U.S. patent application number 16/081154 was filed with the patent office on 2020-04-23 for system, devices and methods for anchoring and/or sealing a heart valve prosthesis.
The applicant listed for this patent is Paul A. Spence. Invention is credited to Paul A. Spence.
Application Number | 20200121454 16/081154 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 59744335 |
Filed Date | 2020-04-23 |
![](/patent/app/20200121454/US20200121454A1-20200423-D00000.png)
![](/patent/app/20200121454/US20200121454A1-20200423-D00001.png)
![](/patent/app/20200121454/US20200121454A1-20200423-D00002.png)
![](/patent/app/20200121454/US20200121454A1-20200423-D00003.png)
![](/patent/app/20200121454/US20200121454A1-20200423-D00004.png)
![](/patent/app/20200121454/US20200121454A1-20200423-D00005.png)
![](/patent/app/20200121454/US20200121454A1-20200423-D00006.png)
![](/patent/app/20200121454/US20200121454A1-20200423-D00007.png)
![](/patent/app/20200121454/US20200121454A1-20200423-D00008.png)
![](/patent/app/20200121454/US20200121454A1-20200423-D00009.png)
![](/patent/app/20200121454/US20200121454A1-20200423-D00010.png)
View All Diagrams
United States Patent
Application |
20200121454 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Spence; Paul A. |
April 23, 2020 |
SYSTEM, DEVICES AND METHODS FOR ANCHORING AND/OR SEALING A HEART
VALVE PROSTHESIS
Abstract
Methods, devices and systems for anchoring and/or sealing a
heart valve prosthesis and, in particular, a mitral valve
prosthesis (202). Inflatable elements (204, 206) are used to seal
and anchor the mitral valve prosthesis (202) and/or other elements
associated with repairing a native mitral valve.
Inventors: |
Spence; Paul A.;
(Louisville, KY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Spence; Paul A. |
Louisville |
KY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
59744335 |
Appl. No.: |
16/081154 |
Filed: |
February 28, 2017 |
PCT Filed: |
February 28, 2017 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US17/19858 |
371 Date: |
August 30, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62301924 |
Mar 1, 2016 |
|
|
|
62349830 |
Jun 14, 2016 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 2210/0014 20130101;
A61F 2/2457 20130101; A61F 2250/0013 20130101; A61F 2/2445
20130101; A61F 2250/006 20130101; A61F 2250/0069 20130101; A61F
2/2454 20130101; A61F 2220/0008 20130101; A61F 2250/0003 20130101;
A61F 2/2409 20130101; A61F 2/2427 20130101; A61F 2/246 20130101;
A61F 2/2439 20130101; A61F 2/2418 20130101; A61F 2210/0085
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61F 2/24 20060101
A61F002/24 |
Claims
1-93. (canceled)
94. A system for anchoring a mitral valve prosthesis, the system
comprising: a first anchor formed in a generally annular or
partially annular shape and configured for positioning below and in
engagement with heart tissue including at least the lower surfaces
of the native mitral valve leaflets, and wherein the first anchor
includes at least one inflatable portion, and a second anchor
coupled adjacent to the first anchor and configured to be
positioned above and in engagement with heart tissue including
upper surfaces of the native mitral valve leaflets and/or the
mitral annulus and/or the left atrial tissue, wherein the first and
second anchors securely engage heart tissue therebetween for
supporting a prosthetic mitral valve which is either integrated and
delivered with the first and second anchors to the native mitral
valve or delivered separately to the native mitral valve after the
first and second anchors have been implanted.
95. The system of claim 94, further comprising a plurality of
anchoring arms configured to engage the first anchor and/or the
native mitral valve leaflets, wherein the arms comprise inflatable
elements, super-elastic wires, or combinations of inflatable
elements carried by one or more super-elastic wires.
96. The system of claim 94, wherein one or more super-elastic wires
carry the first anchor and/or the second anchor.
97. The system of claim 94, wherein the second anchor further
comprises an inflatable anchor.
98. The system of claim 94, wherein the second anchor further
comprises a flange configured to provide anchoring of the system in
the left atrium.
99. The system of claim 94, further comprising a ring element
coupled to and spaced from the first and second anchors, wherein
the ring element provides additional height support for a
prosthetic mitral valve which is either integrated and delivered
with the first and second anchors and the ring element to the
native mitral valve or delivered separately to the native mitral
valve after the first and second anchors and the ring element have
been implanted.
100. The system of claim 99, wherein the first and second anchors
and the ring element are coupled by vertical support struts.
101. The system of claim 94, further comprising one or more
inflatable portions associated with or integrated into the first
and/or second anchors which are inflatable to adjust to the size of
the native mitral valve annulus of a patient.
102. The system of claim 94, wherein the first and/or second anchor
further comprises a commissural seal.
103. The system of claim 94, further comprising an inflatable
element configured to be located below the native mitral valve
annulus and wrap around or restrict the movement of the native
anterior mitral leaflet to prevent the native anterior mitral
leaflet from obstructing blood outflow from the left ventricle
through the aortic valve.
104. The system of claim 94, wherein the first anchor further
comprises a plurality of partially annular inflatable segments
which may be delivered via the commissures and/or around the native
mitral valve leaflets.
105. The system of claim 104 wherein a native valve commissure is
sealed between segments of the first anchor, the second anchor or a
combination of first and second anchor elements.
106. The system of claim 94, further comprising: an expansible
mitral valve prosthesis configured to be delivered through a
catheter separately from the first and second anchors to the
position of the native mitral valve of a patient, the prosthesis
capable of being expanded into engagement with the first and second
anchors such that the prosthesis is anchored and stabilized in the
native mitral valve.
107. The system of claim 94, further comprising: an expansible
mitral valve prosthesis coupled with at least the first and second
anchors to be delivered through a catheter to the position of the
native mitral valve of a patient, the prosthesis capable of being
expanded and stabilized in the native mitral valve with the first
and second anchors.
108. The system of claim 107, further comprising a plurality of
anchoring arms connected to the prosthesis and configured to wrap
around and trap the native mitral valve leaflets against the
prosthesis and/or against at least one of the anchors, wherein the
arms comprise inflatable elements, super-elastic wires, or
combinations of inflatable elements carried by one or more
super-elastic wires.
109. A system for anchoring a mitral valve prosthesis, the system
comprising: a first ring element formed in a generally annular or
partially annular shape and configured for positioning in
engagement with heart tissue, a second ring element coupled
adjacent to the first ring element and configured to be in
engagement with heart tissue, the second ring element formed in a
generally annular or partially annular shape, and a third ring
element coupled to and spaced from the first and second ring
elements, wherein the third ring element provides additional height
support for a prosthetic mitral valve which is either integrated
and delivered with the first, second and third ring elements to the
native mitral valve or delivered separately to the native mitral
valve after the first, second and third ring elements have been
implanted.
110. The system of claim 109, wherein at least one of the first or
second annular or partially annular ring elements and/or the third
ring element further comprises a flange and the remainder of the
first or second annular or partially annular ring elements and/or
the third ring elements comprise inflatable elements.
111. A system for anchoring a mitral valve prosthesis, the system
comprising: a first ring element formed in a generally annular
shape and configured for positioning adjacent the native mitral
valve and in engagement with heart tissue, a second ring element
coupled adjacent to the first ring element and configured to be
positioned in engagement with heart tissue, the second ring element
formed in a plurality of partially annular segments, and a third
ring element coupled to and spaced from the first and second ring
elements, wherein the third ring element provides additional height
support for a prosthetic mitral valve which is either integrated
and delivered with the first, second and third ring elements to the
native mitral valve or delivered separately to the native mitral
valve after the first, second and third ring elements have been
implanted.
112. The system of claim 111, wherein at least one of the first,
second and/or third ring elements further includes at least one
inflatable portion.
113. A method for implanting an anchor or sealing member for
sealing and/or stabilizing a mitral valve prosthesis at the
location of the native mitral valve, comprising: directing an
elongate inflatable element adjacent at least a portion of the
native mitral valve, and using a wire operatively coupled to the
elongate inflatable element to guide the elongate inflatable
element adjacent the portion of the native mitral valve.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 62/301,924, filed Mar. 1, 2016
(pending) and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.
62/349,830, filed Jun. 14, 2016 (pending), the disclosures of which
are incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Despite a considerable amount of effort, catheter based
repair and replacement of the mitral valve remains a challenge.
Aortic valve replacement via a catheter has advanced remarkably
quickly. The aortic valve has an annulus that can serve as an
anchor for a prosthetic valve that is positioned inside a native
valve. The mitral valve has no natural anchor that can be used to
support the valve. So devices to replace the mitral valve require
an anchoring or fastening system to hold a prosthesis in place. The
procedure requires delivery of a valve prosthesis and an anchoring
system. Not surprisingly, given the high pressure inside the heart,
stability of the implanted mitral valve is an issue. Not
infrequently, there is anatomic variation in the mitral valve. So a
leak around an implanted valve can occur. And sometimes the
anchoring is tenuous. Also, some anchoring systems are bulky to
adapt to the numerous anatomic variations. It would be useful to
have additional approaches to anchor and/or seal a valve prosthesis
that are potentially less bulky, more secure and which also reduce
leak.
[0003] Surgical experience may be useful. Surgery allows a
considerable amount of flexibility--each patient can be treated to
account for variations observed at the time of operation. The
mitral valve varies considerably from patient to patient. The
diameter of the annulus ranges widely. The amount of leaflet tissue
is also very variable--some patients have abundant leaflet tissue
and others little. The chordae can be long or short. The ventricle
can be small or very large.
[0004] Many patients have a large valve diameter and a large amount
of valve tissue. Surgeons have found that leaving leaflet tissue
behind (i.e., not excising all the excess leaflet tissue), and even
folding leaflet tissue is very useful. The folded leaflet tissue
reduces the size of the annulus and fills space so a smaller valve
can be used. This creates a circle of a leaflet pledget that
narrows the diameter of the annulus. The retained leaflet also
makes the attachment more secure. The retained leaflet acts as a
shock absorber by spreading the load around the anchoring of the
valve.
[0005] Folding and tensioning leaflet tissue and thereby chordae
tendinae, also helps during mitral valve replacement. The mass of
folded tissue creates a very solid anchor for a valve. Also, the
tensioned leaflet-chordal system reduces valve movement. If the
leaflets and chordae are not tensioned, the prosthetic valve can
move as the heart beats. Valve motion after valve replacement is
very dangerous. The movement places rhythmic loads on the
attachment and with about 100,000 heartbeats per day, the risk of
valve disruption, tissue tearing and leak is magnified.
[0006] Tensioning of the chordae after mitral valve replacement may
also help the function of the left ventricle after valve
replacement. The tensioned chordae help keep the correct shape of
the left ventricle to optimize the filling and emptying and the
function of the heart muscle.
[0007] It would be useful to have a flexible way to treat leaks or
to eliminate the potential for leaks and also to provide further
options to anchor a valve in the mitral position.
[0008] Inflatable devices have been used in a variety of locations.
They have been used in intraperitoneal procedures to move viscera
and allow a surgeon to operate without risk of injury to adjacent
abdominal contents. Direct Flow Medical has also developed an
aortic valve that has "inflatable" components that help to anchor
the valve.
SUMMARY
[0009] An anchor for sealing and/or stabilizing a mitral valve
prosthesis at the location of the native mitral valve comprises an
elongate inflatable element configured to be directed under at
least a portion of the native mitral valve and a wire operatively
coupled to the elongate inflatable element and configured to guide
the elongate inflatable element under at least the portion of the
native mitral valve. The wire may be fixed to the elongate
inflatable element to prevent any sliding movement between the
elongate inflatable element and the wire. The elongate inflatable
element is configured for delivery through a mitral valve
commissure and/or for implantation at least partially between the
left ventricular wall and the chordae tendinae. The wire may be
coupled to the elongate inflatable element in a manner allowing
sliding movement between the elongate inflatable element and the
wire.
[0010] A method for implanting an anchor for sealing and/or
stabilizing a mitral valve prosthesis at the location of the native
mitral valve comprises directing an elongate inflatable element
under at least a portion of the native mitral valve and using a
wire operatively coupled to the elongate inflatable element to
guide the elongate inflatable element under the portion of the
native mitral valve. The wire may be fixed to the elongate
inflatable element, and using the wire further comprises guiding
the elongate inflatable element without any sliding movement
between the elongate inflatable element and the wire. Directing the
elongate inflatable element further comprises implanting the
elongate inflatable element at least partially between the left
ventricular wall and the chordae tendinae and/or at least one of
the native mitral valve leaflets. The wire may be coupled to the
elongate inflatable element in a manner allowing sliding movement
between the elongate inflatable element and the wire, and using the
wire further comprises guiding the elongate inflatable element
while sliding the elongate inflatable element along the wire.
