U.S. patent application number 16/733659 was filed with the patent office on 2020-05-07 for mitral valve spacer device.
This patent application is currently assigned to EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES CORPORATION. The applicant listed for this patent is EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Amanda Kristine Anderson White, Sergio Delgado, Eric Robert Dixon, Rhayoung Kwon, Devin H. Marr, Asher L. Metchik, Tam Van Nguyen, Sam Sok, Grant Matthew Stearns, David M. Taylor, Matthew T. Winston, Victoria Cheng-Tan Wu.
Application Number | 20200138567 16/733659 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 64096936 |
Filed Date | 2020-05-07 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200138567 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Marr; Devin H. ; et
al. |
May 7, 2020 |
MITRAL VALVE SPACER DEVICE
Abstract
A delivery system includes an elongate shaft, a handle, a first
clasp control member, a second clasp control member, and an
actuator. The handle is connected to a proximal portion of the
elongate shaft. The first and second clasp control members each
extend into a distal portion of the elongate shaft, through at
least a portion of the elongate shaft, out of the proximal portion
of the elongate shaft, and through the handle. The actuator is
coupled to the handle and has a first side portion connected to the
first clasp control and a second side portion connected to the
second clasp control. The first side portion and the second side
portion are releasably couplable such that when the first side
portion and the second side portion are coupled, proximal movement
of the actuator proximally pulls both the first clasp control
member and the second clasp control member, and such that when the
first side portion and the second side portion are uncoupled,
individual proximal movements of the first side portion and the
second side portion independently pull the first clasp control
member and the second clasp control member, respectively.
Inventors: |
Marr; Devin H.; (Irvine,
CA) ; Delgado; Sergio; (Irvine, CA) ; Dixon;
Eric Robert; (Villa Park, CA) ; Taylor; David M.;
(Lake Forest, CA) ; Metchik; Asher L.; (Hawthorne,
CA) ; Winston; Matthew T.; (Aliso Viejo, CA) ;
Stearns; Grant Matthew; (Costa Mesa, CA) ; Sok;
Sam; (Santa Ana, CA) ; Nguyen; Tam Van;
(Westminster, CA) ; Kwon; Rhayoung; (Irvine,
CA) ; Wu; Victoria Cheng-Tan; (Costa Mesa, CA)
; Anderson White; Amanda Kristine; (Menlo Park,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES CORPORATION |
IRVINE |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES
CORPORATION
IRVINE
CA
|
Family ID: |
64096936 |
Appl. No.: |
16/733659 |
Filed: |
January 3, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
15973892 |
May 8, 2018 |
|
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16733659 |
|
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62659253 |
Apr 18, 2018 |
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62571552 |
Oct 12, 2017 |
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62504389 |
May 10, 2017 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 2/246 20130101;
A61F 2220/0016 20130101; A61F 2210/0014 20130101; A61F 2/2466
20130101; A61B 2017/00783 20130101; A61F 2220/0008 20130101; A61B
17/1285 20130101; A61F 2220/0075 20130101; A61F 2/2463 20130101;
A61B 17/1227 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61F 2/24 20060101
A61F002/24; A61B 17/128 20060101 A61B017/128; A61B 17/122 20060101
A61B017/122 |
Claims
1. A delivery system comprising: an elongate shaft having a
proximal portion and a distal portion; a handle connected to the
proximal portion of the elongate shaft; a first clasp control
member that extends into the distal portion of the elongate shaft,
through at least a portion of the elongate shaft, out of the
proximal portion of the elongate shaft, and through the handle; a
second clasp control member that extends into the distal portion of
the elongate shaft, through the elongate shaft, out of the proximal
portion of the elongate shaft, and through the handle; an actuator
coupled to the handle, the actuator comprising a first side portion
connected to the first clasp control; and a second side portion
connected to the second clasp control; wherein the first side
portion and the second side portion are releasably couplable such
that when the first side portion and the second side portion are
coupled, proximal movement of the actuator proximally pulls both
the first clasp control member and the second clasp control member,
and such that when the first side portion and the second side
portion are uncoupled, individual proximal movements of the first
side portion and the second side portion independently pull the
first clasp control member and the second clasp control member,
respectively.
2. The delivery system of claim 1 wherein the first clasp control
member comprises a suture.
3. The delivery system of claim 1 wherein the first side portion
and the second side portion are releasably connected by a pin.
4. The delivery system of claim 1 wherein the first side portion
and the second side portion are constrained to proximal and distal
movement relative to one another when the first side portion and
the second side portion are released.
5. The delivery system of claim 1 wherein the first clasp control
member extends through a first control member lumen in the handle,
and the second clasp control member extends through a second
control member lumen in the handle.
6. The delivery system of claim 5 wherein at least a portion of the
first control member lumen extends proximally at an angle toward
the second control member lumen.
7. The delivery system of claim 1 wherein the elongate shaft is
flexible.
8. The delivery system of claim 1 further comprising an anchor
actuation shaft in a lumen of the elongate shaft, wherein the
anchor actuation shaft extends out of the proximal portion of the
elongate shaft, and wherein the anchor actuation shaft extends out
of the distal portion of the elongate shaft.
9. A delivery assembly comprising: a first clasp that is moveable
between an open position and a closed position, wherein the first
clasp is configured to be securable to a first native valve leaflet
by moving the first clasp from the open position to the closed
position of the first clasp; a first clasp control member coupled
to the first clasp, wherein applying tension to the first clasp
control member moves the first clasp to the open position; a second
clasp that is moveable between an open position and a closed
position, wherein the second clasp is configured to secure a second
native valve leaflet by moving the second clasp from the open
position to the closed position of the second clasp; a second clasp
control member coupled to the second clasp, wherein applying
tension to the second clasp control member moves the second clasp
to the open position; an elongate shaft having a proximal portion
and a distal portion; a handle connected to the proximal portion of
the elongate shaft; wherein the first clasp control member extends
from the first clasp, into the distal portion of the elongate
shaft, through the elongate shaft, out of the proximal portion of
the elongate shaft, and through the handle; wherein the second
clasp control member extends from the second clasp, into the distal
portion of the elongate shaft, through the elongate shaft, out of
the proximal portion of the elongate shaft, and through the handle;
an actuator coupled to the handle, the actuator comprising a first
side portion connected to the first clasp control member; and a
second side portion connected to the second clasp control member;
wherein the first side portion and the second side portion are
releasably couplable such that when the first side portion and the
second side portion are coupled, proximal movement of the actuator
proximally tensions both the first clasp control member and the
second clasp control member to move both the first and second
clasps to the open position, and such that when the first side
portion and the second side portions are uncoupled, individual
proximal movements of the first side portion and the second side
portion individually tension the first clasp control member and the
second clasp control member to independently open the first and
second clasps, respectively.
10. The delivery assembly of claim 9 wherein the first clasp
control member comprises a suture.
11. The delivery assembly of claim 9 wherein the first side portion
and the second side portion are releasably connected by a pin.
12. The delivery assembly of claim 9 wherein the first side portion
and the second side portion are constrained to proximal and distal
movement relative to one another when the first side portion and
the second side portion are released.
13. The delivery assembly of claim 9 wherein the first clasp
control member extends through a first control member lumen in the
handle, and the second clasp control member extends through a
second control member lumen in the handle.
14. The delivery assembly of claim 13 wherein at least a portion of
the first control member lumen extends proximally at an angle
toward the second control member lumen.
15. The delivery assembly of claim 9 wherein the elongate shaft is
flexible.
16. The delivery assembly of claim 9 wherein the first clasp and
the second clasp are coupled to a spacer.
17. The delivery assembly of claim 9 further comprising an anchor
actuation shaft in a lumen of the elongate shaft, wherein the
anchor actuation shaft extends out of the proximal portion of the
elongate shaft, and wherein the anchor actuation shaft extends out
of the distal portion of the elongate shaft.
18. A delivery assembly comprising: a pair of anchors that are
moveable between an open position and a closed position; an anchor
actuation shaft operably coupled to the pair of anchors; a first
clasp that is moveable between an open position and a closed
position; a first clasp control member coupled to the first clasp
configured such that applying tension to the first clasp control
member moves the first clasp to the open position; a second clasp
that is moveable between an open position and a closed position, a
second clasp control member coupled to the second clasp configured
such that applying tension to the second clasp control member moves
the second clasp to the open position; an elongate shaft having a
proximal portion and a distal portion; a handle connected to the
proximal portion of the elongate shaft; wherein the anchor
actuation shaft extends into the distal portion of the elongate
shaft, through the elongate shaft, out of the proximal portion of
the elongate shaft, and into the handle; wherein axial movement of
the anchor actuation shaft relative to the elongate shaft moves the
pair of anchors between the open position and the closed position;
wherein the first clasp control member extends from the first
clasp, into the distal portion of the elongate shaft, through the
elongate shaft, out of the proximal portion of the elongate shaft,
and through the handle; wherein the second clasp control member
extends from the second clasp, into the distal portion of the
elongate shaft, through the elongate shaft, out of the proximal
portion of the elongate shaft, and through the handle; an actuator
coupled to the handle, the actuator comprising: a first side
portion connected to the first clasp control member; and a second
side portion connected to the second clasp control member; wherein
the first side portion and the second side portion are releasably
couplable such that when the first side portion and the second side
portion are coupled, proximal movement of the actuator proximally
tensions both the first clasp control member and the second clasp
control member to move both the first and second clasps to the open
position, and such that when the first side portion and the second
side portions are uncoupled, individual proximal movements of the
first side portion and the second side portion individually tension
the first clasp control member and the second clasp control member
to independently open the first and second clasps,
respectively.
19. The delivery assembly of claim 18 wherein the first clasp
control member extends through a first control member lumen in the
handle, the second clasp control member extends through a second
control member lumen in the handle, and at least a portion of the
first control member lumen extends proximally at an angle toward
the second control member lumen.
