. After reaching the
left side of the heart, the device can be deployed within the
LVOT.
[0051] The implant 300 is preferably configured to expand to a
diameter greater than the natural diameter of the LVOT. As a result
of the expansion, an outward force is applied along the LVOT. More
particularly, a force is applied along a region of tissue adjacent
the anterior portion of the mitral valve. The force urges the
anterior leaflet toward the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve
for reducing or eliminating mitral valve regurgitation.
[0052] The device may be used alone or in combination with another
therapeutic device, such as an implant configured for deployment
within the coronary sinus. When used with an implant in the
coronary sinus, compressive forces may be applied along both the
anterior and posterior portions of the mitral valve, thereby
providing the clinician with an enhanced ability to improve leaflet
coaption and reduce mitral valve regurgitation.
[0053] With reference to FIG. 7, yet another device and method for
treating mitral valve regurgitation is schematically illustrated.
In this embodiment, a tether 320 or other tension member extends
across a portion of the left ventricle for pulling the anterior and
posterior mitral valve leaflets together. The tether may take the
form of a suture which is passed through tissue along the walls of
the left ventricle. One preferred device for deploying a suture or
tether can be found in Applicant's co-pending application Ser. No.
10/389,721, filed Mar. 14, 2003, now published as U.S. Publication
No. 2004/0181238, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by
reference. In an alternative device, the tether may have barbs or
other anchoring means for engaging the tissue. If necessary, more
than one tether may be used for reshaping the mitral valve annulus
and improving leaflet coaption.
[0054] With reference to FIG. 8, yet another alternative approach
is schematically illustrated for treating the mitral valve. In this
embodiment, a tether 330 or other elongate tension member extends
across a portion of the left atrium for pulling the anterior and
posterior mitral valve leaflets together. The tether is preferably
attached to opposing regions of tissue on the mitral valve annulus.
The tether may take the form of a suture which is tied or otherwise
fastened to the tissue along the mitral valve annulus.
[0055] In one method of delivering the tether, a repair device is
provided which has a deployment mechanism for applying first and
second fastener elements to first and second regions of the mitral
valve annulus. The first region of tissue is grasped using the
repair device and the first fastener element 332 is deployed into
the first region of tissue. The first region of tissue is
disengaged from the repair device while leaving the first fastener
element deployed therein. The second region of tissue is then
grasped using the repair device and the second fastener element 334
is deployed into the second region of tissue. The second region of
tissue is disengaged from the repair device while leaving the
second fastener element deployed therein. The first and second
fastener elements are attached by the tether 330. The tether pulls
the first and second fastener elements together for reducing the
distance between the first and second regions of tissue, thereby
reshaping the mitral valve annulus. The tether is held in tension
for maintaining the mitral valve annulus in the reshaped
condition.
[0056] With reference to FIG. 8A, a more particular method of use
will be described in more detail. In this method, a distal end
portion of a therapy catheter 336 is percutaneously advanced into
the left atrium 14. The therapy catheter preferably includes a side
vacuum port (not shown) for grasping tissue. After grasping the
tissue on one side of the mitral valve annulus, a needle is
advanced from the catheter and through the tissue for advancing a
first piece of suture through the tissue. The tissue is then
released and the procedure is repeated on the other side of the
annulus, thus creating a suture loop. As best shown in FIG. 8B, a
clip or other fastener 338 is then advanced over the suture to hold
the loop tight and the remaining suture is cut away and removed.
The suture loop and clip provide the tether for maintaining the
mitral valve annulus in the reshaped condition.
[0057] With reference to FIG. 8C, a mitral valve 12 is illustrated
wherein a tether 330 has been secured to opposite sides of the
mitral valve annulus along a central region of the mitral valve.
The tether is attached with sufficient tension such that the mitral
valve annulus is reshaped for improving coaption between the
anterior leaflet 12A and posterior leaflet 12B. FIG. 8D illustrates
an alternative approach wherein a tether 330A is secured to the
posterior portion of the mitral valve annulus adjacent to a P3
scallop. FIG. 8E illustrates another alternative configuration
wherein a plurality of tethers 330, 330A, 330B are provided. These
various approaches are provided for purposes of illustration;
however, it will be appreciated that a variety of alternative
approaches may also be selected for treating a particular
defect.
[0058] With reference to FIG. 9, another embodiment of a tether 340
is illustrated wherein at least one end of the tether is configured
for attachment to chordae.
[0059] With reference to FIG. 10, yet another approach for treating
mitral valve regurgitation comprises a prosthetic valve 360
configured for deployment within the aortic valve annulus. The
prosthetic valve preferably includes an expandable stent portion
and a valvular structure disposed within the stent portion. The
prosthetic valve is configured to replace the function of the
native aortic valve 18. The stent portion of the prosthetic valve
is configured to extend below the aortic valve annulus and into the
LVOT. The stent is shaped to apply a force along the region of
tissue which separates the LVOT from the mitral valve. The force
moves the anterior leaflet 12A of the mitral valve 12 toward the
posterior leaflet 12B for improving leaflet coaption. In a
preferred configuration, the stent portion includes a generally
tubular upper section which contains the valvular structure. If
desired, the stent portion may include a flared lower portion 364
configured to engage and push against the tissue of the LVOT,
thereby more effectively altering the position of the anterior
leaflet 12A. This embodiment advantageously provides the clinician
with the ability to treat both the aortic valve and the mitral
valve with a single device. Addition details regarding the
structure and use of prosthetic valves can be found in Applicant's
U.S. Pat. No. 6,730,118, the contents of which are hereby
incorporated by reference.
[0060] It will be recognized that the embodiments described above
may also be used to treat a triscuspid valve in substantially
similar manner. For example, with reference to FIG. 11, in an
approach similar to that described with respect to FIG. 6, an
expandable stent 300 may be deployed in the RVOT for pushing
against the anterior region of the tricuspid valve. Depending on
the particular anatomy, this method may be used to advantageously
treat tricuspid valve regurgitation. Furthermore, aspects of each
of the other embodiments described herein may also be used to treat
the triscuspid valve.
[0061] Exemplary embodiments of the invention have been described,
but the invention is not limited to these embodiments. Various
modifications may be made within the scope without departing from
the subject matter of the invention read on the appended claims,
the description of the invention, and the accompanying
drawings.
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