Directing the elongate inflatable element further comprises
implanting the elongate inflatable element at least partially
between the left ventricular wall and the chordae tendinae and/or
at least one of the native mitral valve leaflets.
[0011] A system for replacing a native mitral valve of a patient
with a mitral valve prosthesis, comprises an expansible mitral
valve prosthesis configured to be delivered through a catheter to
the position of the native mitral valve of a patient. The
expansible mitral valve prosthesis includes anchoring arms on a
lower portion thereof configured to bend upward to capture the
native mitral valve leaflets upon deployment from the catheter and
an inflatable structure capable of being inflated upon delivery at
the position of the native mitral valve and engaging with the
native mitral valve leaflets and/or the anchoring arms of the
mitral valve prosthesis for stabilizing implantation of the mitral
valve prosthesis at the position of the native mitral valve. The
inflatable structure further comprises a discontinuous balloon
structure extending at least partially around the mitral valve
prosthesis. The inflatable structure further comprises discrete and
separately inflatable balloons.
[0012] A system for replacing a native mitral valve of a patient
with a mitral valve prosthesis, comprises an expansible mitral
valve prosthesis configured to be delivered through a catheter to
the position of the native mitral valve of a patient, the
expansible mitral valve prosthesis including an expansible stent
portion configured to be delivered to the position of the native
mitral valve and then expanded and an inflatable structure that may
be carried on the expansible stent portion and capable of being
inflated upon delivery at the position of the native mitral valve
and providing sealing and/or stabilization between the expansible
mitral valve prosthesis and the native mitral valve of the patient.
The inflatable structure further comprises first and second sealing
balloons adapted to be positioned generally on opposite
(diametrical) sides of the mitral valve prosthesis. The inflatable
structure further comprises at least a pair of sealing balloons
positioned adjacent to each other and configured to provide a seal
at one commissure of the native mitral valve. The inflatable
structure further comprises a continuous annular balloon adapted to
be positioned in surrounding relation to the mitral valve
prosthesis. The inflatable structure further comprises a
discontinuous balloon structure configured to be positioned above
and/or below the annulus of the native mitral valve. The inflatable
structure further comprises a discontinuous balloon structure
configured to be positioned generally around the mitral valve
prosthesis. The system further comprises reinforcing structure
coupled with the discontinuous balloon structure. The reinforcing
structure further comprises wire and/or inflatable reinforcement
balloons. First and second inflatable leaflet capturing members are
coupled to the inflatable structure and configured to be inflated
to capture and stabilize the native mitral valve leaflets. The
system further comprises a mitral valve prosthesis and a plurality
of anchoring arms coupled with the mitral valve prosthesis and
configured to engage the inflatable structure and/or at least one
of the native mitral valve leaflets. The anchoring arms further
comprise hook-like members that may include fabric or other
material to form a "paddle" shape.
[0013] A method of implanting an expansible mitral valve prosthesis
in the heart of a patient comprises delivering an inflatable
structure under at least one leaflet of the native mitral valve,
delivering the expansible mitral valve prosthesis to the native
mitral valve, inflating the inflatable structure, and anchoring the
mitral valve prosthesis in place at least partially by using the
inflatable structure. Delivering the inflatable structure under at
least one leaflet further comprises guiding the inflatable
structure with a wire. Guiding the inflatable structure with a wire
further may comprise guiding the inflatable structure using a wire
fixed to the inflatable structure such that there is no relative
sliding movement between the wire and the inflatable structure.
Guiding the inflatable structure with a wire further may instead
comprise guiding the inflatable structure by sliding the inflatable
structure along the wire. Delivering the inflatable structure under
at least one leaflet further comprises directing the inflatable
structure between the chordae tendonae and a wall of the left
ventricle.
[0014] A method of implanting an expansible mitral valve prosthesis
in the heart of a patient, wherein the mitral valve prosthesis
includes a plurality of anchoring arms coupled to a lower portion
thereof, and the method comprises delivering an inflatable
structure under at least one leaflet of the native mitral valve,
delivering the expansible mitral valve prosthesis to the native
mitral valve, and engaging the anchoring arms with the inflatable
structure and/or the at least one leaflet to anchor the expansible
mitral valve prosthesis. The anchoring arms further comprise
hook-like members and the method further comprises engaging the
hook-like members with the inflatable structure and/or the at least
one leaflet of the native mitral valve.
[0015] A system for replacing a native mitral valve of a patient
with a mitral valve prosthesis, comprises an expansible mitral
valve prosthesis configured to be delivered through a catheter to
the position of the native mitral valve of a patient, the
expansible mitral valve prosthesis including an expansible stent
portion configured to be delivered to the position of the native
mitral valve and then expanded, an inflatable structure capable of
being delivered under at least one leaflet of the native mitral
valve and anchoring the expansible mitral valve prosthesis with the
native mitral valve of the patient, and a plurality of anchoring
arms coupled with the mitral valve prosthesis and configured to
engage the inflatable structure and/or the at least one native
mitral valve leaflet. The anchoring arms further comprise hook-like
members.
[0016] A system for anchoring a mitral valve prosthesis comprises a
delivery catheter including a lumen and a distal opening
communicating with the lumen, and an inflatable structure received
in a collapsed form within the lumen of the delivery catheter and
adapted to be delivered from the distal opening, the inflatable
structure capable of being inflated upon delivery from the distal
opening and formed as an inflated anchoring element positioned
between the mitral valve prosthesis and the native mitral valve of
a patient, wherein the inflatable structure is capable of being
delivered from the distal opening to the native mitral valve
position of the patient separately from the mitral valve
prosthesis. A mitral valve prosthesis is capable of being delivered
to the mitral valve position of the patient and expanded radially
outward and into engagement with the inflatable element. The
inflatable structure further comprises first and second sealing
balloons adapted to be positioned on opposite sides of the mitral
valve prosthesis and at least a pair of sealing balloons positioned
adjacent to each other and configured to provide a seal at one
commissure of the native mitral valve. The inflatable structure
further comprises a continuous annular balloon adapted to be
positioned in surrounding relation to the mitral valve prosthesis.
The inflatable structure further comprises a discontinuous balloon
structure including first and second portions adapted to be
positioned generally on opposite sides of the mitral valve
prosthesis, wherein the continuous annular balloon is configured to
be positioned above the annulus of the native mitral valve and the
discontinuous balloon structure is configured to be positioned
below the annulus of the native mitral valve. Reinforcing structure
is coupled with the discontinuous balloon structure and comprises
wire and/or inflatable reinforcement balloons. First and second
inflatable leaflet capturing members are configured to be inflated
to capture and stabilize the native mitral valve leaflets. The
system further comprises a mitral valve prosthesis and a plurality
of anchoring arms coupled with the mitral valve prosthesis and
configured to engage the inflatable structure and/or at least one
of the native mitral valve leaflets. The anchoring arms further
comprise hook-like members.
[0017] A method of implanting an expansible mitral valve prosthesis
in the heart of a patient comprises delivering an inflatable
structure to the native mitral valve, delivering the expansible
mitral valve prosthesis to the native mitral valve separately from
the inflatable structure, and anchoring the mitral valve prosthesis
in position to replace the native mitral valve of the patient by
inflating the inflatable structure and placing the inflatable
element generally between the expansible mitral valve prosthesis
and the native mitral valve. The method further comprises
delivering the inflatable structure and the expansible mitral valve
prosthesis percutaneously through the venous system of the patient
to the native mitral valve. Delivering the inflatable structure
further comprises delivering a first balloon of the inflatable
structure below the mitral valve into the left ventricle of the
heart and a second balloon of the inflatable structure above the
mitral valve into the left atrium of the heart. The inflatable
structure further comprises first and second sealing balloons and
delivering the inflatable structure further comprises positioning
the first sealing balloon on one side of the native mitral valve
and positioning the second sealing balloon on the opposite
(diametrical) side of the native mitral valve and sealing first and
second commissures of the native mitral valve respectively with at
least the first and second balloons. The inflatable structure
further comprises third and fourth sealing balloons, and delivering
the inflatable structure further comprises positioning one pair of
the sealing balloons so as to provide a seal at one commissure of
the native mitral valve and positioning another pair of the sealing
balloons so as to provide a seal at the other commissure of the
native mitral valve. The inflatable structure further comprises a
continuous annular balloon, and delivering the inflatable element
further comprises positioning the continuous annular balloon in
surrounding relation to the mitral valve prosthesis. The inflatable
structure further comprises a discontinuous balloon structure
connected with the continuous annular balloon, and the delivering
the inflatable structure further comprises positioning the
continuous annular balloon above the annulus of the native mitral
valve and positioning the discontinuous balloon structure below the
annulus of the native mitral valve. The inflatable structure
further comprises a discontinuous balloon structure and delivering
the inflatable structure further comprises positioning the
discontinuous balloon structure above or below the annulus of the
native mitral valve. The method further comprises reinforcing the
discontinuous balloon structure with wire and assisting the
delivery of the discontinuous balloon structure using a wire.
Delivering the inflatable structure further comprises delivering
first and second inflatable leaflet capturing members and inflating
the first and second inflatable leaflet capturing members to
capture and stabilize the native mitral valve leaflets. The
expansible mitral valve prosthesis further comprises a plurality of
anchoring arms coupled to a lower portion thereof, and the method
further comprises engaging the anchoring arms with the inflatable
structure and/or at least one native mitral valve leaflet to assist
with stabilizing the expansible mitral valve prosthesis. The
anchoring arms further comprise hook-like members and the method
further comprises engaging the hook-like members under the leaflets
of the native mitral valve.
[0018] A system for replacing a native mitral valve of a patient
comprises a mitral valve prosthesis including a generally tubular
portion and a flange portion extending radially outward from the
tubular portion, the flange portion configured to provide an anchor
above the native mitral valve annulus in the left atrium of the
patient, an inflatable structure configured to be positioned below
at least a portion of the native mitral valve leaflets and a
plurality of anchoring arms coupled with the mitral valve
prosthesis and configured to engage the inflatable structure and/or
at least one of the native mitral valve leaflets to assist with
anchoring the mitral valve prosthesis in place. The anchoring arms
further comprise hook-like members. The inflatable structure has a
generally semi-annular, elongate shape for locating between the
left ventricular wall and the chordae tendinae and/or the native
mitral valve leaflets and to generally follow the curvature of the
native mitral valve annulus. The system further comprises a wire
operatively coupled to the inflatable element and configured to
guide the inflatable element into position between the left
ventricular wall and the chordae tendinae and/or the native mitral
valve leaflets and to generally follow the curvature of the native
mitral valve annulus. The wire may be fixed to the inflatable
element to prevent any sliding movement between the inflatable
element and the wire. The wire instead may be coupled to the
inflatable element in a manner allowing sliding movement between
the inflatable element and the wire.
[0019] A mitral valve prosthesis, comprises a generally tubular
portion, a plurality of anchoring arms coupled with a lower section
of the tubular portion and configured to be located below the
native mitral valve leaflets bend upwards upon deployment and an
inflatable structure coupled to the anchoring arms and configured
to engage and trap the native mitral valve leaflets upon deployment
of the anchoring arms. The mitral valve prosthesis further
comprises a flange portion extending radially outward from the
tubular portion, the flange portion configured to provide an anchor
above the native mitral valve annulus in the left atrium of the
patient.
[0020] A mitral valve commissure seal comprises an inflatable
structure including a first portion extending in a first direction
for passing through a commissure of a native mitral valve and being
inflatable to prevent blood leakage through the commissure, and a
second portion extending generally transverse to the first portion
and configured to be positioned above or below the native mitral
valve annulus and being inflatable to serve as an anchor for a
mitral valve prosthesis.
[0021] A system for replacing a native mitral valve of a patient
comprises a mitral valve prosthesis including a generally tubular
portion and a flange portion extending radially outward from the
tubular portion, the flange portion configured to provide an anchor
above the native mitral valve annulus in the left atrium of the
patient and an inflatable structure configured to be positioned at
the position of at least one commissure of the native mitral valve
and inflated to at least assist with sealing the commissure against
blood leakage.
[0022] An inflatable structure that is shaped to generally follow a
native mitral valve annulus and allows for a mitral valve
prosthesis to be implanted, wherein the mitral valve prosthesis has
a smaller diameter than the native mitral valve annulus. An
inflatable anchor formed in a generally semi-annular elongate shape
so as to be configured for positioning under at least one native
mitral valve leaflet and in a plane generally parallel to the
native mitral valve annulus and assists in anchoring a mitral valve
prosthesis. The inflatable anchor is delivered via at least one
anchoring arm of the mitral valve prosthesis and is capable of
being delivered into position through a commissure of the native
mitral valve. The inflatable anchor further comprises a portion
thereof configured to seal a gap formed by a commissure of the
native mitral valve. The portion extends generally transverse to
another portion of the inflatable anchor and is configured to be
implanted in position to extend through the commissure.