20. The delivery assembly of claim 18 wherein the first clasp
control member extends through a first control member lumen in the
handle; wherein the second clasp control member extends through a
second control member lumen in the handle; wherein the anchor
actuation shaft extends through an anchor actuation shaft lumen in
the handle; wherein a first portion of the first control member
lumen is parallel to the anchor actuation shaft lumen; and wherein
a second portion of the first control member lumen extends at an
angle relative to the anchor actuation shaft lumen.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/973,892, filed on May 8, 2018, which claims
the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 62/659,253, filed
Apr. 18, 2018, 62/571,552, filed Oct. 12, 2017, and 62/504,389,
filed May 10, 2017, which applications are incorporated by
reference herein.
FIELD
[0002] This disclosure generally relates to prosthetic devices and
related methods for helping to seal native heart valves to prevent
or reduce regurgitation therethrough, as well as devices and
related methods for implanting such prosthetic devices.
BACKGROUND
[0003] The native heart valves (i.e., the aortic, pulmonary,
tricuspid and mitral valves) serve critical functions in assuring
the forward flow of an adequate supply of blood through the
cardiovascular system. These heart valves can be damaged, and thus
rendered less effective, by congenital malformations, inflammatory
processes, infectious conditions, or disease. Such damage to the
valves can result in serious cardiovascular compromise or death.
For many years, the definitive treatment for such damaged valves
was surgical repair or replacement of the valve during open heart
surgery. However, open heart surgeries are highly invasive and are
prone to many complications. Therefore, elderly and frail patients
with defective heart valves often went untreated. More recently,
transvascular techniques have been developed for introducing and
implanting prosthetic devices in a manner that is much less
invasive than open heart surgery. One particular transvascular
technique that is used for accessing the native mitral and aortic
valves is the transseptal technique. The transseptal technique
comprises inserting a catheter into the right femoral vein, up the
inferior vena cava and into the right atrium. The septum is then
punctured and the catheter passed into the left atrium. Such
transvascular techniques have increased in popularity due to their
high success rates.
[0004] A healthy heart has a generally conical shape that tapers to
a lower apex. The heart is four-chambered and comprises the left
atrium, right atrium, left ventricle, and right ventricle. The left
and right sides of the heart are separated by a wall generally
referred to as the septum. The native mitral valve of the human
heart connects the left atrium to the left ventricle. The mitral
valve has a very different anatomy than other native heart valves.
The mitral valve includes an annulus portion, which is an annular
portion of the native valve tissue surrounding the mitral valve
orifice, and a pair of cusps, or leaflets, extending downward from
the annulus into the left ventricle. The mitral valve annulus can
form a "D"-shaped, oval, or otherwise out-of-round cross-sectional
shape having major and minor axes. The anterior leaflet can be
larger than the posterior leaflet, forming a generally "C"-shaped
boundary between the abutting free edges of the leaflets when they
are closed together.
[0005] When operating properly, the anterior leaflet and the
posterior leaflet function together as a one-way valve to allow
blood to flow only from the left atrium to the left ventricle. The
left atrium receives oxygenated blood from the pulmonary veins.
When the muscles of the left atrium contract and the left ventricle
dilates (also referred to as "ventricular diastole" or "diastole"),
the oxygenated blood that is collected in the left atrium flows
into the left ventricle. When the muscles of the left atrium relax
and the muscles of the left ventricle contract (also referred to as
"ventricular systole" or "systole"), the increased blood pressure
in the left ventricle urges the two leaflets together, thereby
closing the one-way mitral valve so that blood cannot flow back to
the left atrium and is instead expelled out of the left ventricle
through the aortic valve. To prevent the two leaflets from
prolapsing under pressure and folding back through the mitral
annulus toward the left atrium, a plurality of fibrous cords called
chordae tendineae tether the leaflets to papillary muscles in the
left ventricle.
[0006] Mitral regurgitation occurs when the native mitral valve
fails to close properly and blood flows into the left atrium from
the left ventricle during the systolic phase of heart contraction.
Mitral regurgitation is the most common form of valvular heart
disease. Mitral regurgitation has different causes, such as leaflet
prolapse, dysfunctional papillary muscles and/or stretching of the
mitral valve annulus resulting from dilation of the left ventricle.
Mitral regurgitation at a central portion of the leaflets can be
referred to as central jet mitral regurgitation and mitral
regurgitation nearer to one commissure (i.e., location where the
leaflets meet) of the leaflets can be referred to as eccentric jet
mitral regurgitation.
[0007] Some prior techniques for treating mitral regurgitation
include stitching portions of the native mitral valve leaflets
directly to one another (known as an "Alfieri" stitch). Other prior
techniques include the use of a leaflet clip, such as the
MitraClip.RTM., that is clipped onto the coaptation edges of the
native mitral valve leaflets and hold them together to mimic an
Alfieri stitch. Unfortunately, the MitraClip.RTM. device suffers
from a number of drawbacks. For example, securing the leaflets
directly to each other can place undue stress on the leaflets,
which can cause tearing and single leaflet detachment. Also, the
MitraClip.RTM. device has a relatively narrow profile and can only
capture a very small area of the leaflets, which can create areas
of the stress on the leaflets and possible trauma to the leaflets.
Fastening the leaflets directly to each other also prevents the
captured portions of the coaptation edges from separating during
ventricular diastole, which can inhibit antegrade blood flow
through the mitral valve.
[0008] Moreover, the procedure for implanting the MitraClip.RTM.
device is relatively difficult and time consuming for a number of
reasons. For example, it is difficult to properly position the
device so that the clipping members are behind the native leaflets,
which are moving during the cardiac cycle. Further, when
positioning or retrieving the MitraClip.RTM. device the clipping
members can become entangled or catch onto adjacent tissue, such as
the chordae tendineae. Removing the device from the entangled
tissue can be difficult and can cause trauma to the tissue. Another
drawback is that a single MitraClip.RTM. device typically will not
adequately reduce mitral regurgitation because only a very small
area of the leaflets are held together. As such, multiple devices,
such as two to four devices, typically are required to adequately
address the regurgitation, which further adds to the complexity and
time of the procedure.
[0009] Furthermore, it is difficult to manipulate the distal end
portion of the MitraClip.RTM. delivery system within the small
confines of the left atrium. For example, the MitraClip.RTM.
delivery system does not permit independent positioning of the
implant in the anterior-posterior directions, superior-inferior
directions, and the medial-lateral directions. Due to limitations
of the MitraClip.RTM. delivery system, adjustment of the delivery
system in the medial-lateral direction, for example, will change
the superior-inferior positioning of the implant. Thus, positioning
the implant at the desired location along the coaptation edge using
the MitraClip.RTM. delivery system is difficult and/or time
consuming.
[0010] Accordingly, there is a continuing need for improved devices
and methods for treating mitral valve regurgitation.
SUMMARY
[0011] Described herein are embodiments of prosthetic devices that
are primarily intended to be implanted at one of the mitral,
aortic, tricuspid, or pulmonary valve regions of a human heart, as
well as apparatuses and methods for implanting the same. The
prosthetic devices can be used to help restore and/or replace the
functionality of a defective native valve.
[0012] An implantable prosthetic device can include a spacer
member, a plurality of anchors, and a plurality of clasps. The
spacer member can be configured to be disposed between native
leaflets of a heart. The anchors can be coupled to the spacer
member and configured to secure the native leaflets against the
spacer member. The clasps can be coupled to a respective anchor and
configured to secure the native leaflets to the anchors. The clasps
can be independently movable between an open configuration and a
closed configuration.
[0013] In one representative embodiment, an implantable prosthetic
device comprises a spacer member, a plurality of anchors, and a
plurality of clasps. The spacer member is configured to be disposed
between native leaflets of a heart. The anchors are coupled to the
spacer member and configured to secure the native leaflets against
the spacer member. The clasps are coupled to a respective anchor
and are configured to secure the native leaflets to the anchors.
The clasps are independently movable between an open configuration
and a closed configuration.
[0014] In some embodiments, the prosthetic device is movable
between a compressed configuration, in which the spacer member is
radially compressed and is axially spaced relative to at least a
portion of the anchors, and an expanded configuration, in which the
spacer member expands radially outwardly relative to the compressed
configuration and overlaps the at least a portion of the
anchors.
[0015] In some embodiments, the anchors are pivotable relative to
the spacer member between a first configuration and a second
configuration. An angle between the first portions of the anchors
and the spacer member is greater than approximately 120 degrees
when the anchors are in the first configuration.
[0016] In some embodiments, the anchors have first portions, second
portions, and joint portions disposed between the first portions
and the second portions. The first portions are coupled to the
spacer member.
[0017] In some embodiments, the at least a portion of the anchors
is the second portions of the anchors.
[0018] In some embodiments, the first portions are spaced relative
to the second portions in the compressed configuration and overlap
with the second portions in the expanded configuration.
[0019] In some embodiments, the anchors are pivotable relative to
the spacer member between a first configuration and a second
configuration. An angle between the first portions of the anchors
and the spacer member is approximately 180 degrees when the anchors
are in the first configuration, and the angle between the first
portions of the anchors and the spacer member is approximately 0
degrees when the anchors are in the second configuration.
[0020] In some embodiments, the clasps comprise attachment portions
and arm portions, the attachment portions are coupled to the
anchors, and the arm portions are pivotable relative to the
attachment portions between the open configuration and the closed
configuration.
[0021] In some embodiments, the clasps are configured to capture
the native leaflets between the attachment portions and the arm
portions.
[0022] In some embodiments, the clasps are configured to be biased
to the closed configuration.
[0023] In some embodiments, the clasps are configured to have a
preload when the clasps are in the closed configuration.
[0024] In some embodiments, the clasps comprise barbs configured to
engage tissue of the native leaflets.
[0025] In some embodiments, the spacer member and the anchors are
formed from a single, unitary piece of material.
[0026] In some embodiments, the spacer member and the anchors
includes braided or woven material comprising nitinol.
[0027] In some embodiments, the prosthetic device is configured for
implantation in a native mitral valve and to reduce mitral
regurgitation.
[0028] In another representative embodiment, an implantable
prosthetic device comprises a spacer member, a plurality of
anchors, and a plurality of clasps. The spacer member is configured
to be disposed between native leaflets of a heart. The anchors are
coupled to the spacer member and configured to secure the native
leaflets against the spacer member. The anchors are pivotable
relative to the spacer body between a first configuration and a
second configuration. An angle between at least a portion of the
anchors and the spacer member is approximately 180 degrees when the
anchors are in the first configuration, and the angle between the
at least a portion of the anchors and the spacer member is
approximately 0 degrees when the anchors are in the second
configuration. The clasps are coupled to a respective anchor and
are configured to secure the native leaflets to the anchors. The
clasps are movable between an open configuration and a closed
configuration.
[0029] In some embodiments, the anchors have first portions, second
portions, and joint portions disposed between the first portions
and the second portions. The first portions are coupled to the
spacer member. The at least a portion of the anchors is the first
portions of the anchors.
[0030] In some embodiments, the clasps are separately movable
between an open configuration and a closed configuration.
[0031] In another representative embodiment, an assembly comprises
an implantable prosthetic device and a delivery apparatus. The
implantable prosthetic device has a spacer member, a plurality of
anchors, a plurality of clasps, a first collar, and a second
collar. The first end portions of the anchors are coupled to a
first end portion of the spacer member, and second end portions of
the anchors are coupled to the first collar. The second collar is
coupled to a second end portion of the spacer member, and the
clasps are coupled to the anchors. The delivery apparatus has a
first shaft, a second shaft, and a plurality of clasp control
members. The first shaft is releasably coupled to the first collar
of the prosthetic device, the second shaft is releasably coupled to
the second collar of the prosthetic device, and the clasp control
members are releasably coupled to the clasps of the prosthetic
device. Actuating the clasp control members moves the clasps
between an open configuration and a closed configuration.
[0032] In some embodiments, the delivery apparatus is configured
such that moving the first shaft and the second shaft relative to
each other moves the prosthetic device between a first
configuration, in which anchors are in a radially compressed,
axially elongate configuration, and a second configuration, in
which the anchors are in a radially expanded, axially compressed
configuration and at least partially overlap the spacer member to
capture native leaflets between the anchors and the spacer
member.
[0033] In some embodiments, the delivery apparatus further
comprises a clasp control mechanism, and the clasp control members
are releasably coupled to the clasp control mechanism. The clasp
control mechanism is configured such that the clasp control members
can be actuated either simultaneously or separately.
[0034] In some embodiments, the clasp control members comprise a
first clasp control member and a second clasp control member. The
clasp control mechanism comprises a first side portion, a second
side portion, and a removable pin selectively coupling the first
and second side portions. The first clasp control member is
releasably coupled to first side portion of the clasp control
mechanism, and the second clasp control member is releasably
coupled to the second side portion of the clasp control
mechanism.
[0035] In some embodiments, the delivery apparatus further
comprises a locking mechanism coupled to the first shaft and the
second shaft and configured to selectively prevent relative axial
movement between the first shaft and the second shaft.
[0036] In some embodiments, the locking mechanism comprises a
rotatable knob.
[0037] In some embodiments, the locking mechanism is configured to
be selectively movable from a lock configuration to a release
configuration. The locking mechanism prevents relative axial
movement between the first shaft and the second shaft in the lock
configuration, and the locking mechanism allows relative axial
movement between the first shaft and the second shaft in the
release configuration.
[0038] In some embodiments, the locking mechanism comprises a knob,
a drive screw, and a guide pin. The knob is rotatably coupled to
the second shaft and the drive screw, the drive screw is coupled to
the first shaft, and the guide pin is coupled to the second shaft
and configured to prevent relative rotational movement between the
knob and the drive screw. Rotating the knob relative to the second
shaft and the drive screw results in relative axial movement
between the first shaft and the second shaft.
[0039] In some embodiments, the first shaft and the first collar
are threadably coupled.
[0040] In some embodiments, the first collar comprises a lumen. The
first shaft comprises a radially expandable member dispose at the
distal end portion of the first shaft. The expandable member is
configured such that the expandable member can be inserted through
the lumen of the first collar when the expandable member is a
compressed state and such that the expandable member cannot be
withdrawn through the lumen of the first collar when the expandable
member is inserted through the lumen of the first collar and the
expandable member is an expanded state.
[0041] In another representative embodiment, an implantable
prosthetic device comprises a spacer member, a plurality of
anchors, and a plurality of clasps. The spacer member is configured
to be disposed between native leaflets of a heart. The anchors are
coupled to the spacer member and configured to secure the native
leaflets against the spacer member. The clasps are configured to
secure the native leaflets to the anchors and have fixed end
portions and free end portions. The fixed end portions are coupled
to the anchors. The free end portions have barbs. The free end
portions are pivotable relative to the fixed end portions between
an open configuration and a closed configuration. The free end
portions are axially movable in the open configuration from a first
position in which the barbs engage tissue of the native leaflets to
a second position in which the barbs disengage the tissue of the
native leaflets.
[0042] In another representative embodiment, an implantable
prosthetic device comprises a spacer member, a plurality of
anchors, and a plurality of clasps. The spacer member is configured
to be disposed between native mitral valve leaflets of a heart. The
anchors are coupled to the spacer member. The anchors are
configured to secure the native mitral valve leaflets against the
spacer member during ventricular systole and to allow the native
mitral valve leaflet to move away from the spacer member during
ventricular diastole. The clasps are coupled to a respective anchor
and configured to secure the native leaflets to the anchors. The
clasps are movable between an open configuration and a closed
configuration.
[0043] In yet another representative embodiment, an implantable
prosthetic device comprises a spacer member, a sleeve, a plurality
of anchors, and a piston. The spacer member is configured to be
disposed between native leaflets of a heart. The sleeve is coupled
to and disposed radially within the spacer member. The anchors are
configured to secure the native leaflets against the spacer member
and having first end portions and second end portions. The first
end portions are coupled to the spacer member. The anchors are
movable between an elongate configuration and a foreshortened
configuration. The piston is coupled to the second end portions of
the anchors. The piston is axially movable relative to the cylinder
between a first configuration and a second configuration. The
anchors are in the elongate configuration when the piston is in the
first configuration. The anchors are in the foreshortened
configuration when the piston is in the second configuration.
[0044] In another representative embodiment, an assembly comprises
the prosthetic device of the previous paragraph and a delivery
apparatus. The delivery apparatus comprises an outer shaft, an
actuation shaft, and a plurality of tethers. The outer shaft has a
first lumen and a plurality of second lumens disposed radially
outwardly from the first lumen. The actuation shaft extends through
the first lumen. The actuation shaft is axially movable relative
the outer shaft and releasably coupled to the piston of the
prosthetic device. The tethers extend through the second lumens and
are releasably coupled to the prosthetic device. Tensioning the
tethers moves the implantable prosthetic device and the outer shaft
toward each other. Slackening the tethers allows the implantable
prosthetic device and the outer shaft to be space from each
other.
[0045] In some embodiments, each of the tethers is disposed in two
of the second lumens that are circumferentially offset by
approximately 180 degrees.
[0046] In some embodiments, the prosthetic device further comprises
a plurality of clasps. The clasps are coupled to a respective
anchor and are configured to secure the native leaflets to the
anchors. The clasps are movable between an open configuration and a
closed configuration. The outer shaft of the delivery apparatus
further comprises a plurality of third lumens disposed radially
outwardly from the first lumen. The delivery apparatus further
comprises a plurality of control members extending through the
third lumens and releasably coupled to the clasps of the prosthetic
device. Tensioning the control members move the clasps to the open
configuration. Slackening the control members allows the clasps to
move to the closed configuration.
[0047] In some embodiments, each of the control members is disposed
in two of the third lumens that are circumferentially offset by
approximately 180 degrees.
[0048] In some embodiments, each of the second lumens is
circumferentially offset relative to an adjacent second lumen by
approximately 90 degrees. Each of the third lumens is
circumferentially offset relative to an adjacent third lumen by
approximately 90 degrees. Each of the second lumens is
circumferentially offset relative to an adjacent third lumen by
approximately 45 degrees.
[0049] In another representative embodiment, an assembly comprises
an implantable prosthetic device and a delivery apparatus. The
implantable prosthetic device has a spacer member, a plurality of
anchors, a plurality of clasps, a first collar, and a second
collar. The first end portions of the anchors are coupled to a
first end portion of the spacer member, and second end portions of
the anchors are coupled to the first collar. The second collar is
coupled to a second end portion of the spacer member, and the
clasps are coupled to the anchors and are independently movable
between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The
delivery apparatus has a first shaft, a second shaft, a plurality
of tethers, and a plurality of clasp control members. The first
shaft is releasably coupled to the first collar of the prosthetic
device by the tethers, the second shaft is releasably coupled to
the second collar of the prosthetic device, and the clasp control
members are releasably coupled to the clasps of the prosthetic
device. Actuating the clasp control members moves the clasps
between an open configuration and a closed configuration.
Tensioning the tethers moves the prosthetic device and the first
shaft toward each other, and slackening the tethers allows the
prosthetic device and the first shaft to be spaced from each
other.
[0050] In another representative embodiment, a handle for a
delivery apparatus comprises a main body and an anchor actuation
mechanism coupled to the main body. The anchor actuation mechanism
is configured to be coupled to anchors of a prosthetic spacer
device and to move the anchors of the prosthetic spacer device
between a closed configuration and an open configuration. The
anchor actuation mechanism includes a knob and a mode selector
button configured to move the anchors actuation mechanism between a
first mode of operation and a second mode of operation. When the
anchor actuation mechanism is in the first mode of operation, the
knob is rotatable relative to the main body, and rotation of the
knob moves the anchors of the prosthetic spacer device between the
closed configuration and the open configuration. When the anchor
actuation mechanism is in the second mode of operation, the knob is
axially slidable relative to the main body, and axially sliding the
knob moves the anchors of the prosthetic spacer device between the
closed configuration and the open configuration.