[0023] An inflatable anchor system for a mitral valve prosthesis
comprises at least one inflatable anchor formed in a generally
annular or semi-annular shape so as to be configured for
positioning above and/or below the native mitral valve annulus to
assist in anchoring a mitral valve prosthesis, and wherein the
inflatable anchor includes a portion that is capable of being
inflated at the location of a mitral valve annulus for sealing the
commissure against blood leakage.
[0024] A strategy that improves the quality of mitral valve
replacement and reduces the size of the prosthesis that is used,
and uses leaflet tissue to cushion the implant and that tensions
the leaflet-cordal system could be useful for catheter based mitral
valve replacement. An inflatable system may be used to achieve such
goals. In addition, the inflatable system can be adjusted to allow
for different sized patients and different mitral valve and mitral
annulus composition. The amount of inflation or the number of
inflatables that are actually filled (some could be filled
optionally) can provide considerable flexibility.
[0025] The drawing figures that follow show how inflatable anchor
components can be used to, for example: [0026] reduce the annulus
diameter and to reduce the need for a large valve prosthesis;
[0027] provide natural leaflet pledgetting around the prosthetic
valve; [0028] tension the leaflet-chordal apparatus to reduce
prosthesis movement and reduce the risk of disruption and failure;
[0029] improve left ventricle (LV) function by tensioning the
leaflets and chordae [0030] Improve sealing of the prosthetic valve
to prevent leak; [0031] adjust filling of the inflatable anchor to
adapt to different sizes of valve diameter, leaflet and chordate;
[0032] fold leaflet and tension chordal tissue; and/or [0033] trap
leaflet and chordal tissue.
[0034] In another embodiment, the invention provides a system for
replacing a native mitral valve of a patient with a mitral valve
prosthesis including an inflatable mitral valve prosthesis and an
inflatable stabilizing structure. The inflatable mitral valve
prosthesis is configured to be delivered through a catheter to the
position of the native mitral valve of a patient. The inflatable
stabilizing structure is capable of being inflated upon delivery at
the position of the native mitral valve and engaging with native
tissue for stabilizing implantation of the mitral valve prosthesis
at the position of the native mitral valve.
[0035] In another embodiment, the invention provides a system for
replacing a native mitral valve of a patient with a mitral valve
prosthesis including an inflatable mitral valve prosthesis and an
inflatable stabilizing structure. The inflatable mitral valve
prosthesis is configured to be delivered through a catheter to the
position of the native mitral valve of a patient. The inflatable
mitral valve prosthesis includes an inflatable portion configured
to be delivered to the position of the native mitral valve and then
expanded. The inflatable stabilizing structure is carried on the
inflatable portion and is capable of being inflated upon delivery
at the position of the native mitral valve and providing sealing
and/or stabilization between the inflatable mitral valve prosthesis
and the native mitral valve of the patient. The inflatable
stabilizing structure may further comprise first and second sealing
balloons adapted to be positioned generally on opposite sides of
the inflatable mitral valve prosthesis. The inflatable stabilizing
structure may further comprise a continuous annular balloon adapted
to be positioned in surrounding relation to the inflatable mitral
valve prosthesis. The inflatable stabilizing structure may further
comprise a discontinuous balloon structure configured to be
positioned above and/or below the annulus of the native mitral
valve.
[0036] The inflatable stabilizing structure may further comprise a
discontinuous balloon structure configured to be positioned
generally around the inflatable mitral valve prosthesis. The system
may further comprise reinforcing structure coupled with the
discontinuous balloon structure. The reinforcing structure may
further comprise wire. The system may further comprise first and
second inflatable leaflet capturing members coupled to the
inflatable mitral valve prosthesis and/or the inflatable
stabilizing structure and configured to be inflated to capture and
stabilize the native mitral valve leaflets.
[0037] The invention, in another aspect, further provides a method
of implanting an inflatable mitral valve prosthesis in the heart of
a patient. The method includes delivering an inflatable stabilizing
structure under at least one leaflet of the native mitral valve.
The inflatable mitral valve prosthesis is delivered to the native
mitral valve. The inflatable stabilizing structure is inflated, and
the inflatable mitral valve prosthesis is anchored in place at
least partially by using the inflatable stabilizing structure.
Delivering the inflatable stabilizing structure under at least one
leaflet may further comprise guiding the inflatable structure with
a wire.
[0038] In another embodiment, the invention provides a system for
repairing a native mitral valve of a patient with a mitral valve
prosthesis including a mitral clip and an inflatable sealing
structure. The mitral clip is configured to be delivered through a
catheter to the position of the native mitral valve of a patient.
The mitral clip is configured to capture and clip together the
native leaflets of the mitral valve. The inflatable sealing
structure is capable of being inflated upon delivery at the
position of the native mitral valve and engaging with native tissue
for sealing leaks through the native mitral valve. The inflatable
sealing structure may be independent of, or physically coupled to
the mitral clip. The inflatable sealing structure may be physically
coupled to the mitral clip by an inflatable connecting
structure.
[0039] In another aspect, the invention provides a method of
applying a mitral clip to the native mitral valve of a patient. The
method includes delivering the mitral clip under the leaflets of
the native mitral valve, and capturing the leaflets with the mitral
clip. An inflatable sealing structure is delivered to the native
mitral valve. The inflatable sealing structure is inflated into
engagement with native tissue to seal one or more leaks through the
native mitral valve. As with any of the methods herein, the steps
or portions of each method may be performed in any order depending
on the application and/or desires of the person performing the
method.
[0040] Various additional advantages and features will become more
readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon review
of the following detailed description of the illustrative
embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0041] FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing the heart of a patient in
cross section and one exemplary approach for delivering devices in
accordance with various embodiments of this invention.
[0042] FIG. 2A is an enlarged cross sectional view of the heart
showing the introduction of a catheter assembly into the left
atrial chamber or atrium of the heart and through the mitral valve
into the left ventricle.
[0043] FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view showing an expansible
mitral valve prosthesis including a stent and a pair of inflatable
sealing balloons.
[0044] FIG. 4A is a top view of the native mitral valve with the
mitral valve prosthesis in dash-dot lines.
[0045] FIG. 4B is a top view of the native mitral valve with the
mitral valve prosthesis in place.
[0046] FIG. 4C is a top view similar to FIG. 4B, but showing the
two sealing balloons in their inflated conditions.
[0047] FIG. 5A is a cross sectional view of the native mitral valve
taken generally along line 5A-5A of FIG. 4C, but illustrating the
expansible stent valve in an unexpanded condition.
[0048] FIG. 5B is a cross sectional view similar to FIG. 5A, but
illustrating the expansible stent valve in its expanded condition,
and the balloon sealing elements in dash-dot lines.
[0049] FIG. 5C is a cross sectional view similar to FIG. 5B, but
illustrating the inflatable balloons in their inflated and sealing
conditions.
[0050] FIG. 6A is a perspective view showing an alternative
embodiment for the inflatable sealing balloons on the expansible
stent valve.
[0051] FIG. 6B is a side elevational view of FIG. 6A.
[0052] FIG. 6C is a cross sectional view showing the expansible
stent valve and balloon sealing elements implanted at the position
of a native mitral valve.
[0053] FIG. 6D is a perspective view of an expansible stent valve
with an alternative inflatable element in the form of a continuous
annular balloon in surrounding relation to the expansible stent
valve.
[0054] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another alternative,
expansible stent valve for mitral valve replacement, including
inflatable balloons for sealing at the commissure locations of the
native mitral valve.
[0055] FIG. 8A is a top view of the expansible stent valve of FIG.
7 and shown at the position of the native mitral valve.
[0056] FIG. 8B is a cross sectional view showing the implantation
of the expansible stent valve of FIGS. 7 and 8A, prior to full
deployment of a pair of arms used to trap the native mitral valve
leaflets.
[0057] FIG. 8C is a cross sectional view similar to FIG. 8B, but
illustrating full deployment of the arms.
[0058] FIG. 8D is a cross sectional view similar to FIG. 8C, but
illustrating inflation of one of two pairs of sealing balloons at
the commissure locations of the native mitral valve.
[0059] FIG. 8E is a cross sectional view similar to FIG. 8D, but
illustrating another embodiment using additional inflatable
balloons.
[0060] FIGS. 8F and 8G are cross sectional views similar to FIG.
8E, but illustrating embodiments using alternative inflatable
balloons.
[0061] FIG. 9A illustrates a cross sectional view of another
embodiment showing a mitral valve prosthesis including inflatable
elements for stabilizing and anchoring the position of the mitral
valve prosthesis at the location of the native mitral valve.
[0062] FIG. 9B is a cross sectional view of the native mitral valve
location, similar to FIG. 9A, but showing the inflatable elements
in their inflated conditions.
[0063] FIGS. 10A-10D are perspective views illustrating various
additional embodiments of inflatable elements usable in connection
with mitral valve prostheses.
[0064] FIG. 11A is a cross sectional view of the native mitral
valve location together with a perspective view of a delivery
catheter generally showing an approach from below the native mitral
valve.
[0065] FIG. 11B is a cross sectional view similar to FIG. 11A, but
illustrating the delivery of an inflatable anchoring and/or sealing
element at the position of the native mitral valve.
[0066] FIG. 11C is a cross sectional view similar to FIG. 11B, but
illustrating an alternative embodiment of an inflatable element
used for anchoring and/or sealing a mitral valve prosthesis.
[0067] FIG. 11D is a cross sectional view similar to FIGS. 11B and
110, but illustrating another embodiment of an inflatable element
for anchoring and/or sealing a mitral valve prosthesis with respect
to the native mitral valve.
[0068] FIG. 11E is a cross sectional view similar to FIG. 11D, but
illustrating a further step in the delivery method for inflating
the inflatable element, including the portion delivered below the
native mitral valve.
[0069] FIGS. 11F and 11G are respective side views of the
inflatable element shown in FIGS. 11D and 11E, and respectively
showing the inflation and deployment process for the lower,
discontinuous portion of the inflatable element configured to be
deployed below the native mitral valve leaflets.
[0070] FIG. 12A is a perspective view illustrating an expansible
stent valve, used as a mitral valve prosthesis, in combination with
the inflatable element such as shown in FIGS. 11D through 11G.
[0071] FIG. 12B is a perspective view illustrating the inflatable
element of FIG. 12A in isolation.
[0072] FIG. 12C is a perspective view showing another embodiment of
an inflatable element including reinforcement structure for
supporting the lower, discontinuous portion of the inflatable or
balloon element.
[0073] FIG. 12D is a partially fragmented side elevational view of
the balloon inflatable element of FIGS. 12A and 12B, showing
inflation inputs and fluid in the form of a material that can
solidify.
[0074] FIG. 12E is a partially fragmented, side elevational view
similar to FIG. 12D, but illustrating another embodiment of the
inflatable element including reinforcing structure in the form of a
wire frame.
[0075] FIG. 12F is a top view showing the placement and orientation
of the lower, discontinuous portion of the inflatable element
relative to the native mitral valve.
[0076] FIG. 12G is a side cross sectional view of an inflatable
element configured in accordance with another embodiment.
[0077] FIG. 12H is an enlarged cross sectional view of the
inflatable element similar to FIG. 12C, but showing the use of
further sealing balloons.
[0078] FIGS. 13A-13E are perspective views showing alternative
embodiments of inflatable elements used for sealing and/or
anchoring mitral valve prosthesis in accordance with the
invention.
[0079] FIG. 14A is a perspective view showing another alternative
embodiment of an inflatable element used for anchoring and/or
sealing a mitral valve prosthesis.
[0080] FIG. 14B is a cross sectional view showing the native mitral
valve in dash-dot lines and an initial delivery and deployment of
the inflatable element shown in FIG. 14A, generally taken along
line 14B-14B.
[0081] FIG. 14C is a cross sectional view similar to FIG. 14B, but
showing deployment of inflatable leaflet capturing elements or
extensions.
[0082] FIG. 14D is a cross sectional view similar to FIG. 14C, but
illustrating an alternative embodiment for the leaflet capturing
elements or arms.
[0083] FIG. 14E is a top view of FIGS. 14C and 14D.
[0084] FIG. 15A is a perspective view illustrating another
alternative embodiment for a lower, discontinuous inflatable
element portion including a guidewire incorporated therewith, and
showing the inflatable element in an uninflated condition.
[0085] FIG. 15B is similar to FIG. 15A, but illustrates the
inflatable element in its inflated condition.
[0086] FIG. 16A is a cross sectional view showing the tip of an
inflatable element similar to that shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, but
illustrating the end of the wire encapsulated within the balloon
element, and the balloon element in its uninflated condition.
[0087] FIG. 16B is a cross sectional view similar to FIG. 16A, but
illustrating the inflatable element in its inflated condition.
[0088] FIG. 16C is a cross sectional view showing an enlarged
portion of the inflatable element and guidewire similar to that
shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, with the inflatable element in its
uninflated condition.
[0089] FIG. 16D is an enlarged cross sectional view similar to FIG.
16C, but illustrating the inflatable element in its inflated
condition and withdrawal of the guidewire.
[0090] FIG. 16E is a cross sectional view generally taken along
line 16E-16E of FIG. 16C.
[0091] FIGS. 17A and 17B are respective cross sectional views of
the native mitral valve showing deployment of an inflatable
anchoring and/or sealing element below the leaflets of the native
mitral valve.
[0092] FIGS. 18A-180 are cross sectional views of the native mitral
valve showing another method for deploying one or more inflatable
elements below the native mitral valve, including initial
introduction of guidewires.
[0093] FIG. 18D is a top view illustrating the deployment step of
FIG. 18C.
[0094] FIG. 18E is a cross sectional view showing a further step in
the deployment process.
[0095] FIG. 18F is a perspective view showing the mitral valve
prosthesis and inflatable element in their collapsed conditions
within a delivery catheter.
[0096] FIG. 18G shows another step in the deployment or delivery
process whereupon the expansible mitral valve prosthesis is
deployed and expanded with the inflatable element also expanded or
inflated, but before withdrawal of the guidewires.
[0097] FIG. 18H is a perspective view similar to FIG. 18G, but
showing withdrawal of the delivery catheters and guidewires.
[0098] FIG. 19A is a perspective view of another alternative
embodiment illustrating a mitral valve prosthesis with anchoring
arms in combination with inflatable balloon anchors.
[0099] FIG. 19B is a side elevational view of the system
illustrated in FIG. 19A.
[0100] FIG. 19C is a side elevational view of the system shown in
FIG. 19B, implanted at the position of the native mitral valve.
[0101] FIG. 19D is a side view of the implanted system shown in
FIG. 19C, but viewed from a perspective rotated 90 degrees
therefrom.
[0102] FIG. 19E is a side elevational view of another alternative
embodiment in which an inflatable element or balloon is secured to
an anchoring arm of the mitral valve prosthesis.
[0103] FIG. 19F is a side elevational view of the system shown in
FIG. 19E, but from a perspective rotated 90 degrees therefrom.
[0104] FIG. 20A is a perspective view of another alternative
embodiment illustrating a mitral valve prosthesis with anchoring
arms, similar to the embodiment of FIG. 19A, but including
inflatable elements on the anchoring arms.
[0105] FIG. 20B is a side elevational view of the mitral valve
prosthesis shown in FIG. 20A, delivered within the native mitral
valve of a patient.
[0106] FIG. 20C is a side elevational view similar to FIG. 20B, but
illustrating deployment of the anchoring arms to capture the native
mitral valve leaflets and inflation of the associated inflatable
balloon elements to assist with trapping the native valve
leaflets.
[0107] FIG. 21A is a side elevational view of another alternative
embodiment illustrating a mitral valve prosthesis in conjunction
with inflatable elements used for positioning the prosthetic
valve.
[0108] FIG. 21B is a side elevational view similar to FIG. 21A, but
illustrating partial inflation of balloon inflatable elements for
positioning the prosthetic valve.
[0109] FIG. 21C is a side elevational view similar to FIG. 21B, but
illustrating further inflation of the balloon elements to provide
further positioning assistance.
[0110] FIG. 22A is a perspective view of another alternative
embodiment illustrating an inflatable mitral valve prosthesis.
[0111] FIG. 22B is a side elevational view of the mitral valve
prosthesis shown in FIG. 22A.
[0112] FIG. 22C is a top view of the mitral valve prosthesis shown
in FIGS. 22A and 22B.
[0113] FIG. 23A is a side elevational view, partially cross
sectioned and showing the mitral valve prosthesis of FIGS. 22A-22C
implanted at the location of the native mitral valve.
[0114] FIG. 23B is a side elevational view similar to FIG. 23A, but
illustrated from a perspective rotated 90 degrees relative to FIG.
23A.
[0115] FIG. 24 is a side elevational view of another alternative
embodiment of an inflatable mitral valve prosthesis.
[0116] FIG. 24A is a side elevational view of another alternative
embodiment illustrating an inflatable mitral valve prosthesis
similar to FIG. 24 but with further stabilization structure.
[0117] FIG. 24B is a top view of the inflatable mitral valve
prosthesis shown in FIG. 24A.
[0118] FIG. 25A is a perspective view of another alternative
embodiment illustrating a mitral valve prosthesis including
structure for joining adjacent ends of inflatable elements
together.
[0119] FIG. 25B is a perspective view similar to FIG. 25A, but
illustrating a subsequent time in the process of joining the ends
together.
[0120] FIG. 25C is a perspective view similar to FIG. 25B, but
illustrating completion of the process for joining the ends
together.
[0121] FIGS. 26A-26C are cross sectional views illustrating an end
portion of an inflatable element used for purposes of locking
adjacent ends of inflatable elements together.
[0122] FIGS. 27A and 27B illustrate cross sectional views of
alternative locking elements that may be used for locking ends of
inflatable elements together.
[0123] FIGS. 28A and 28B illustrate further alternative structure
for locking ends of inflatable elements together.
[0124] FIG. 29A is a perspective view of another embodiment
illustrating an inflatable mitral valve prosthesis with anchoring
arms in combination with inflatable balloons.
[0125] FIG. 29B is a side elevational view illustrating the mitral
valve prosthesis of FIG. 29A positioned at the site of a native
mitral valve.
[0126] FIG. 29C is a side elevational view illustrating the mitral
valve prosthesis similar to FIG. 29B, but illustrating deployment
of the anchoring arms.
[0127] FIG. 29D is a side elevational view similar to FIG. 29C, but
further illustrating inflation of the balloon elements associated
with the anchoring arms.
[0128] FIG. 30A is a perspective view of another alternative
embodiment illustrating an inflatable mitral valve prosthesis with
anchoring arms in combination with inflatable balloon elements.
[0129] FIG. 30B is a side elevational view of the mitral valve
prosthesis of FIG. 30A after delivery within a native mitral
valve.
[0130] FIG. 30C is a side elevational view similar to FIG. 30B, but
illustrating inflation of the balloon elements associated with the
anchoring arms.
[0131] FIG. 31A is a perspective view of another alternative
embodiment illustrating an inflatable mitral valve prosthesis with
inflatable anchoring arms.
[0132] FIG. 31B is a side elevational view showing the mitral valve
prosthesis of FIG. 31A in the native mitral valve, but before full
deployment of the inflatable anchoring arms.
[0133] FIG. 31C is a side elevational view similar to FIG. 31B, but
illustrating full deployment and inflation of the anchoring arms
associated with the mitral valve prosthesis.
[0134] FIG. 32A is an alternative embodiment illustrating
inflatable sealing and/or anchoring structure in combination with a
mitral clip used for securing the native mitral valve leaflets
together.
[0135] FIG. 32B is a side elevational view similar to FIG. 32A, but
illustrating further deployment of the balloon inflatable elements
and introduction of the mitral clip via a catheter.
[0136] FIG. 32C is a side elevational view similar to FIG. 32B, but
illustrating further deployment of the mitral clip beneath the
native mitral valve leaflets.
[0137] FIG. 32D is a side elevational view similar to FIG. 32C, but
illustrating full deployment and implantation of the balloon
inflatable structure together with the mitral clip capturing the
native mitral valve leaflets.
[0138] FIGS. 33A and 33B are side elevational views similar to
FIGS. 32C and 32D, but illustrating an alternative embodiment with
inflatable connectors deployed from the mitral clip and coupling
the mitral clip to the inflatable sealing structure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0139] In all of the various embodiments shown and described
herein, like structure will be indicated in the drawings using like
reference numerals. Therefore, respective description of such like
elements is not needed and will not generally be included in this
written description.
[0140] FIG. 1 illustrates one approach to a mitral valve procedure
usable in connection with the various devices, systems and methods
disclosed herein. A catheter 10 having a lumen and a distal opening
is advanced in a peripheral vein, such as the femoral vein. Here,
the catheter 10 is advanced up the inferior vena cava and across
the interatrial septum into the left atrium 12 of the heart 14. The
distal tip of the catheter 10 is traversing the native mitral valve
16. The heart 14 further includes a left ventricle 17 with chordae
tendinae 18 coupling mitral leaflets 16a, 16b with papillary
muscles 19. the leaflets 16a, 16b extend from a mitral annulus 16c.
Inside the catheter 10, which may be considered a delivery
catheter, is a mitral valve prosthesis 20, for example, that may be
coupled with or used and implanted independently from an anchor
and/or a seal for mitral valve replacement such as described
further herein.
[0141] FIG. 2 illustrates an enlarged view of the distal delivery
catheter 10 within the heart. A guidewire 22 with a U-turn has been
advanced under the mitral valve leaflets 16a, 16b of the native
mitral valve 16. There are other approaches that may be taken to
reach the native mitral valve 16. For example, the native mitral
valve 16 may be accessed directly through a surgical procedure, and
may be accessed via the apex of the heart. This figure is focused
on a transseptal approach, but it will be understood that the
various embodiments of this invention may be practiced by using
other approaches to the native mitral valve 16 with catheters, or
catheter assemblies.
[0142] FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the invention showing a
prosthetic heart valve 30 that is normally used in aortic valve
procedures. This prosthetic valve is a stent valve, and attached to
the stent valve are inflatable sealing balloons 34. A stent valve
30 such as this may be implanted directly if there are extreme
calcification conditions of a native mitral valve 16.
Alternatively, this stent valve 30 may be implanted in a docking
station or unit that is affixed to the native mitral valve and
retains this stent valve 30 in place. More commonly, a mitral valve
prosthesis for implantation via a catheter has an integrated
anchoring mechanism. The sealing balloons 34 may be made from, for
example, a polymer and deflated or collapsed for delivery. The
sealing balloons 34 can have any shape or size that is useful to
the procedure. Attached to the balloons are catheters or tubes 38
that allow delivery of gas or fluids to fill the balloon. The
catheters 38 may be detachable leaving a seal on the balloon 34
such that the gas or fluid may not escape. Known in the art are
threaded mechanisms to attach these catheters or fluid/gas delivery
tubes 38 and this also allows detachment of the fluid or gas
delivery tube 38. Initially these fluid or gas delivery tubes or
catheters 38 are used to delivery contrast material that is visible
on X-ray. Once it is confirmed that the mitral valve prosthesis 30
is in position, the contrast material is replaced with a hardenable
fluid material, such as a suitable known polymer, that stays
permanently inside the sealing balloon 34. This inflatable sealing
balloon 34 may be used not only to seal at the commissure location
(with another sealing balloon at the other commissure location),
but may also assist with holding the mitral valve prosthesis 30 in
place for implantation purposes. An inflatable element, such as the
sealing balloons 34, may have a limited use, for example, the
treatment of a local leak. The most common site for a leak after
mitral valve replacement is at the commissures. But leaks may also
occur anywhere and these inflatable elements may be useful at other
places for at least that reason. The sealing balloons 34
illustrated in FIG. 3 may be directed so that the sit at the site
of the commissures. The sealing balloons 34 may be directly affixed
to the mitral valve prosthesis 30, or used with an attached
anchoring system (not shown). Such a balloon or inflatable element
34 may even be used on aortic valve procedures. The location or
locations of the sealing balloons 34 may be varied, and there may
be different numbers of balloons depending on the desired uses. The
shapes may also vary.
[0143] FIG. 4A illustrates a mitral valve prosthesis 30 that has
been delivered to the location of the native mitral annulus and is
viewed from above, i.e., in the left atrium. As shown, gaps 40 may
be formed between the leaflets 16a, 16b at the commissures and
these represent locations where possible blood leakage may occur,
i.e., the flow of blood past the mitral valve prosthesis 30. As
shown further in FIGS. 4B and 4C, the two sealing balloons 34 are
positioned so that they will locate at the respective commissures.
The sealing balloons 34 may be inflated routinely or in response to
evidence during the procedure that the valve has a leak around it.