[0051] In some embodiments, the handle further comprises a clasp
actuation mechanism coupled to the main body. The clasp actuation
mechanism is configured to be coupled to claps of the prosthetic
spacer device and configured to move the clasps of the prosthetic
spacer device between a closed configuration and an open
configuration.
[0052] In one representative embodiment, a positioning tool for a
delivery apparatus comprises a main body and one or more
projections. The main body is configured to be releasably coupled
to a first portion of a handle of the delivery apparatus. The
projections extend from the main body and are configured to
releasably engage a second portion of the handle of the delivery
apparatus. The positioning tool prevents relative movement between
the first and second portions of the handle of the delivery
apparatus when the positioning tool is coupled thereto.
[0053] The various innovations of this disclosure can be used in
combination or separately. This summary is provided to introduce a
selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further
described below in the detailed description. This summary is not
intended to identify key features or essential features of the
claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the
scope of the claimed subject matter. The foregoing and other
objects, features, and advantages of the disclosure will become
more apparent from the following detailed description, which
proceeds with reference to the accompanying figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0054] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a prosthetic
spacer device, showing a first configuration.
[0055] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the prosthetic spacer device
of FIG. 1, showing a second configuration.
[0056] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the prosthetic spacer device
of FIG. 1, showing a third configuration.
[0057] FIG. 4 is a plan view of a clasp of the prosthetic spacer
device of FIG. 1, showing a first configuration.
[0058] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the clasp of the prosthetic
spacer device of FIG. 1, showing a second configuration.
[0059] FIG. 6 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a
prosthetic spacer device.
[0060] FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of the prosthetic spacer
device of FIG. 6.
[0061] FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of the prosthetic spacer
device of FIG. 7, showing a cover thereon.
[0062] FIG. 9 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a
prosthetic spacer device.
[0063] FIG. 10 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a
prosthetic spacer device.
[0064] FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a delivery
assembly comprising the prosthetic spacer device of FIG. 6 (shown
in partial cross-section) and a delivery apparatus.
[0065] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a distal end portion of the
delivery assembly of FIG. 11, showing the prosthetic spacer device
releasably coupled to the delivery apparatus.
[0066] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the distal end portion of
the delivery assembly of FIG. 11, showing the prosthetic spacer
device released from the delivery apparatus.
[0067] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a coupler of the
delivery apparatus of FIG. 11.
[0068] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the delivery assembly of
FIG. 11, with the prosthetic spacer device shown in partial
cross-section and some components of the delivery apparatus shown
schematically.
[0069] FIG. 16 is a plan view of a shaft of the delivery apparatus
of FIG. 11.
[0070] FIG. 17 is a side elevation view of a proximal end portion
of the delivery apparatus of FIG. 11.
[0071] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the proximal end
portion of the delivery apparatus of FIG. 11, taken along the line
18-18 shown in FIG. 17.
[0072] FIG. 19 is an exploded view of the proximal end portion of
the delivery apparatus of FIG. 11.
[0073] FIGS. 20-29 illustrate an exemplary procedure of the
delivery assembly of FIG. 11 being used to repair a native mitral
valve of a heart, which is partially shown.
[0074] FIG. 30 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a handle
for the delivery apparatus of FIG. 11.
[0075] FIG. 31 is an exploded view of the handle of FIG. 30.
[0076] FIG. 32 illustrates other exemplary embodiments of a coupler
and a proximal collar for the delivery assembly of FIG. 11, showing
the coupler releasably coupled to the proximal collar.
[0077] FIG. 33 is a perspective view of the coupler and proximal
collar of FIG. 32, showing the coupler released from the proximal
collar.
[0078] FIG. 34 illustrates other exemplary embodiments of a distal
collar, actuation shaft, and release wire for the delivery assembly
of FIG. 11, showing the distal collar releasably coupled to the
actuation shaft by the release wire.
[0079] FIG. 35 is a perspective view of the distal collar,
actuation shaft, and the release wire of FIG. 32, showing the
distal collar released from the actuation shaft and the release
wire.
[0080] FIG. 36 illustrates other exemplary embodiments of a
coupler, a proximal collar, a distal collar, and an actuation shaft
of the delivery assembly of FIG. 11.
[0081] FIG. 37 is a perspective view of the coupler and proximal
collar of FIG. 36.
[0082] FIG. 38 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a clasp
control member of the delivery apparatus of FIG. 11.
[0083] FIG. 39 is a detail view of the clasp control member of FIG.
38, taken from the perspective 39 shown in FIG. 38.
[0084] FIG. 40 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a guide rail
for the clasp control member of FIG. 38.
[0085] FIG. 41 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a shaft
of the delivery apparatus of FIG. 11.
[0086] FIGS. 42-45 illustrate another exemplary delivery assembly
and its components.
[0087] FIGS. 46-54 illustrate another exemplary handle for a
delivery apparatus and its components.
[0088] FIGS. 55-61D illustrate another exemplary handle for a
delivery apparatus and its components.
[0089] FIGS. 62-75 illustrate another exemplary handle for a
delivery apparatus and its components. FIGS. 73-75 also illustrate
an exemplary embodiment of a clasp positioning tool.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
General Considerations
[0090] For purposes of this description, certain aspects,
advantages, and novel features of the embodiments of this
disclosure are described herein. The disclosed methods, apparatus,
and systems should not be construed as being limiting in any way.
Instead, the present disclosure is directed toward all novel and
nonobvious features and aspects of the various disclosed
embodiments, alone and in various combinations and sub-combinations
with one another. The methods, apparatus, and systems are not
limited to any specific aspect or feature or combination thereof,
nor do the disclosed embodiments require that any one or more
specific advantages be present or problems be solved.
[0091] Although the operations of some of the disclosed embodiments
are described in a particular, sequential order for convenient
presentation, it should be understood that this manner of
description encompasses rearrangement, unless a particular ordering
is required by specific language set forth below. For example,
operations described sequentially may in some cases be rearranged
or performed concurrently. Moreover, for the sake of simplicity,
the attached figures may not show the various ways in which the
disclosed methods can be used in conjunction with other methods.
Additionally, the description sometimes uses terms like "provide"
or "achieve" to describe the disclosed methods. These terms are
high-level abstractions of the actual operations that are
performed. The actual operations that correspond to these terms may
vary depending on the particular implementation and are readily
discernible by one of ordinary skill in the art.
[0092] As used in this application and in the claims, the singular
forms "a," "an," and "the" include the plural forms unless the
context clearly dictates otherwise. Additionally, the term
"includes" means "comprises." Further, the term "coupled" generally
means physically, mechanically, chemically, magnetically, and/or
electrically coupled or linked and does not exclude the presence of
intermediate elements between the coupled or associated items
absent specific contrary language.
[0093] As used herein, the term "proximal" refers to a position,
direction, or portion of a device that is closer to the user and
further away from the implantation site. As used herein, the term
"distal" refers to a position, direction, or portion of a device
that is further away from the user and closer to the implantation
site. Thus, for example, proximal motion of a device is motion of
the device away from the implantation site and toward the user
(e.g., out of the patient's body), while distal motion of the
device is motion of the device away from the user and toward the
implantation site (e.g., into the patient's body). The terms
"longitudinal" and "axial" refer to an axis extending in the
proximal and distal directions, unless otherwise expressly
defined.
[0094] As used herein, the term "approximately" means the listed
value and any value that is within 10% of the listed value. For
example, "approximately 100 degrees" means any value between 90-110
degrees, inclusive.
Exemplary Embodiments
[0095] Described herein are embodiments of prosthetic spacer
devices that are primarily intended to be implanted at one of the
mitral, aortic, tricuspid, or pulmonary valve regions of a human
heart, as well as apparatuses and methods for implanting the same.
The prosthetic spacer devices can be used to help restore and/or
replace the functionality of a defective native valve.
[0096] A prosthetic spacer device comprises a spacer member and at
least one anchor. In certain embodiments, the prosthetic spacer
device further comprises at least one clasp and at least one
collar.
[0097] The spacer member can be configured to be positioned within
the native valve orifice to fill a space between improperly
functioning native leaflets that do not naturally coapt completely.
As such, the spacer member helps create a more effective seal
between the native leaflets and prevents or minimizes regurgitation
(e.g., mitral regurgitation). The spacer member can comprise a
structure that is impervious to blood and that allows the native
leaflets to close around the sides of the spacer member to block
retrograde blood flow (e.g., blood flowing from the left ventricle
back into the left atrium during ventricular systole).
[0098] The spacer member can have various shapes. In some
embodiments, the spacer member can have an elongated cylindrical
shape having a round cross-sectional shape. In other embodiments,
the spacer member can have an ovular cross-sectional shape, a
crescent cross-sectional shape, or various other non-cylindrical
shapes.
[0099] Configuring a prosthetic spacer device with a spacer member
can, for example, reduce the need to implant multiple prosthetic
spacers devices in a patient to reduce regurgitation compared to
devices that clip the native leaflets directly to each other.
[0100] In certain embodiments configured for implantation in a
native mitral valve, the spacer member can have an atrial or upper
end positioned in or adjacent to the left atrium of the heart, a
ventricular or lower end positioned in or adjacent to the left
ventricle of the heart, and an annular side surface that extends
between the native mitral leaflets.
[0101] The anchor can be configured to secure the prosthetic spacer
device to one or more of the native leaflets such that the spacer
member is positioned between the native leaflets. The anchor can be
configured to be positioned behind a native leaflet when implanted
such that the native leaflet is captured between the anchor and the
spacer member.
[0102] In some embodiments, a first end portion of the anchor can
be attached to a lower end portion of the spacer member, and a
second end portion of the anchor can be attached to a first collar
disposed below the lower end portion of the spacer member. In some
embodiments, the prosthetic spacer device can comprise a second
collar attach to an upper end portion of the spacer member.
[0103] The first and/or second collars can be configured to
releasably connect the prosthetic spacer device to a delivery
apparatus. In some embodiments, the first and second collars can be
independently movable relative to each other.