Inflating the balloons 34 at the commissures will close or stop up
the gap 40 between the leaflets 16a, 16b, thereby preventing or at
least lessening the leakage of blood past the mitral valve
prosthesis 30. The sealing balloons 34 as shown have a
semi-spherical shape. However, the sealing balloon 34 does not have
to have this shape and any convenient or desirable shape may be
used instead. There may be multiple balloons 34 on a valve
prosthesis 30 and the operator may decide which balloon or balloons
to inflate depending on the circumstances. Providing multiple
sealing balloons 34 may make it easier to implant the prosthesis 30
as the prosthesis may be inserted with any orientation relative to
the commissures and then the most appropriate balloon or balloons
34 may be inflated for sealing and/or anchoring purposes. It would
also be possible to have a balloon or inflatable element that
extends around much more of the circumference of the valve 30 to
stop blood leakage. The balloon 34 may also sit or be located
higher or lower on the prosthesis 30 than shown by way of
illustration.
[0144] FIG. 4B illustrates the inflated conditions of the sealing
balloons 34. The sealing balloons, in their inflated conditions,
expand to the native mitral annulus to completely close off the gap
40 such that there is no significant blood leakage possible. The
mitral valve prosthesis 30 is shown for clarity without a docking
station or mechanism and without anchoring mechanisms. However, it
will be appreciated that various types of docking stations or
mechanisms may be provided for anchoring the mitral valve
prosthesis 30, such as those that are described hereinbelow.
[0145] FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C illustrate a mitral valve prosthesis 50,
in the form of a stent valve being delivered inside the native
mitral valve. As shown in FIG. 5A, the delivery catheter is
carrying an expandable stent valve prosthesis 50 that may be
inflated to its operating size. Some stent valves are
self-expanding and this concept of adding inflatable elements may
also be used with such prostheses. The arrows indicate the stent
holding the valve is being expanded with a large balloon 56. The
inflatable sealing balloons 34 are shown on generally opposite
sides of the mitral valve prosthesis 50 in a deflated or collapsed
condition for delivery purposes. Attached to the sealing balloons
34 are gas or fluid delivery tubes 38 that will be used to inflate
the sealing balloons. FIG. 5B illustrates the mitral valve
prosthesis 50 now expanded to its operating size. Again, for
clarity there is no docking station or other anchoring mechanism
shown, but it will be understood that such a system or mechanism
may be used in addition to the sealing balloons 34. The arrows
illustrate that fluid or gas is directed into the sealing balloons
and the balloons 34 will expand to the size shown in the dash-dot
lines. FIG. 5C illustrates that the balloons 34 have been inflated
to fill the gaps at the commissures and seal any blood leakage
around the mitral valve prosthesis 50. The balloon 34 on the right
is shown in cross section to illustrate that it is filled with a
hardenable material such as a known polymer that will maintain the
shape of the balloon permanently.
[0146] FIGS. 6A through 6D illustrate alternative shapes for
sealing balloons 60. FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C illustrate sealing
balloons 60 that have a generally semi-cylindrical shape. The
sealing balloons 60 may be attached anywhere on the mitral valve
prosthesis 62, or to a valve prosthesis anchoring system (not
shown) to stop blood leakage. As shown best in FIGS. 6B and 6C, the
sealing balloons 60 may extend along the entire height of the stent
valve or other mitral valve prosthesis 62, or they may be shorter
than the full height of the valve 62, or even extend beyond one or
both upper and/or lower edges of the valve prosthesis 62. The
sealing balloons 60 may be attached to the valve prosthesis 62, or
may simply reside between the valve prosthesis 62 and the native
tissue. Any attachment may be at discrete points on the valve
prosthesis 62, or along the entire extent of the sealing balloon
60. The sealing balloon 60 or other inflatable element may be
integrated with any part of a docking or anchoring mechanism for
the valve prosthesis 62 or to a valve retention mechanism that is
attached to the valve prosthesis 62. In other words, the inflatable
elements or sealing balloons 60 as described generally may or may
not be physically coupled to the valve prosthesis, and may or may
not be physically coupled to a separate docking system or anchoring
mechanism associated with the valve prosthesis for holding the
prosthesis within the native mitral valve. FIG. 6C illustrates a
cross sectional view at the location of the native mitral valve.
The longer sealing balloon 60, as shown, may be more secure in
stopping or sealing any leaks at the commissures. Sometimes leaks
may occur at other locations such as clefts in the native mitral
valve or in calcified parts of the valve, or where the valve
anchoring mechanism tends to produce a leak. These inflatable
elements, such as sealing balloons as shown, may be used in
different locations to solve any flood leakage problems. FIG. 6D
illustrates another alternative inflatable element 70 in the form
of a circular or annular inflatable element that generally
surrounds the prosthetic valve. Such a structure may be used for
sealing and/or anchoring purposes.
[0147] FIG. 7 illustrates another example of a type of valve
prosthesis that has been used clinically for mitral valve
replacement. In this case, a prosthetic valve 80 is contained
within an anchoring structure 82. A large skirt or flange 84 is
fashioned to sit within the left atrium and create a seal and
anchoring structure. At the other end of the valve prosthesis 80,
anchoring arms 88 are provided and flip or bend upwardly as
indicated by the arrows during deployment and wrap around the
native anterior and posterior leaflets 16a, 16b of the mitral valve
16 to keep the prosthetic valve 80 in proper position. These arms
88 are straight during delivery through a catheter and then turn or
bend around the leaflets 16a, 16b to perform an anchoring function.
FIG. 7 also illustrates a pair of side-by-side sealing balloons 90,
92. This is further shown in FIGS. 8A through 8D, described
below.
[0148] FIG. 8A illustrates two pairs of sealing balloons 90, 92,
94, 96 positioned on opposite sides of the mitral valve prosthesis
80. In prior figures, single sealing balloons have been shown as
stopping or closing a gap between the anterior and posterior
leaflets 16a, 16b at a commissure. In this figure, respective pairs
90, 92, 94, 96 of sealing balloons are inflated under each of the
anterior and posterior leaflets 16a, 16b to push the leaflets
together and seal the gap for purposes of preventing blood leakage
past the valve prosthesis 80. The sealing balloons will be
delivered through the commissures (when the procedure is performed
from the left atrium) so that they are located below the level of
the native mitral valve. Inflation tubes 38 are also shown. The
arms 88 are shown before they have wrapped around the leaflets 16a,
16b and the arrows show the arms 88 while wrapped around the
anterior and posterior leaflets near their midpoints. The leaflets
are shown in dash-dot lines. FIG. 8B illustrates the sealing
balloons 90, 92, 94, 96 being inflated through the fluid or gas
delivery tubes 38. The anchoring arms 88 on the valve prosthesis 80
have engaged the anterior and posterior leaflets 16a, 16b in a
deeper plane than this drawing illustrates for clarity, around the
central parts of the anterior and posterior leaflets 16a, 16b. The
pair of sealing balloons 94, 96 shown in FIG. 8B at this time sit
under the natural leaflets 16a, 16b of the native mitral valve 16.
One is located under the anterior leaflet and the other is located
under the posterior leaflet. There is a gap between the two
leaflets at the commissure as indicated by the comment "leak at
commissure." FIG. 8C illustrates the two sealing balloons 94, 96
under the leaflets 16a, 16b being inflated and the two leaflets
16a, 16b being pushed together to stop or plug the leak. The use of
a pair of sealing balloons in this manner may also make the valve
prosthesis 80 more secure and less inclined to shift position as
the heart beats and subjects the valve to high pressure loads and
millions of cardiac cycles. FIG. 8D illustrates the fully inflated
condition of the sealing balloons 94, 96 and the sealing of the gap
between the natural leaflets at the commissure. The same process
and result will be used at the opposite commissure as necessary or
desired to prevent blood leakage in a similar manner.
[0149] As illustrated in FIG. 8E, it is also possible to have an
arrangement of inflatable elements to seal a leak that involves the
use of one or more balloons on the atrial and ventricular sides of
the annulus. For example, this figure illustrates a third balloon
100 that is located at a higher plane than the previous two sealing
balloons 94, 96 that are located below the leaflets at one of the
commissures. This increases the trapping of the leaflets 16a, 16b
and further guarantees the security of the leak prevention. This
third balloon 100 could be larger or smaller, or different in
shape, but the key feature is that it can help to trap the leaflets
on each side of the native mitral valve 16. This arrangement with
sealing balloons 94, 96, 100 above and below the leaflets 16a, 16b
also helps to anchor the valve 80. This arrangement would make it
difficult for the valve prosthesis 80 to slip out of position and,
in fact, it is conceivable that a valve prosthesis 80 could be
anchored alone with just fixation at the commissures, such as
illustrated. The sealing balloons would ideally be larger to ensure
that the valve 80 does not slip for anchoring purposes. FIG. 8E
illustrates the three balloons 94, 96, 100 attached to the valve
prosthesis 80, however, it will be appreciated that one or more of
these balloons may be used separately and independently from the
valve prosthesis 80. For example, after a valve prosthesis 80 is
implanted a leak may occur and these three balloons may be
implanted at a commissure and inflated to seal the leak. The
balloons in that case would likely have to be joined together. FIG.
8E further illustrates inflatable elements or balloons 102, 104
attached with the anchoring arms 88 for additional securement and
anchoring ability.
[0150] FIGS. 8F and 8G illustrate alternative embodiments with
larger sealing and/or anchoring balloons 110, 112 attached to the
arms 88 for purposes of even better stabilization of the valve
prosthesis 80.
[0151] FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate a mitral valve prosthesis 120
having anchoring and/or sealing balloons 122 attached to it and,
when inflated, these balloons or inflatable elements 122 extend
beyond the valve prosthesis 120. For example, the balloons 122 may
be initially in a collapsed condition such as a rolled up condition
as shown. This will allow for delivery through a catheter. The
balloons 122 are unfurled or extended by injecting fluid or gas
into the fluid delivery tubes 38 as shown in FIG. 9A to form the
inflatable elements 122 into their expanded and inflated conditions
shown in FIG. 9B. In these expanded conditions, the inflatable
elements 122 may be used for sealing and/or anchoring purposes. The
unfurling or expansion of the inflatable elements 122 moves the
balloons into their sealing and/or anchoring positions, as desired.
There may be any number of inflatable elements, and the inflatable
elements may be used at any position along the valve prosthesis
120. In the example shown, there are four separate balloons 122 or
inflatable elements with two located above the native mitral valve
annulus 16c and two located below the native mitral valve annulus
16c. It would also be possible to create a circumferential balloon
or inflatable element. For example, the two balloons 122 shown
above the native mitral valve annulus could be replaced by a
balloon that extends circumferentially around the prosthetic valve
120. By extending beyond the margin of the prosthetic valve 120,
the inflatable elements 122 are able to take on greater roles in
anchoring. The balloons 122 below the native annulus 16c could
extend from the commissures and wrap around the valve prosthesis
120 below the native annulus to hold the prosthesis 120 in
position.
[0152] FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate an inflatable element 130 that
is rolled up in a collapsed position (FIG. 10A) and then deployed
into an operative position by way of inflation, as previously
described. In this embodiment, a superelastic wire 132 is embedded
or otherwise affixed to the inflatable element 130 to initially
retain the inflatable element 130 in the collapsed condition shown
in FIG. 10A. FIG. 100 illustrates another of many possible
inflatable element shapes, i.e., a sealing element and/or anchor
140 that extends longitudinally in essentially a linear orientation
after inflation. FIG. 10D illustrates yet another possible shape
that is more complex. Here, there is a linear inflatable element
150 with an enlarged balloon portion 152 at the distal end.
[0153] FIG. 11A illustrates another method for implantation of a
mitral valve prosthesis 160 using catheter technologies. Here, the
valve prosthesis 160 is being directed to the location of the
native mitral valve 16 through the apex of the heart via a delivery
catheter 162. Previous embodiments have shown a valve prosthesis
implanted via the left atrium. The procedure in the figures below
may also be performed from the left atrium. A valve prosthesis 160
and its implantation or delivery catheter 162 has been advanced
from the left ventricle across the native mitral valve 16 and the
tip of the system resides in the left atrium. In this embodiment,
an inflatable anchoring and/or sealing system 170 is shown
including an upper portion 172 for residing above the native mitral
valve 16 and a portion 174 below the native mitral valve 16 (FIG.
11B). As shown in FIG. 11B, following deployment, the upper portion
172 includes a circular or continuous annular inflatable element,
while the lower portion 174 includes a discontinuous inflatable
structure. In other words, the lower portion includes discrete
inflatable elements 174a separated from one another, such as by
gaps. It will be appreciated that the upper portion 172 could
likewise include discrete inflatable elements and, therefore, be a
discontinuous inflatable structure as opposed to the continuous
inflatable element as shown by way of example. Also, FIG. 11B
illustrates the inflatable structure coupled to inflation tubes or
catheters 38 and does not show the valve prosthesis 160 for
clarity. It will be appreciated that the inflatable structure 170
may be coupled to the valve prosthesis 160 during delivery, or the
inflatable structure 170 may be delivered first and then the valve
prosthesis 160 delivered subsequently to a location within the
inflatable structure 170 and expanded as previously described
thereby using the inflatable structure 170 for anchoring and/or
sealing. The inflatable elements 174a that are located below the
native mitral valve 16 are introduced at each of the commissures
and have extensions that lie under the anterior and posterior
leaflets 16a, 16b. The upper portion 172 and the lower portions
174a are connected together at and through the commissure locations
176. The previous series of figures illustrate how the anchors
and/or sealing balloons may be delivered in a closed or collapsed
configuration and then expanded outward to achieve a configuration
such as the configuration shown in FIG. 11B.
[0154] FIG. 11C illustrates the valve prosthesis 160 in dash-dot
lines but has been positioned inside the inflatable
docking/anchoring system 170. This valve prosthesis 160 will be
very securely implanted since it is supported by upper and lower
inflatable anchoring portions 172, 174 including ring/annular
shaped and/or semi-ring shaped elements that reside on each side of
the native mitral valve 16. The leaflets 16a, 16b are trapped or
engaged between the inflatable elements 174a and this creates a
very secure attachment. The upper ring 172 is continuous and closed
in this example, while the lower inflatable elements 174a consist
of essentially two semi-annular inflatable elements that are not
directly attached to one another. It is important to note that the
inflatable elements may be pre-attached to a valve prosthesis. This
would allow for a one step procedure of delivering the valve
prosthesis 160 and its anchoring and/or sealing components 172,
174. It is notable that this may require less material than is
currently used with solid anchoring systems such as those formed
from metallic materials. Inflatable elements that more fully
surround the valve prosthesis can provide for better anchoring than
the discrete balloons shown in previous embodiments on opposite
sides of a valve prosthesis. It will also be appreciated that the
valve prosthesis may be suitably anchored and sealed using the
sealing balloons as previously described at the commissure
locations and using additional inflatable element or elements below
the native mitral valve annulus 16c, such as those shown in FIGS.
11B or 110. FIG. 11C illustrates full inflation of the structure
shown in FIG. 11B and a valve prosthesis 160, in dash-dot lines,
expanded within the inflatable sealing/anchoring system 170.
[0155] FIGS. 11D through 11G illustrate another alternative
embodiment for deploying one or more balloon elements. In this
regard, balloon elements 182, 184 are shown on the lower portion of
the inflatable structure 180 for purposes of being implanted below
the native mitral valve 16. In this implantation position, in which
the lower portion of the inflatable structure 180 has been inserted
through the native mitral valve 16 at the commissure locations 176
as shown in FIG. 11D, the lower inflatable elements 182, 184 are
then deployed from their respective collapsed conditions (FIG. 11D)
to expanded positions in which they are directed beneath the
respective anterior and posterior native mitral leaflets 16a, 16b.
As will be described below, these inflatable portions 182, 184 may
have tapered distal end shapes and even include integrated
guidewire systems for purposes of assisting the guidance of the
inflatable element past the chordae tendinae 18 and beneath the
native leaflets 16a, 16b. The deployment process is shown in FIG.
11E and FIG. 11F and the full deployment is shown in FIG. 11G. As
further shown in FIG. 11E, the expandable mitral valve prosthesis
190 is then deployed within the annular space of the inflatable
anchoring/sealing system 180 and the valve prosthesis 190 is firmly
anchored into position. As another alternative, the inflatable
anchoring/sealing system 180 may be preattached to the valve
prosthesis 190 and the entire assembly may be implanted through a
single delivery catheter system.
[0156] FIG. 12A illustrates an inflatable prosthetic valve
anchoring/sealing system 200 with a mitral valve prosthesis 202
within the system. The native mitral valve leaflets are not shown.
An upper inflatable ring 204 is closed and continuous, while the
lower inflatable ring 206 has two gaps, one under the anterior
leaflet and one under the posterior leaflet. The upper and lower
inflatable elements or rings 204, 206 trap the native mitral
leaflets and provide a very secure anchoring for the prosthesis
202. If the inflatable system 200 is preattached to the valve
prosthesis 202, it would not be necessary to configure the upper
and lower inflatable elements 204, 206 as completely or near
completely circumferential. Instead, the inflatable elements may be
attached around the perimeter of the valve prosthesis in discrete
inflatable segments and without forming a complete or even a near
complete circle around the prosthesis. FIG. 12B illustrates the
inflatable structure of FIG. 12A in more complete form. It will be
appreciated that the connecting portions in dotted lines in FIG.
12B pass through the commissures and join the upper and lower
inflatable elements of the structure. It will also be appreciated
that one or more inflatable elements may be used in combination
with a mechanical anchoring structure instead of with other
inflatable structure.
[0157] FIG. 12C illustrates another alternative embodiment in which
reinforcement structure 210 is added to the lower inflatable
elements. This reinforcement structure 210 comprises additional
inflatable elements for purposes of providing additional strength
to anchor the inflatable elements beneath the mitral valve annulus.
The portion of the inflatable elements 206 closest to the connector
portion 208 with the upper inflatable element 204 will quite
stable. However, the portions extending therefrom and especially
the free ends 206a will not be as stable. Therefore, to increase
the stability of the lower anchor/sealing portions 206, under the
native mitral valve leaflets, a suitable reinforcement structure is
or may be desirable. The two ends of each of the lower inflatable
elements 206 continue downward into the left ventricle in a
triangular arrangement that increases their stability and their
ability to compress against the upper inflatable element. Other
reinforcement structures may also be used instead or in addition to
this structure.
[0158] FIG. 12D illustrates a partial cross section of the
structure shown in FIG. 12B, to illustrate the outer shell of the
inflatable element, which may be comprised of a suitable polymer
for implant purposes, and the interior being filled with a
hardenable fluid, as previously described. This figure also shows
catheters or fluid delivery tubes 38 which allow entry and removal
of the fluid. These catheters 38 can vary in their attachment site
to the inflatable element and in their number. As previously
described, these fluid delivery catheters or tubes 38 may be
attached with a screw mechanism. A valve may be placed inside the
balloon to retain the fluid or polymeric resin at the site of the
removal of the catheter. The fluid delivery catheter 38 could
frustrate the valve when it is in place. Other systems have
described removing catheters or fluid delivery tubes and making a
heat seal in a polymer to seal the exit or outlet site.
[0159] FIG. 12E illustrates that the inflatable structure may have
additional support or reinforcement in the form of a frame or wire
220, as shown. The wire may be superelastic, such as a Nitinol wire
or other shape memory material, may be added to the structure
within or otherwise as a part of the inflatable element. The wire
or other reinforcement structure may extend beyond the end of the
balloon for those lower portions that will need to be directed in a
more accurate manner, such as described further below. FIG. 12F is
a view from below the inflatable structure shown in FIGS. 12D and
12E.
[0160] FIG. 12G illustrates another alternative embodiment similar
to FIG. 12D, however, the upper inflatable portion includes an
additional outer balloon element 230 to tighten the fit and/or
increase the anchoring ability especially for accommodating anatomy
and/or valve prostheses of differing sizes. In a similar manner, an
outer balloon or inflatable element 232 may be added to the lower
inflatable portion, as shown. It will be appreciated that discrete
balloon or inflatable elements may be added at various locations
around the circumference of the structure. This may be a desirable
alternative for allowing the use of a smaller sized valve
prosthesis in a larger sized natural or native mitral valve
annulus. For accommodating a smaller valve, additional inflatable
rings may be inflated or the rings may be inflated with additional
hardenable fluid.
[0161] FIG. 12H illustrates another alternative embodiment to the
structure shown in FIG. 12G. In this embodiment, additional
inflatable elements or balloons 240 may be placed at the positions
of the posts or connecting portions for sealing purposes at the
commissure locations. These inflatable elements may be separate
elements, as shown, or integrated and inflated with one or more of
the other balloons.
[0162] FIGS. 13A through 13E illustrate further alternative
embodiments for inflatable elements used for sealing and/or
anchoring purposes, especially at locations beneath the native
mitral valve. As previously discussed, the inflatable elements may
be delivered in a collapsed condition, and this collapsed condition
may be a rolled up condition as shown with the element 250 in FIG.
13A or any other suitable, collapsed condition. FIGS. 13B through
13E illustrate various semi-annular shapes 252, 254, 256 that may
be used for the lower inflatable elements beneath the native
anterior and posterior mitral leaflets. The embodiments shown in
FIGS. 13D and 13E are preferred being that the distal ends 256a are
tapered in shape to allow for better and more accurate direction of
the balloon element past the chordae tendinae (see, e.g. FIGS. 11A
through 11E) and beneath the native leaflets.
[0163] FIGS. 14A through 14E illustrate additional embodiments for
inflatable elements. In this embodiment, the upper inflatable
element 260 is again a complete, continuous annular element, but
includes two inflatable extension elements 262 that are initially
in a collapsed condition, such as a coiled condition as shown in
FIGS. 14A and 14B. When inflated, these inflatable extension
portions 262 wrap around the anterior and posterior native mitral
leaflets 16a, 16b as shown in FIG. 14C. FIG. 14D illustrates
another alternative embodiment in which the distal ends 262a of
these inflatable extension elements 262 have bulbous portions for
increased leaflet retention purposes. FIG. 14E illustrates the
inflated condition as viewed from above. The mitral valve
prosthesis (not shown) is directed and deployed within the
continuous, annular inflatable element and then expands the
inflated extension elements also with the native mitral leaflets
radially outward generally in a manner as previously shown and
discussed herein.
[0164] FIGS. 15A and 15B illustrate an embodiment similar to FIGS.
13D and 13E, however, a guidewire is used for more accurately
directing the inflatable element 270 during delivery. In this
regard, the wire 272 may be a superelastic or other shape memory
material, such as Nitinol. The balloon 270 preferably covers the
entire wire or frame, however, a portion 272a of the wire 272
preferably extends from the distal ends of the inflatable element
270 to assist with guiding the distal ends of the inflatable
element 270 into place beneath the native mitral valve leaflets
(not shown). The guidewire 272 may be fixed to the inflatable
element 270 such that no sliding movement is possible between the
wire and the inflatable element, or the wire may be used as a guide
within, for example, a channel as discussed below.
[0165] FIGS. 16A and 16B illustrate another embodiment similar to
FIGS. 15A and 15B, however, the distal end or ends 272a of the wire
272 are encapsulated within the shell of the inflatable element
270. Again, the inflatable element 270 is filled with a hardenable
fluid, such as a suitable resin material as it known in the
art.
[0166] FIGS. 16C through 16E illustrate another embodiment in which
the guidewire 272 is contained within a channel 278 to allow
sliding movement between the guidewire 272 and the inflatable
element 270 as the inflatable element is directed into place, for
example, beneath the mitral valve leaflets of the native mitral
valve (not shown).
[0167] FIGS. 17A and 17B illustrate one example of an inflatable
element 270 being directed beneath the native mitral valve leaflets
16a, 16b using a guidewire 272, either rigidly affixed with the
inflatable element 270 or slidable with respect to the inflatable
element 270. these figures also illustrate the aortic valve
276.
[0168] FIGS. 18A through 18G illustrate one possible method for
implanting an inflatable anchoring and/or sealing structure in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In this regard, as
shown in FIG. 18A, a delivery catheter system 280 is used from
above and has two catheter extension portions 282, 284 for entering
at the commissure locations and being deployed below the native
mitral valve 16 as shown in FIG. 18B. Four guidewires 286 are
inserted and deployed through the catheter extensions 282, 284 and
naturally follow predetermined paths as shown in FIG. 18C. A view
from above is shown in FIG. 18D with the guidewires 286 partially
circumscribing the native mitral valve 16 beneath the anterior and
posterior native leaflets 16a, 16b. The catheter extensions 282,
284 are withdrawn leaving the guidewires 286 in place as shown in
FIG. 18E. The inflatable structure 290 is initially contained
within a delivery catheter in a collapsed condition with or without
a mitral valve prosthesis 292, as shown (FIG. 18F). The inflatable
structure 290 is then inserted and deployed over the guidewires 286
as shown in FIG. 18G and either simultaneously or in a subsequent
step, the mitral valve prosthesis 292 is deployed within the
inflatable anchoring/sealing system 290 as shown in FIG. 18G. The
inflatable elements are inflated with hardenable fluid as described
above and shown in FIG. 18H, and the guidewires 286 are removed
along with the catheter extensions 282, 284. Respective fluid
retention valves are sealed to retain the hardenable fluid within
the inflatable elements.