[0104] In certain embodiments, a clasp is attached to the anchor.
The clasp can be configured to capture and secure a native leaflet
to the anchor. In some embodiments, the prosthetic spacer device
comprises more than one clasp. In certain embodiments, the clasps
are independently or separately actuatable relative to each other
and/or the anchors.
[0105] FIGS. 1-5 show an exemplary embodiment of a prosthetic
spacer device 100 and its components. Referring to FIG. 1, the
prosthetic spacer device 100 can comprise a spacer member 102, a
plurality of paddles or anchors 104 (e.g., two in the illustrated
embodiment), a plurality of clasps 106 (e.g., two in the
illustrated embodiment), a first collar 108, and a second collar
110. As best shown in FIG. 3, first end portions 112 of the anchors
104 can be coupled to and extend from a first end portion 114 of
the spacer member 102, and second end portions 116 of the anchors
104 can be coupled to the first collar 108. The second collar 110
can be coupled to a second end portion 118 of the spacer member
102.
[0106] The spacer member 102 and the anchors 104 can be coupled
together in various ways. For example, as shown in the illustrated
embodiment, the spacer member 102 and the anchors 104 can be
coupled together by integrally forming the spacer member 102 and
the anchors 104 as a single, unitary component. This can be
accomplished, for example, by forming the spacer member 102 and the
anchors 104 from a braided or woven material, such as braided or
woven nitinol wire. In other embodiments, the spacer member 102 and
the anchors 104 can be coupled together by welding, fasteners,
adhesive, and/or other means for coupling.
[0107] Referring to FIG. 2, the anchors 104 can comprise first
portions 120 and second portions 122 separated by joint portions
124. In this manner, the anchors 104 are configured similar to legs
in that the first portions 120 are like upper portions of the legs,
the second portions 122 are like lower portions of the legs, and
the joint portions 124 are like knee portions of the legs.
[0108] In some embodiments, the first and second portions 120, 122
can be separate components that are coupled together by the joint
portions 124. For example, in one particular embodiment, the first
and second portions 120, 122 can be plates or shafts that are
coupled together by a cloth covering which acts, among other
things, as the joint portions 124.
[0109] The anchors 104 can be configured to move between various
configurations by axially moving the first collar 108 and thus the
anchors 104 relative to the spacer member 102 along a longitudinal
axis extending between the first and second end portions 114, 118
of the spacer member 102. For example, the anchors 104 can be
positioned in a straight or substantially straight or unfolded
configuration by moving the first collar 108 away from the spacer
member 102 such that the anchors 104 are taut. In the straight
configuration, the joint portions 124 of the anchors 104 are
adjacent the longitudinal axis of the spacer member 102 (e.g.,
similar to the configuration shown in FIG. 20).
[0110] From the straight configuration, the anchors 104 can be
moved to a fully folded configuration (e.g., FIG. 1) by moving the
first collar 108 toward the spacer member 102. Initially as the
first collar 108 moves toward the spacer member 102, the anchors
104 bend at the joint portions 124, and the joint portions 124 move
radially outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis of the spacer
member 102 and axially toward the first end portion 114 of the
spacer member 102, as shown in FIGS. 2-3. As the first collar 108
continues to move toward the spacer member 102, the joint portions
124 move radially inwardly relative to the longitudinal axis of the
spacer member 102 and axially toward the second end portion 118 of
the spacer member 102, as shown in FIG. 1.
[0111] In some embodiments, an angle between the first portions 120
of the anchors 104 and the spacer member 102 can be approximately
180 degrees when the anchors 104 are in the straight configuration
(see, e.g., FIG. 20), and the angle between the first portions 120
of the anchors 104 and the spacer member 102 can be approximately 0
degrees when the anchors 104 are in the fully folded configuration.
The anchors 104 can be positioned in various partially folded
configurations such that the angle between the first portions 120
of the anchors 104 and the spacer member 102 can be approximately
10-170 degrees or approximately 45-135 degrees.
[0112] Configuring the prosthetic spacer device 100 such that the
anchors 104 can extend to a straight or approximately straight
configuration (e.g. approximately 120-180 degrees relative to the
spacer member 102) can provide several advantages. For example,
this can reduce the radial crimp profile of the prosthetic spacer
device 100. It can also make it easier to capture the native
leaflets by providing a larger opening in which to capture the
native leaflets. Additionally, the relatively narrow, straight
configuration can prevent or reduce the likelihood that the
prosthetic spacer device 100 will become entangled in native
anatomy (e.g., chordae tendineae) when positioning and/or
retrieving the prosthetic spacer device 100 into the delivery
apparatus.
[0113] Referring again to FIG. 2, the clasps 106 can comprise
attachment portions 126 and arm portions 128. The attachment
portions 126 can be coupled to the first portions 120 of the
anchors 104 in various ways such as with sutures, adhesive,
fasteners (e.g., plates 129), welding and/or means for
coupling.
[0114] The arm portions 128 can pivot relative to the attachment
portions 126 between an open configuration (e.g., FIG. 2) and a
closed configuration (FIGS. 1 and 3). In some embodiments, the
clasps 106 can be biased to the closed configuration. In the open
configuration, the attachment portions 126 and the arm portions 128
are pivoted away from each other such that native leaflets can be
positioned between the attachment portions 126 and the arm portions
128. In the closed configuration, the attachment portions 126 and
the arm portions 128 are pivoted toward each other, thereby
clamping the native leaflets between the attachment portions 126
and the arm portions 128.
[0115] Referring to FIGS. 4-5, each attachment portion 126 (only
one shown in FIGS. 4-5) can comprise one or more openings 130
(e.g., three in the illustrated embodiment). At least some of the
openings 130 can be used to couple the attachment portions 126 to
the anchors 104. For example, sutures and/or fasteners can extend
through the openings 130 of the clasps 106 and through the anchors
104 to secure the attachment portions 126 to the anchors 104.
[0116] Each of the arm portions 128 can comprise two side beams 132
that are spaced apart from each other to form a slot 134. The slot
134 can be configured to receive the attachment portion 126. The
arm portion 128 can also include a fixed end portion 136 that is
coupled to the attachment portion 126 and a free end portion 138
disposed opposite the fixed end portion 136.
[0117] The free end portion 138 of each arm portion 128 can
comprise gripper elements such as barbs 140 and/or other means for
frictionally engaging native leaflet tissue. The gripper elements
can be configured to engage and/or penetrate the native leaflet
tissue to help retain the native leaflets between the attachment
portions 126 and arm portions 128 of the clasps 106.
[0118] The free end portion 138 can also comprise an eyelet or
opening 142, which can be used to couple the free end portion 138
to an actuation mechanism configured to pivot the arm portions 128
relative to the attachment portions 126. Additional details
regarding coupling the clasps 106 to the actuation mechanism are
provided below.
[0119] In some embodiments, the clasps 106 can be formed from a
shape memory material such as nitinol, stainless steel, and/or
shape memory polymers. In certain embodiments, the clasps 106 can
be formed by laser-cutting a piece of flat sheet of material (e.g.,
nitinol) in the configuration shown in FIG. 4 and then
shape-setting the clasp 106 in the configuration shown in FIG.
5.
[0120] Shape-setting the clasps 106 in this manner can provide
several advantages. For example, the clasps 106 can be compressed
from the shape-set configuration (e.g., FIG. 5) to the flat
configuration (e.g., FIG. 4), which reduces the radial crimp
profile of the clasps 106. Also, this also improves trackability
and retrievability of the prosthetic spacer device 100 relative to
a catheter shaft of a delivery apparatus because barbs 140 are
pointing radially inwardly toward the anchors 104 when the
prosthetic spacer device 100 is advanced through or retrieved into
the catheter shaft (see, e.g., FIG. 20). This thus prevents or
reduces the likelihood that the clasps 106 may snag or skive the
catheter shaft.
[0121] In addition, shape-setting the clasps 106 in the
configuration shown in FIG. 5 can increase the clamping force of
the clasps 106 when the clasps 106 are in the closed configuration.
This is because the arm portions 128 are shape-set relative to the
attachment portions 126 to a first position (e.g., FIG. 5) which is
beyond the position the arm portions 128 can achieve when the
clasps 106 are attached to the anchors 104 (e.g., FIG. 3) because
the anchors 104 prevent the arm portions 128 from further movement
toward the shape-set configuration. This results in arm portions
128 having a preload (i.e., the clamping force is greater than
zero) when the clasps 106 are attached to the anchors 104 and in
the closed configuration. Thus, shape-setting the clasps 106 in the
FIG. 5 configuration can increase the clamping force of the clasps
106 compared to clasps that are shape-set in the closed
configuration. In this manner, the connection between the arm
portion 128 and the attachment portion 126 functions as a spring
hinge to bias the arm portion 128 to the closed configuration.
[0122] The magnitude of the preload of the clasps 106 can be
altered by adjusting the angle in which the arm portions 128 are
shape-set relative to the attachment portions 126. For example,
increasing the relative angle between the arm portions 128 and the
attachment portions 126 increases the preload, and decreasing the
relative angle between the arm portions 128 and the attachment
portions 126 decreases the preload. Other techniques and mechanisms
can be used to bias the clasps 106 to the closed position, such as
by coupling a spring (e.g., a torsion spring) or another type of
biasing element between the arm portion 128 and the attachment
portion 126. Still alternatively, the clasps 106 can be connected
to corresponding anchors 104 without attachment portions 126 and
biasing elements can be used to bias the clasps 106 to the closed
configuration against the anchors.
[0123] In some embodiments, the second collar 110 and/or the spacer
member 102 can comprise a hemostatic sealing member 144 configured
to reduce or prevent blood from flowing through the second collar
110 and/or the spacer member 102. For example, in some embodiments,
the sealing member 144 can comprise a plurality of flexible flaps
146, as shown in FIG. 1. The flaps 146 can be configured to pivot
from a sealed configuration to an open configuration to allow a
delivery apparatus to extend through the second collar 110. When
the delivery apparatus is removed, the flaps 146 can be configured
to return to the sealed configuration from the open
configuration.