[0169] FIGS. 19A through 19D illustrate use of the previously
described valve 80 shown in FIG. 7 with one or more inflatable
elements 300 beneath the native mitral valve leaflets 16a, 16b for
additional sealing and/or anchoring securement. In this regard,
when the anchoring arms 88 flip or bend upwardly as indicated by
the arrows in FIGS. 19A and 19B the anchoring structure including
the arms 88 will trap the inflatable elements 300 against the
natural mitral leaflets 16a, 16b and/or against the flange 84 for a
high level of stabilization and anchoring. Any number of anchoring
arms 88 may be used however, they may generally be used at the
midpoints of the natural mitral leaflets 16a, 16b and, if desired,
also at locations spaced 90 degrees therefrom or at the commissure
locations for additional securement and sealing purposes. It will
be appreciated that a valve mounted on an inflatable frame may be
substituted for the mechanical prosthetic valve structure 80 shown
in these figures. The large flange 84 at the upper or inflow end of
the prosthetic valve 80, which resides in the left atrium, improves
sealing in the region of the native mitral valve inflow. This type
of device is commonly used in mitral valve implants used for
catheter procedures. This upper flange 84 may be comprised of a
Nitinol (i.e., shape memory material) frame, elastomeric components
and a fabric cover, or any other suitable structure. It may instead
be comprised of an inflatable material that expands and covers the
lower part of the left atrium in the native mitral valve inflow
region. The prosthetic valve includes leaflets 80a, 80b, as
shown.
[0170] Inflatable elements or members 300 on the left ventricular
side or underside of the native mitral valve leaflets are shown in
FIGS. 19A through 19D. These inflatable elements 300 may be
inserted through the commissures of the native mitral valve 16
(see, e.g., FIGS. 11A through 11E). As shown previously, the
inflatable elements 300 may be narrow prior to being inflated so
that they slip under the chordae 18 at the commissures of the
native mitral valve 16. "Bull horn" shaped or tapered inflatable
members 300 may be of various lengths depending on the needs or
desires of the application. Ideally, these inflatable elements 300
will engage the mitral valve prosthesis 80 by positioning the
native mitral valve leaflets 16a, 16b between the flange 84 on the
upper end and the inflatable element or elements 300 below. The
inflatable elements 300 taper to a reduced width or diameter toward
their ends. It may be useful for the inflatable elements 300 to
instead become larger at the ends. Particularly with reference to
the inflatable element 300 or anchor component that sits under the
posterior native mitral valve leaflet 166, a large end on an anchor
of this type may fill the space under the native posterior leaflet
16b and lead to very stable prosthetic valve fixation. Filling the
space under the native leaflet 16b and at the base of the left
ventricle in the region of the attachment of the native posterior
leaflet 16b may allow insertion of a smaller prosthetic valve 80.
It will also lead to greater stability of the implant or valve 80.
When surgeons replace the mitral valve, the posterior leaflet 16b
is frequently folded in sutures to create a pledget that reduces
the native mitral annulus diameter and buttresses the valve
prosthesis or implant 80. An inflatable implant or prosthesis (not
shown in this embodiment) can perform the same function. Inflatable
element or elements can also spread the load across a larger area
to reduce the risk of valve dehiscence and tissue tearing. In an
alternative (not shown) the discontinuous inflatable elements 300
could instead be formed as a continuous annular shape or loop.
These designs are, for example, shown in other embodiments herein.
These designs could also be used in conjunction with the
discontinuous "bull horn" elements 300 shown in this embodiment, or
instead of the discontinuous inflatable structure shown. The
annular inflatable element or loop could travel along the course of
the native leaflets 16a, 16b, roughly along the same path or course
of the inflatable elements 300 shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B, for
example, and the continuous inflatable element or loop could extend
downward into the left ventricle with, for example, the highest
point of the inflatable element or loop impacting or engaging
against the underside of the native mitral leaflets 16a, 16b.
[0171] In any of the embodiments shown and described herein,
including the present embodiment of FIGS. 19A to 19D, the amount of
inflation or filling of the inflatable element or elements, such as
elements 300, may be adjusted to achieve a desired size, fit, force
application or other effect(s). Also, as has been shown in the
above described embodiments, there could be multiple chambers or
multiple inflatable elements that may be filled or inflated. In
addition, or alternatively, some inflatable chambers or elements
may be filled and some may be unfilled or partially filled to
achieve a desired size and shape for the inflatable anchoring
and/or sealing elements. The anchoring arms 88 may wrap around the
anterior and posterior native mitral valve leaflets 16a, 16b. These
arms 88 are typically made from Nitinol or other superelastic
materials so that they may be straightened for insertion in a
catheter and then spontaneously or automatically bend around the
native mitral leaflets 16a, 16b to anchor the valve prosthesis
80.
[0172] As shown best in FIG. 19D, the inflation path of the
inflatable elements 300 passes through the natural mitral valve
commissures 176. The inflatable elements 300 are designed to
inflate from the commissure locations 176 and travel toward the
middle scallop of both the anterior and posterior native mitral
valve leaflets 16a, 16b. While the inflatable elements 300 are
shown with their ends touching in, for example, FIG. 19B, these
inflatable elements 300 could be shorter and, therefore, may not
engage. Alternatively, the inflatable elements 300 could be longer
and, therefore, overlap.
[0173] FIG. 19C illustrates a position of the mitral valve
prosthesis 80 after it has been delivered over the native mitral
leaflets 16a, 16b. The anchoring arms 88 and the native mitral
leaflets 16a, 16b may engage against the inflatable structure 300.
Engagement between the anchoring arms 88 and the inflatable
structure 300 is desirable. First, this creates a more solid and
stable implant. Second, the ends of the "bull horn" inflatable
elements 300 are not attached to each other, so that pressing the
native mitral valve 16 and the anchoring arms 88 against the
inflatable elements 300 will reduce movement of the ends of the two
inflatable elements 300. A large inflatable end (not shown) of the
inflatable elements 300 may promote the interaction of the
components.
[0174] It may also have advantages previously described under the
posterior native mitral leaflet 16b of reducing the native mitral
annulus size and stabilizing the overall implant attachment. This
will produce a similar effect to the surgeon leaving native
posterior leaflet 16b behind and passing sutures from the native
mitral annulus 16c through the plicated posterior mitral leaflet
16b into a valve prosthesis 80. Filling space under the native
posterior leaflet 16b may be particularly useful. The left
ventricular wall sits behind the native posterior leaflet 16b. The
inflatable structure 300 will contact the leaflet 16b as well as
the annulus 16c and the posterior left ventricular wall thereby
providing a large surface to absorb the shock that occurs with each
contraction of the heart. Also, an inflatable element 300 that
fills the space at this location will not obstruct the ejection of
blood from the heart. An inflatable element that resides near the
native anterior leaflet, and is too large, may result in
obstruction to the ejection of blood.
[0175] FIG. 19D illustrates a view essentially from native mitral
commissure to native mitral commissure, i.e., rotated approximately
90 degrees from FIG. 19C. A portion of the inflatable structure 300
passes through the commissure 176. This also links the inflatable
anchoring and/or sealing element (not shown) that may reside above
the native mitral leaflets 16a, 16b on the atrial side with the
inflatable portion 300 that resides generally under the native
mitral leaflets 16a, 16b on the ventricular side. The inflation
path is shown as a narrow, short tubular structure 302. The part
302 of the inflatable element 300 that passes through the
commissure 176 could be much larger. It could also be more
spherical or have suitable portions that assist with closing off or
sealing the commissure 176 by acting as a "cork" or sealing
structure, or by forcing the native leaflet edges 16a, 16b together
at the commissure 176. The inflatable elements 300 are shown
wrapping around the native mitral valve leaflets 16a, 16b. The
engagement of the inflatable elements 300 with the native leaflets
16a, 16b and the anchoring arms 88 may be improved by increasing
the size of the inflatable elements 300. For example, the
inflatable elements 300 could extend farther below the native
mitral leaflets 16a, 16b and deeper into the left ventricle. In
many cases, it will not be possible to tension the chordae 18 (see
FIGS. 19E and 19F) enough to make this contact. More generally,
stability of the overall implant may be improved by having two
anchoring components. One anchoring component may be positioned at
the level of the native mitral leaflets 16a, 16b and the native
mitral annulus 16c, and a second component may wrap around the
native mitral leaflet margins. The stability of the overall implant
may be further improved by having these two anchoring components
engage or connect to one another.
[0176] FIGS. 19E and 19F illustrate another alternative embodiment
of a mitral valve prosthesis 320 including a flange portion 322 and
anchoring arms 324 as previously described. However, in this
embodiment, the anchoring arms 324, which again may include a
fabric or other covering to form more of a "paddle" configuration,
include balloon anchoring elements 326 secured thereto. In this
manner, when the arms 324 flip upwardly as best viewed in FIG. 19F,
the inflatable elements 326 also flip upwardly and trap the native
mitral leaflets 16a, 16b against the mitral valve prosthesis 320.
The balloon elements 326 may be in a deflated condition during
delivery and as the arms 324 flip upwardly, and then the balloons
326 may be inflated by a suitable amount to further secure the
implantation of the prosthesis 320. These balloon elements 326, as
shown in FIGS. 19E and 19F extend substantially beyond the
perimeter of the anchoring arms 324 such that they bear against
significant portions of the mitral leaflets 16a, 16b and/or
portions of the mitral valve prosthesis 320 for anchoring purposes.
These arms 324 may extend all the way to the commissures 176, and
may have various shapes. For example, extended paddle shaped
inflatable elements may be secured to the mechanical anchoring arms
324 to provide more surface area contact between the inflatable
arms and the mitral leaflets 16a, 16b and/or the mitral valve
prosthesis 320. The balloon elements 326 may be secured to the
mechanical anchoring arms 324 by any suitable manner, such as
adhesive. This embodiment is especially suitable for a situation
where there is very little native mitral leaflet. In this
situation, the anchoring arms 324 contact the inflatable elements
326 that are positioned beneath the native mitral valve leaflets
16a, 16b.
[0177] FIG. 20A illustrates a mitral valve prosthesis 330 that is
similar to the embodiment described in connection with FIG. 19A. An
inflatable element 332 is fixed to each of the anchoring arms 88.
The attachment of each inflatable element 332 is shown to be on the
inside of and at the hinge or bending location of each anchoring
arm 88. That is, the inflatable element 332 is located generally at
a location where the anchoring arms 88 bend to wrap around the
native mitral leaflets 16a, 16b. Of course, the specific attachment
may be different than that shown in the figures. Many examples of
inflatable elements attached to the anchoring arms 88 are possible.
Inflatable elements 332 may be completely attached to the anchoring
arms 88, or the inflatable elements 332 may be attached to the
anchoring arms 88 at one portion, and the other portion or portions
of the inflatable elements 332 may extend beyond the anchoring arms
88. The attachments may be made in various manners, such as by
having the inflatable elements 332 adhered along outer surfaces
thereof to the anchoring arms 88, or by other methods, such as
passing the anchoring arms 88 through the inflatable elements
332.
[0178] FIG. 20B illustrates the valve prosthesis 330 being
implanted inside a native mitral valve 16. The anchoring arms 88
have been directed through the native mitral leaflets 16a, 16b but
are not yet hinged or turned radially outward and upward. Arrows
336 are provided to show the intended direction of deployment as
the anchoring arms 88 are bent upward. This bending action will
preferably be spontaneous or automatic as the mitral prosthesis 330
is deployed from a catheter (not shown) into position, and the arms
88 will wrap around the native mitral leaflets 16a, 16b, typically
around the central portions of both the anterior and posterior
native mitral leaflets 16a, 16b. The inflatable element 332 is
shown on the inside of the folding point or bending location of
each anchoring arm 88.
[0179] FIG. 20C illustrates the anchoring arms 88 deployed and bent
into the anchoring position and the balloon element 332 inflated.
The balloon element 332 assists the anchoring arms 88 to compress
and trap the native mitral leaflets 16a, 16b. The inflatable
element 332 may extend beyond the anchoring arm 88 to which it is
attached in order to wrap around more of the native leaflets 16a,
16b beyond the end of the anchoring arm 88. The balloon (i.e.,
inflatable) element 332 may extend to the sides of the anchoring
arm 88 to increase the engagement of the native mitral leaflets
16a, 16b to the prosthetic valve 330. The balloon element 332 may
extend upward to engage against the underside of the native mitral
leaflets 16a, 16b and the native annulus 16c. The inflatable
element 332 could be much larger under the posterior native leaflet
16b particularly, and extend all the way to the plane of the native
annulus 16c and around much of the circumference of the native
annulus 16c. The inflatable element 332 may be a flatter structure
in the region of the anterior mitral valve leaflet 16a. This will
help to prevent obstruction to left ventricle outflow of blood from
the heart. In this figure there is no anchor at the level of the
native leaflets 16a, 16b, such as with the previously described
"bull horn" element 300 that sits under the native annulus 16c. The
inflatable element 332 on the anchoring arm 88 could also engage
with a "bull horn" (not shown), such as element 300 (FIG. 19A) when
or if combined with one or more other features discussed herein. As
described previously, the amount that the inflatable element 332 is
filled with inflation fluid may be adjusted, or there may be
multiple chambers or elements for inflation purposes that may be
filled or unfilled, or partially filled, to achieve a desired
result.
[0180] FIGS. 21A through 21C illustrate how inflatable elements 340
may be used to move a prosthetic valve 342 relative to the
associated native tissue of the mitral valve 16 or to move
components of the prosthetic valve 342 relative to each other.
Inflatable elements 340 may perform functions as a type of "motor."
As shown in FIG. 21A, prosthetic valve 342 with one or more
anchoring arms 344 may be moved upward relative to the native
mitral valve 16. An anchoring arm 344 is shown in a straight
configuration prior to delivery. Arrows 346 show the path that the
anchoring arms 344 will take as they wrap around the free edges of
the anterior and posterior native mitral leaflets 16a, 16b. This
figure illustrates an upper arm portion 344a that sits generally at
the top of the valve 342. The entire prosthesis 342 and the
anchoring arms 344 may slide freely upward relative to the native
mitral leaflets 16a, 16b. The anchoring arm 344 is continuous to
the atrial side of the prosthesis 342 as shown in this figure. The
upper arm portion 344a sits above an inflatable element 340. This
inflatable element 340 may be formed with any desired and suitable
shape. The inflatable element 340 may even be a circumferential
structure that passes around the entire inflow end or portion of
the prosthetic valve 342. The inflatable element(s) 340 may act on
more than one of the anchoring arms 344. The inflatable element 340
sits on a stent armature 348 which may be similar to the flange 84
as previously described. The stent armature 348 provides a base for
the inflatable element 340 to engage against so that the inflatable
element 340 may provide a force to move the anchoring arm 344. The
entire prosthetic valve 342 may be covered with a tissue ingrowth
fabric.
[0181] As shown in FIG. 21B, the prosthetic valve 342 has been
delivered and anchoring arms 344 have wrapped around the native
mitral leaflets 16a, 16b. The anchoring arms 344 wrap around the
leaflets 16a, 16b, but it is very difficult for the anchoring arms
344 to apply tension or force on the native leaflets 16a, 16b that
will lift upward on the leaflets 16a, 16b to tension to chordae 18.
Anchoring arms that merely wrap around the leaflets 16a, 16b but do
not provide tension to the leaflets 16a, 16b and the chordae 18
produce a suboptimal anchoring. The leaflets 16a, 16b and chordae
18 can still move up and down with each heartbeat due to
insufficient anchoring.
[0182] FIG. 21C illustrates the inflatable element 340 has been
filled with fluid and this lifts upward on the anchoring arm 344.
This is shown by the arrows 350 under the leaflets 16a, 16b and the
arrow 352 adjacent the inflatable element 340. A platform in the
left atrium, shown as an exemplary stent armature 348 with fabric,
provides a base of support to ensure that the inflation results in
upward movement of the prosthetic valve 342. This upward movement
tensions the anchoring arm 344 against the leaflets 16a, 16b and
loads or tensions the chordae 18. The possibility for movement of
the prosthesis 342 is reduced and the valve replacement is more
secure. Inflating the inflatable element(s) or "lifting balloon(s)"
340 may be accomplished at the end of the procedure. The amount of
inflation may be adjusted to ensure that there is sufficient
tension on the native leaflets 16a, 16b and chordae 18. This may be
observed by imaging, such as with an echocardiogram. The
interventionist can fill or inflate the inflatable element 340
until the slack and movement is reduced or eliminated. The
adjusted, i.e., elevated or lifted, valve 342 has another important
advantage. A valve prosthesis that sits too low in the left
ventricle may obstruct the function of the heart and impede the
ejection of blood. To prevent this problem it is desirable to be
able to allow the valve prosthesis to sit or be positioned higher
in the heart, with more of the prosthesis located in the left
atrium. The anchoring arms 344 on the prosthesis 342 may move
relative to the cylindrical body 354 of the prosthesis 342. Using
one or more inflatable components 340 to adjust the relative
position of the prosthetic valve 342 to native tissues, or relative
to other portions of the valve prosthesis 342 may be varied and
used in multiple ways to improve valve function and security. The
relative positions of components of a prosthetic valve may be
suitably adjusted.
[0183] FIGS. 22A and 22B illustrate a prosthetic valve 360 that may
be collapsed inside a catheter delivery system (not shown) and then
inflated inside the patient's heart (see FIG. 1). A circular
inflatable support 362 at the top and another circular inflatable
support 364 at the bottom of the prosthesis 360 are joined by
vertical, inflatable connecting elements 366. Prosthetic leaflets
368 are fixed within the generally circular structure and are shown
in dashed line form in FIG. 22B. The direction of blood flow is
shown with an arrow 370. The prosthetic leaflets 368 are typically
made from treated animal materials or other biologic materials but
can be synthetic or even human derived material. The inflatable
members 362, 364, 366 are filled with fluids to allow them to take
shape. Typically, the fluids are replaced with a material that
hardens or polymerizes to maintain the final shape. This may be
done with any of the inflatable elements disclosed herein. Tubes
374 are shown to fill the inflatable elements 362, 364, 366 and
these tubes 374 are removable after use. FIG. 22B illustrates that
the tubes 374 may be temporarily attached to the prosthetic valve
360 to fill the inflatable elements 362, 364, 366 with fluid and
materials to harden the implant 360. The prosthetic valve structure
360 shown here includes the addition of two "bull horn" inflatable
elements 380. These are shown as located between the two circular
rings 362, 364, although the inflatable elements 380 may reside
below the lower ring 364. The "bull horn" inflatable elements 380
are designed to be delivered through the native commissures 176
(FIG. 19D) and then inflated below the level of the native leaflets
16a, 16b (FIG. 19D). This will result in the inflatable elements
380 being placed or positioned on the ventricular side of the
native leaflets 16a, 16b and with the lowest circular inflatable
element 364 remaining on the atrial side of the leaflets 16a, 16b.
This will trap the native leaflets 16a, 16b between the two "bull
horn" inflatable elements 380 and the lower continuous inflatable
ring 364. The two levels of support (i.e., the "bull horn"
inflatable element 380 and the circular inflatable element 364) can
have the same diameter or different diameters. Other possibilities
for configuration are, for example, that the inflatable elements
364, 380 may have similar or different cross sectional diameters
and/or may interlock or otherwise be affixed to one another. As the
ventricle contracts, the lower support ring 364 will be forced
upward into the "bull horn" inflatable elements 380. The native
leaflets 16a, 16b will pass between the two inflatable elements
364, 380 in a sandwich configuration which will help hold the
prosthetic valve 360 in position.
[0184] FIG. 22C illustrates a top view of the implant 360. This
includes the complete, continuous circular inflatable elements 362,
364 for the upper and lower portions of the inflatable prosthetic
valve 360 and vertical support elements 366 that are also
inflatable. The figure illustrates the "bull horn" inflatable
elements 380 having a slightly larger diameter of curvature.
Uninflated "bull horn" inflatable elements 380 are introduced
through the commissures 176 and then inflated such that they expand
and travel about the perimeter of the native valve 16.
[0185] FIGS. 23A and 23B illustrate the inflatable prosthetic valve
360 in relationship to the native mitral valve leaflets 16a, 16b.
Only two of the vertical inflatable connectors 366 are shown for
clarity. The "bull horn" inflatable element 380, as shown, is
positioned on the ventricular side of a native mitral leaflet 16a.
The lower continuous, circular inflatable element 364 resides on
the atrial side of the native leaflets 16a, 16b even though it sits
or resides at a lower level than the "bull horn" inflatable support
element 380. The native mitral leaflets 16a, 16b pass between these
two elements 364, 380. These inflatable elements 364, 380 may be
constructed so that after inflation the two inflatable, adjacent
elements 364, 380 overlap and help trap the native leaflets 16a,
16b therebetween for a secure prosthetic valve attachment. This
will be most effective in the area of the commissures 176 where the
continuous, circular inflatable element 364 and the "bull horn"
elements 380 will be most capable of providing a force on each
other. The "bull horn" supports 380 may be more effective if they
are larger in diameter and fill up more space under the native
leaflets 16a, 16b. These two adjacent support elements 364, 380 are
both shown as circular in cross section, however, they may be
constructed with any suitable cross sectional shape and may be
designed to interact or engage each other in various manners. For
example, there might be a groove (not shown) on one element that
engages with a portion of the other element such as a recess (not
shown). To alleviate any tendency for this implant 360 to rock back
and forth as the heart beats, any of the other stabilizing features
shown or otherwise described herein may be used for lateral
support. Other features, which may not be shown or described
herein, may also be used for support and stability purposes. For
example, support elements may extend from the "bull horn" elements
380, particularly at the commissures 176, or from the continuous
circular upper and/or lower rings 362, 364, or from the vertical
connecting elements 366. FIG. 23B illustrates the mitral valve
prosthesis 360 in a commissure-to-commissure view. The lowest
continuous circular inflatable element 364 resides on the atrial
side of the native leaflets 16a, 16b, while the "bull horn" shaped
inflatable support elements 380 are positioned under the native
leaflets 16a, 16b, i.e., on the left ventricular side of the
leaflets. As described, these are inflated via a connection at the
location of the commissure 176.
[0186] FIG. 24 illustrates a view of a variation of the mitral
valve prosthesis 390 in which "bull horn" inflatable elements 392
are positioned below a lower circular inflatable element 394 and
the "bull horn" support elements 392 reside or position themselves
under each of the native leaflets 16a, 16b, on the ventricular side
of the leaflets 16a, 16b. The lower continuous, circular inflatable
element 394 is positioned above the native mitral leaflets 16a, 16b
on the atrial side of the native valve 16.
[0187] FIGS. 24A and 24B illustrate another alternative mitral
valve prosthesis 400 having stabilizing support elements 402. As
with the prosthesis described above, the prosthesis 400 may be
comprised of inflatable elements 404, 406, 408 connected together
and including prosthetic leaflets 410. Although not shown, one
option for providing additional stability, such as preventing a
rocking back and forth, is to make the upper circular ring 404
large enough that it covers the lower portion of the left atrium.
Such a ring 404 may look less like a ring than a structure similar
to that shown as a flange in previous figures such as FIG. 19A.
This type of ring or inflated flange 404 would reside along the
bottom of the left atrium. Another option is to add additional
supports. These supports may take various shapes and
configurations. FIGS. 24A and 24B illustrate inflatable supports
402 extending from the lower, circular inflatable ring 406 to form
arches. These arches 402 will engage against the lower portion of
the left atrium to prevent back and forth rocking action of the
prosthetic valve 400. The surface profile of the left atrium is not
regular. The portion of the atrium adjacent or closest to the
native aortic valve 16 has a steep angulation. These individual
arches 402, or even more linear support members may adapt to the
contours of the atrium and stabilize the valve prosthesis 400 to
prevent rocking. The inflatable support members 402 are shown
extending from the lower circular ring 406, however, they could
also extend from the vertical struts 408 or connecting elements
that join the upper ring 404 to the lower ring 406. These support
arches 402 or other support elements may be used in various numbers
and configurations, for example, and there may be "arch over arch"
designs or other configurations, and the same types of elements may
be used on any portion of the prosthesis 400.
[0188] FIGS. 25A, 25B and 25C illustrate an alternative that
improves stability. In particular, the ends of two inflatable
support elements 410 may be stabilized by joining them together to
produce a more complete, circular structure. This can be
accomplished in a variety of ways, with examples to follow. FIG.
25A illustrates a large loop 412 being passed through one
inflatable support element 410 and a straight wire-like element 414
then passed through the end of the adjacent support element 410.
The loop 412 is large enough that the straight wire-like element
414 will be easily directed through the loop 412 and a balloon 416
is then inflated on the end of the straight wire-like element 414
as shown in FIG. 25B. In FIG. 25C the loop 412 and the wire-like
element 414 have been pulled back and the ends of the adjacent
"bull horn" inflatab