[0124] FIGS. 6-8 show an exemplary embodiment of a prosthetic
spacer device 200. The prosthetic spacer device 200 can comprise a
spacer member 202, a plurality of anchors 204, a plurality of
clasps 206, a first or distal collar 208, and a second or proximal
collar 210. These components of the prosthetic spacer device 200
can be configured substantially similar to the corresponding
components of the prosthetic spacer device 100.
[0125] The prosthetic spacer device 200 can also include a
plurality of anchor extension members 212. Each of the anchor
extension members 212 can be configured as a loop shaped structure
having a first or fixed end portion 214 coupled to and extending
from the distal collar 208 and second or free end portion 216
disposed opposite the fixed end portion 214. The anchor extension
members 212 can be configured to extend circumferentially farther
around the spacer member 202 than the anchors 204. For example, in
some embodiments, each of the anchor extension members 212 can
extend around approximately half the circumference of the spacer
member 202 (as best shown in FIG. 7), and the anchors 204 can
extend around less than half of circumference of the spacer member
202 (as best shown in FIG. 6). The anchor extension members 212 can
also be configured to extend laterally (i.e., perpendicular to a
longitudinal axis of the spacer member 202) beyond an outer
diameter of the spacer member 202.
[0126] The anchor extension members 212 can further be configured
such that free end portions 216 of the anchor extension members 212
are disposed axially adjacent a joint portion 218 of the anchors
204 and radially between first and second portions 220, 222 of the
anchors 204 when the prosthetic spacer device 200 is in a folded
configuration (e.g., FIGS. 6-8).
[0127] Configuring the anchor extension members 212 in this manner
provides increased surface area compared to the anchors 204 alone.
This can, for example, make it easier to capture and secure the
native leaflets. The increased surface area can also distribute the
clamping force of the anchors 204 and anchor extension members 212
against the native leaflets over a relatively larger surface of the
native leaflets in order to further protect the native leaflet
tissue.
[0128] The increased surface area of the anchor extension members
212 can also allow the native leaflets be to clamped to the
prosthetic spacer device 200 such that the unclamped portions of
the native leaflets coapt together at a location adjacent the
prosthetic spacer device 200, as opposed to against the spacer
member 202. This can, for example, improve sealing of the native
leaflet and thus prevent or further reduce mitral
regurgitation.
[0129] Referring to FIG. 8, the prosthetic spacer device 200 can
also include a cover 224. In some embodiments, the cover 224 can be
disposed on the spacer member 202, the anchors 204, and/or the
anchor extension members 212. The cover 224 can be configured to
prevent or reduce blood-flow through the prosthetic spacer device
200 and/or to promote native tissue ingrowth. In some embodiments,
the cover 224 can be a cloth or fabric such PET, velour, or other
suitable fabric. In other embodiments, in lieu of or in addition to
a fabric, the cover 224 can include a coating (e.g., polymeric)
that is applied to the prosthetic spacer device 200. It should be
noted that the prosthetic spacer device 200 is shown without the
cover 224 in FIGS. 6-7 and 12-13 and with the cover 224 in FIGS. 8,
11, and 20-27. In some embodiments, the cover 224 can have a
porosity selected to allow blood to flow through the spacer member
202 for a predetermined length of time (e.g., one or more days,
weeks, or months). Endothelialization of the spacer device over
time can slowly and gradually reduce the amount of regurgitant
blood flow through the spacer member, which can reduce the amount
of stress on the left ventricle following implantation. Further
details of a cover that permits regurgitant blood flow through the
spacer member for a predetermined period of time are disclosed in
U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/555,240, filed Sep. 7, 2017,
which application is incorporated by reference herein.
[0130] FIG. 9 shows an exemplary embodiment of a prosthetic spacer
device 300 comprising an annular spacer member 302, a fabric cover
(not shown) covering the outer surface of the spacer member 302,
and anchors 304 extending from the spacer member 302. The cover or
additional covers may also extend over the anchors 304. The ends of
each anchor 304 can be coupled to respective struts of the spacer
member 302 by respective sleeves 306 that can be crimped around the
end portions of the anchors 304 and the struts of the spacer member
302. Mounted on the frame of the spacer member 302 can be one or
more barbs or projections 308. The free ends of the projections 308
can comprise various shapes including rounded, pointed, barbed,
etc. The projections 308 can exert a retaining force against native
leaflets by virtue of the anchors 304, which are shaped to force
the native leaflets inwardly into the spacer member 302 in the area
below the free ends of the anchors 304.
[0131] FIG. 10 shows an exemplary embodiment of a prosthetic spacer
device 400. The prosthetic spacer device 400 can comprise an
annular spacer member 402, a fabric cover (not shown) covering the
spacer member, and anchors 404 extending from the spacer member 402
and can be configured similar to the prosthetic spacer device 300.
The cover may also cover the outer surfaces of the anchors.
[0132] The anchors 404 of the prosthetic spacer device 400 can be
configured similar to the anchors 304 of the prosthetic spacer
device 300 except that the curve at the free end of each anchor 404
is wider and has a larger radius than the anchors 304. As such, the
anchors 404 cover a relatively larger portion of the spacer member
402 than the anchors 304. This can, for example, distribute the
clamping force of the anchors 404 against the native leaflets over
a relatively larger surface of the native leaflets in order to
further protect the native leaflet tissue. It can also improve
sealing because the native leaflets are clamped against the
prosthetic spacer device 400 such that the native leaflets coapt
together at a location adjacent the prosthetic spacer device 400,
as opposed to against the spacer member 402.
[0133] Also, mounted on the frame of the spacer member 402 can be
one or more barbs or projections 406. The free ends of the
projections 406 can comprise stoppers 408 configured to limit the
extent of the projections 406 that can engage and/or penetrate the
native leaflets.
[0134] Additional details regarding the prosthetic spacer devices
can be found, for example, in U.S. Patent Application Publication
No. 2016/0331523 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/161,688,
which applications are incorporated by reference herein.
[0135] A prosthetic spacer device (e.g., the devices 100, 200, 300,
400) can be coupled to a delivery apparatus to form a delivery
assembly. The delivery apparatus can be used to percutaneously
deliver, position, and/or secure the prosthetic spacer device
within a patient's native heart valve region.
[0136] FIG. 11-27 shows an exemplary delivery assembly 500 and its
components. Referring to FIG. 11, the delivery assembly 500 can
comprise the prosthetic spacer device 200 and a delivery apparatus
502. The delivery apparatus 502 can comprise a plurality of
catheters and one or more catheter stabilizers. For example, in the
illustrated embodiment, the delivery apparatus 502 includes a first
catheter 504, a second catheter 506, a third catheter 508, and
catheter stabilizers 510. The second catheter 506 extends coaxially
through the first catheter 504, and the third catheter 508 extends
coaxially through the first and second catheters 504, 506. The
prosthetic spacer device 200 can be releasably coupled to a distal
end portion of the third catheter 508 of the delivery apparatus
502, as further described below.
[0137] Each of the catheter stabilizers 510 can be used to hold a
corresponding catheter stationary relative to the patient and other
components of the delivery apparatus during a procedure. The
stabilizers 510 can be positioned on a common table or support
platform, which in turn can be placed on the operating table. For
example, after manually inserting a catheter into the vasculature
of a patient and positioning the distal end of the catheter at a
desired location within the patient's body, the medical
practitioner can then place the catheter in a corresponding
stabilizer 510, freeing the practitioner's hands for manipulating
another catheter during the procedure. Further details regarding
the catheter stabilizers and a support platform for supporting the
stabilizers are disclosed in U.S. Application No. 62/491,392, filed
Apr. 28, 2017, which application is incorporated by reference
herein.
[0138] In the illustrated embodiment, the delivery assembly 500 is
configured, for example, for implanting the prosthetic spacer
device 200 in a native mitral valve via a transseptal delivery
approach. In other embodiments, the delivery assembly 500 can be
configured for implanting the prosthetic spacer device 200 in
aortic, tricuspid, or pulmonary valve regions of a human heart.
Also, the delivery assembly 500 can be configured for various
delivery methods, including transseptal, transaortic,
transventricular, etc.
[0139] Referring to FIG. 13, the first or distal collar 208 of the
prosthetic spacer device 200 can include a bore 226. In some
embodiments, the bore 226 can comprise internal threads configured
to releasably engage corresponding external threads of an actuation
shaft 512 of the delivery apparatus 502, as best shown in FIG.
12.
[0140] Referring again to FIG. 13, the second or proximal collar
210 of the prosthetic spacer device 200 can include a central
opening 228 that is axially aligned with the bore 226 of the distal
collar 208. The central opening 228 of the proximal collar 210 can
be configured to slidably receive the actuation shaft 512 of the
delivery apparatus 502, as best shown in FIG. 12. In some
embodiments, the proximal collar 210 and/or the spacer member 202
can have a sealing member (not shown, but see, e.g., the sealing
member 144 shown in FIG. 1) configured to seal the central opening
228 when the actuation shaft 512 is withdrawn from the central
opening 228.
[0141] As best shown in FIG. 13, the proximal collar 210 can also
include a plurality of bosses or projections 230 and a plurality of
guide openings 232 formed in the projections 230. The projections
230 can extending radially outwardly and can be circumferentially
offset (e.g., by 90 degrees) relative to the guide openings 232.
The guide openings 232 can be disposed radially outwardly from the
central opening 228. The projections 230 and the guide openings 232
of the proximal collar 210 can be configured to releasably engage a
coupler 514 of the delivery apparatus 502, as shown in FIG. 12.
[0142] Referring again to FIG. 11 and as mentioned above, the
delivery apparatus 502 can include the first and second catheters
504, 506. The first and second catheters 504, 506 can be used, for
example, to access an implantation location (e.g., a native mitral
valve region of a heart) and/or to position the third catheter 508
at the implantation location.
[0143] The first and second catheters 504, 506 can comprise first
and second sheaths or shafts 516, 518 extending from handles 517,
519, respectively. The first and second catheters 504, 506 can be
configured such that the sheaths 516, 518 are steerable. For
example, although not shown, the second catheter 506 can comprise
one or more pull wires, and one or more flexible, axially
non-compressible pull wire sleeves (e.g., helical coils). The pull
wires and the sleeves can extend through a portion of the shaft
518, and the sleeves can move freely relative to the shaft 518), as
further described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. U.S.
2016/0158497, which application is incorporated by reference
herein. This can, for example, allow a steerable distal end portion
518a of the shaft 518 to be deflected, moved, and/or rotated in one
or more directions (e.g., in the medial/lateral and/or
anterior/posterior directions to track the "C"-shape of the
coaptation line between the native mitral valve leaflets between
the posteromedial commissure and the anterolateral commissure),
while also keeping a distal end portion of the implant catheter
(e.g., the third catheter 508) and the thus the prosthetic spacer
device coaxial relative to the mitral valve in one or more other
directions (e.g., the inferior/superior directions).
[0144] Additional details regarding the first catheter 504 can be
found, for example, in U.S. patent application No. U.S. Ser. No.
15/796,436, filed Oct. 27, 2017, which application is incorporated
by reference herein. Additional details regarding the second
catheter 506 can be found, for example, in U.S. Patent Application
Publication No. U.S. 2016/0158497.
[0145] Referring still to FIG. 11, delivery apparatus 502 can also
include the third catheter 508, as mentioned above. The third
catheter 508 can be used, for example, to deliver, manipulate,
position, and/or deploy the prosthetic spacer device 200 at the
implantation location, as further described below.
[0146] Referring to FIG. 15, the third catheter 508 can comprise
the inner or actuation shaft 512, the coupler 514, an outer shaft
520, a handle 522 (shown schematically), and clasp control members
524. A proximal end portion 520a of the outer shaft 520 can be
coupled to and extend distally from the handle 522, and a distal
end portion 520b of the outer shaft 520 can be coupled to the
coupler 514. A proximal end portion 512a of the actuation shaft 512
can coupled to an actuation knob 526. The actuation shaft 512 can
extend distally from the knob 526 (shown schematically), through
the handle 522, through the outer shaft 520, and through the
coupler 514. The actuation shaft 512 can be moveable (e.g., axially
and/or rotationally) relative to the outer shaft 520 and the handle
522. The clasp control members 524 can extend through and be
axially movable relative to the handle 522 and the outer shaft 520.
The clasp control members 524 can also be axially movable relative
to the actuation shaft 512.
[0147] In some embodiments, the outer shaft 520 of the third
catheter 508 can be configured to be steerable. For example,
although not shown, the third catheter 508 can comprise a pull
wire, and a flexible, axially non-compressible pull wire sleeve
(e.g., a helical coil).
[0148] As best shown in FIGS. 12-13, the actuation shaft 512 of the
third catheter 508 can be releasably coupled to the distal collar
208 of the prosthetic spacer device 200. For example, in some
embodiments, the distal end portion 512b of the actuation shaft 512
can comprise external thread configured to releasably engage the
interior threads of the bore 226 of the prosthetic spacer device
200. As such, rotating the actuation shaft 512 in a first direction
(e.g., clockwise) relative to the distal collar 208 of the
prosthetic spacer device 200 releasably secures the actuation shaft
512 to the distal collar 208. Rotating the actuation shaft 512 in a
second direction (e.g., counterclockwise) relative to the distal
collar 208 of the prosthetic spacer device 200 releases the
actuation shaft 512 from the distal collar 208.
[0149] Referring now to FIG. 12-14, the coupler 514 of the third
catheter 508 can be releasably coupled to the proximal collar 210
of the prosthetic spacer device 200. For example, in some
embodiments, the coupler 514 can comprise a plurality of flexible
arms 528 and a plurality of stabilizer members 530. The flexible
arms 528 can comprise apertures 532, ports 533 (FIG. 13), and
eyelets 534 (FIG. 14).
[0150] The flexible arms 528 can be configured to pivot between a
first or release configuration (FIG. 13) and a second or coupled
configuration (FIGS. 12 and 14). In the first configuration, the
flexible arms 528 extend radially outwardly relative to the
stabilizer members 530. In the second configuration, the flexible
arms 528 extend axially parallel to the stabilizer members 530 and
the eyelets 534 radially overlap, as best shown in FIG. 14. The
flexible arms 528 can be configured (e.g., shape-set) so as to be
biased to the first configuration.
[0151] The prosthetic spacer device 200 can be releasably coupled
to the coupler 514 by inserting the stabilizer members 530 of the
coupler 514 into the guide openings 232 of the prosthetic spacer
device 200. The flexible arms 528 of the coupler 514 can then be
pivoted radially inwardly from the first configuration to the
second configuration such that the projections 230 of the
prosthetic spacer device 200 extend radially into the apertures 532
of the flexible arms 528. The flexible arms 528 can be retained in
the second configuration by inserting the distal end portion 512b
of the actuation shaft 512 through openings 536 of the eyelets 534,
which prevents the flexible arms 528 from pivoting radially
outwardly from the second configuration to the first configuration,
thereby releasably coupling the prosthetic spacer device 200 to the
coupler 514.
[0152] The prosthetic spacer device 200 can be released from the
coupler 514 by proximally retracting the actuation shaft 512
relative to the coupler 514 such that the distal end portion 512b
of the actuation shaft 512 withdraws from the openings 536 of the
eyelets 534. This allows the flexible arms 528 to pivot radially
outwardly from the second configuration to the first configuration,
which withdraws the projections 230 of the prosthetic spacer device
200 from the apertures 532 of the flexible arms 528. The stabilizer
members 530 can remain inserted into the guide openings 232 of the
prosthetic spacer device 200 during and after the flexible arms 528
are released. This can, for example, prevent the prosthetic spacer
device 200 from moving (e.g., shifting and/or rocking) while the
flexible arms 528 are released. The stabilizer members 530 can then
be withdrawn from the guide openings 232 of the prosthetic spacer
device 200 by proximally retracting the coupler 514 relative to the
prosthetic spacer device 200, thereby releasing the prosthetic
spacer device 200 from the coupler 514.
[0153] Referring to FIG. 15, the outer shaft 520 of the third
catheter 508 can be an elongate shaft extending axially between the
proximal end portion 520a, which is coupled the handle 522, and the
distal end portion 520b, which is coupled to the coupler 514. The
outer shaft 520 can also include an intermediate portion 520c
disposed between the proximal and distal end portions 520a,
520b.
[0154] Referring to FIG. 16, the outer shaft 520 can comprise a
plurality of axially extending lumens, including an actuation shaft
lumen 538 and a plurality of control member lumens 540 (e.g., four
in the illustrated embodiment). In some embodiments, the outer
shaft 520 can comprise more (e.g., six) or less (e.g., two) than
four control member lumens 540.
[0155] The actuation shaft lumen 538 can be configured to receive
the actuation shaft 512, and the control member lumens 540 can be
configured to receive one or more clasp control members 524. The
lumens 538, 540 can also be configured such that the actuation
shaft 512 and clasp control members 524 can be movable (e.g.,
axially and/or rotationally) relative to the respective lumens 538,
540. In particular embodiments, the lumens 538, 540 can comprise a
liner or coating configured to reduce friction within the lumens
538, 540. For example, the lumens 538, 540 can comprise a liner
comprising PTFE.
[0156] Referring still to FIGS. 15-16, the outer shaft 520 can be
formed from various materials, including metals and polymers. For
example, in one particular embodiment, the proximal end portion
520a can comprise stainless steel and the distal and intermediate
portions 520b, 520c can comprise PEBA (e.g., PEBAX.RTM.). The outer
shaft 520 can also comprise an outer covering or coating, such as a
polymer that is reflowed over the portions 520a, 520b, and
520c.
[0157] The outer shaft 520 can include one or more coil portions
542 disposed radially outwardly from the lumens 538, 540. For
example, in one particular embodiment, the outer shaft 520 can
comprise a first coil 542a, a second coil 542b, and a third coil
542c. The first coil 542a can be the radially outermost coil, the
third coil 542c can be the radially innermost coil, and the second
coil 542b can be radially disposed between the first coil 542a and
the third coil 542c.
[0158] The coil portions 542 can comprise various materials and/or
configurations. For example, the coil portions 542 can be formed
from stainless steel. In one particular embodiment, the first and
third coils 542a, 542c comprise stainless steel coils wound in a
left hand configuration, and the second coil 542b comprises a
stainless steel coil wound in a right hand configuration.
[0159] The coil portions 542 can also comprise various pitches. The
pitch of one or more of the coil portions 542 can be the same or
different than the pitch of one or more other coil portions 542. In
one particular embodiment, the first and second coils 542a, 542b
can have a first pitch (e.g., 0.74 in.), and the third coil can
comprise a second pitch (e.g., 0.14 in.).
[0160] The outer shaft 520 can also comprise a tie layer 544
disposed radially inwardly from the third coil 542c. The tie layer
544 can be formed of various materials including polymers, such as
PEBA (e.g., PEBAX.RTM.).
[0161] As shown in FIGS. 17-19, the handle 522 of the third
catheter 508 can include a housing 546, an actuation lock mechanism
548, a clasp control mechanism 550, and a flushing mechanism 552.
Referring to FIG. 17, a distal end portion of the housing 546 can
be coupled to the proximal end portion 520a of the outer shaft 520.
The actuation lock mechanism 548, the clasp control mechanism 550,
and a flushing mechanism 552 can be coupled to a proximal end of
the housing 546. The actuation lock mechanism 548 can be configured
to selectively lock the position of the actuation shaft 512
relative to the housing 546 and the outer shaft 520. The clasp
control mechanism 550 can also be coupled to proximal end portions
of the clasp control members 524 and can be configured to secure
the clasp control members 524 relative to the handle 522 and to
move the clasp control members 524 relative to the outer shaft 520
and the actuation shaft 512. The flushing mechanism 552 can be
configured for flushing (e.g., with a saline solution) the outer
shaft 520 prior to inserting the outer shaft 520 into a patient's
vasculature.
[0162] As best shown in FIGS. 18-19, the housing 546 of the handle
522 can comprise a main body 554 and a nose portion 556 coupled to
a distal end portion of the main body 554. The main body 554 and
the nose portion 556 can be coupled together in various manners,
including fasteners 558 and/or pins 560 (e.g., as shown in the
illustrated embodiment), adhesive, and/or other coupling means. The
housing 546 can be formed from various materials, including
polymers (e.g., polycarbonate).
[0163] The main body 554 of the housing 546 can comprise a
plurality of lumens, including an actuation shaft lumen 562,
control member lumens 564 (FIG. 19), and a flushing lumen 566 that
is fluidly connected to the actuation shaft lumen 562 (FIG. 18). As
best shown in FIG. 19, the main body 554 can also include a
plurality of tubes (e.g., hypotubes), including an actuation tube
568 and control member tubes 570 that are disposed at least
partially in the actuation shaft lumen 562 and the control member
lumens 564, respectively. The tubes 568, 570 can be axially movable
(e.g., slidable) relative the lumens 562, 564, respectively.
[0164] The proximal end of the actuation tube 568 can extend
proximally from the main body 554 and can be coupled to the knob
526 and to the proximal end portion 512a of the actuation shaft
512. The proximal ends of the control member tubes 570 can extend
proximally from the main body 554 and can be coupled to the clasp
control mechanism 550 and the clasp control members 524.
[0165] The distal ends of the tubes 568, 570 can comprise flanges
572, 574 configured to engage a stopper to limit the axial movement
of the tubes 568, 570 relative to the housing 546. For example, the
flanges 572, 574 can be configured to contact respective surfaces
of the main body 554 (e.g., a lip) to prevent to tubes 568, 570
from withdrawing completely from the proximal ends of the lumens
562, 564, respectively.
[0166] The actuation tube 568 can be configured to receive and be
coupled to the proximal end portion of the actuation shaft 512. The
control member tubes 570 can be configured to receive portions of
the clasp control mechanism 550, as further described below. The
tubes 568, 570 can be formed from various materials, including
polymers and metals (e.g., stainless steel).
[0167] In some embodiments, the main body 554 can include a
plurality of seal members 576 (e.g., O-rings) configured to prevent
or reduce blood leakage through the lumens and around the shafts
and/or tubes. The seal members can be secured relative to the main
body 554, for example, by fasteners 578 (e.g., hollow-lock or
socket-jam set screws).
[0168] As best shown in FIG. 19, the nose portion 556 of the
housing 546 can comprise a plurality of lumens, including an
actuation shaft lumen 580 and control member lumens 582. The
actuation shaft lumen 580 of the nose portion 556 can be extend
coaxially with the actuation shaft lumen 562 of the main body 554.
Proximal ends of the control member lumens 582 of the nose portion
556 can be aligned with the control member lumens 564 of the main
body 554 at the proximal end of the nose portion 556 (i.e., the
lumens 582, 564 are in the same plane). The control member lumens
582 can extend towards each other from their proximal ends at an
angle (i.e., relative to the control member lumens 564 of the main
body 554), and distal ends of the control member lumens 582 can
intersect the actuation shaft lumen 580 of the nose portion 556 at
a location near the distal end of the nose portion 556. In other
words, the proximal ends of the lumens 582 are in a first plane
that is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the catheter (i.e., the
plane of the control member lumens 564 of the main body 554), and
the distal ends of the lumens 582 are in a second plane that is
parallel to a longitudinal axis of the catheter (i.e., the plane of
the actuation shaft lumen 562 of the main body 554).
[0169] As best shown in FIG. 18, the actuation shaft lumen 580 of
the nose portion 556 can be configured to receive the proximal end
portion of the outer shaft 520. The proximal end portion of the
outer shaft 520 can be coupled to the nose portion 556 in various
ways such as with adhesive, fasteners, frictional fit, and/or other
coupling means.
[0170] Referring still to FIG. 18, the actuation lock mechanism 548
of the handle 522 can be coupled to the proximal end portion of the
main body 554 of the housing 546 and to the actuation tube 568. The
actuation lock mechanism 548 can be configured to selectively
control relative movement between the actuation tube 568 and the
housing 546. This, in turn, selectively controls relative movement
between the actuation shaft 512 (which is coupled to the actuation
tube 568) and the outer shaft 520 (which is coupled to the nose
portion 556 of the housing 546).
[0171] In some embodiments, the actuation lock mechanism 548 can
comprise a lock configuration, which prevents relative movement
between the actuation tube 568 and the housing 546, and a release
configuration, which allows relative movement between the actuation
tube 568 and the housing 546. In some embodiments, the actuation
lock mechanism 548 can be configured to include one or more
intermediate configurations (i.e., in addition to the lock and
release configuration) which allow relative movement between the
actuation tube 568 and the housing 546, but the force required to
cause the relative movement is greater than when the actuation lock
mechanism is in the release configuration.
[0172] As shown in FIG. 18 of the illustrated embodiment, the
actuation lock mechanism 548 can comprise a lock (e.g., a
Tuohy-Borst adapter) 584 and a coupler (e.g., a female luer
coupler) 586. The coupler 586 can be attached to the distal end of
the lock 584 and coupled to the proximal end of the main body 554
of the housing 546. The actuation tube 568 can extend coaxially
through the lock 584 and the coupler 586. As such, rotating a knob
588 of the lock 584 in a first direction (e.g., clockwise) can
increase the frictional engagement of the lock 584 on the actuation
tube 568, thus making relative movement between the actuation tube
568 and the housing 546 more difficult or preventing it altogether.
Rotating a knob 588 of the lock 584 in a second direction (e.g.,
counterclockwise) can decrease the frictional engagement of the
lock 584 on the actuation tube 568, thus making relative movement
between the actuation tube 568 and the housing 546 easier.
[0173] In other embodiments, actuation lock mechanism 548 can
comprise other configurations configured for preventing relative
movement between the actuation tube 568 and the housing 546. For
example, the actuation lock mechanism 548 can include a lock
configured similar to a stopcock valve in which a plunger portion
of valve selectively engages the actuation tube 568.
[0174] In some embodiments, the actuation lock mechanism 548 can
include a release member (e.g., a set screw or a pin). The release
member can extend into the housing 546 and can selectively engage
the actuation tube 568. When the release member is engaged with the
actuation tube 568 (e.g., by inserting the release member into the
housing 546 and into contact with the actuation tube 568), the
release member can, for example, prevent the actuation tube 568 and
thus the actuation shaft 512 from being completely withdrawn from
their respective lumens 568, 580 (e.g., when actuating the anchors
204). When the release member is released from the actuation tube
568 (e.g., by withdrawing it from the housing 546 and/or moving it
out of contact with the actuation tube 546), the actuation tube 568
and thus the actuation shaft 512 can be completely withdrawn from
their respective lumens 568, 580 (e.g., when releasing the
prosthetic spacer device 200 from the delivery apparatus 502).
[0175] The clasp control mechanism 550 can comprise an actuator
member 590 and one or more locking members 592 (e.g., two in the
illustrated embodiment). A distal end portion of the actuator
member 590 can be coupled to the control member tubes 570, which
extend from the proximal end of the main body 554 of the housing
546, as best shown in FIG. 18. The locking members 592 can be
coupled to a proximal end portion of the actuator member 590.
[0176] As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the actuator member
590 can, optionally, comprise a first side portion 594 and a second
side portion 596 selectively coupled to the first side portion 594
by a connecting pin 598. The actuator member 590 can be configured
such that the first and second side portions 594, 596 move together
when the connecting pin 598 is inserted through the first and
second side portions 594, 596. When the connecting pin 598 is
withdrawn, the first and second side portions 594, 596 can be moved
relative to each other. This can allow the clasp control members
524 (which are releasably coupled to the first and second side
portions 594, 596 by the locking members 592) to be individually
actuated.
[0177] The connection between the first and second side portions
594, 596 can be configured such that the first and second side
portions 594, 596 can move axially (i.e., proximally and distally)
but not rotationally relative to each other when the connecting pin
598 is withdrawn. This can be accomplished, for example, by
configuring the first side portion 594 with keyed slot or groove
and configuring the second side portion 596 with a keyed projection
or tongue that corresponds to the keyed slot or groove of the first
side portion 594. This can, for example, prevent or reduce the
likelihood that the clasp control members 524 from twisting
relative to the outer shaft 520.
[0178] The first and second side portions 594, 596 can include
axially extending lumens 501. Distal ends of the lumens 501 can be
configured to receive the proximal end portions of the control
member tubes 570. Proximal ends of the lumens 501 can be configured
to receive portions of the locking members 592. As noted above, the
proximal end portions of the clasp control members 524 extend
through respective locking members 592.
[0179] The locking members 592 can be configured to selectively
control relative movement between a clasp control member 524 and
the respective first or second side portion 594, 596 of the
actuator member 590. The locking members 592 can comprise a lock
configuration, which prevents relative movement between a clasp
control member 524 and the respective first or second side portion
594, 596, and a release configuration, which allows relative
movement between a clasp control member 524 and the respective
first or second side portion 594, 596. In some embodiments, the
locking members 592 can also comprise one or more intermediate
configurations (i.e., in addition to the lock and release
configuration) which allows relative movement between a clasp
control member 524 and the respective first or second side portion
594, 596, but the force required to cause the relative movement is
greater than when the locking members 592 are in the release
configuration.
[0180] As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the locking members
592 can be configured similar to stopcock valves. Thus, rotating
knobs 503 in a first direction (e.g., clockwise) can increase the
frictional engagement between the locking members 592 on the clasp
control members 524 and make relative movement between a clasp
control member 524 and the respective first or second side portion
594, 596 more difficult or prevent it altogether. Rotating knobs
503 in a second direction (e.g., counterclockwise) can decrease the
frictional engagement between the locking members 592 on the clasp
control members 524 and make relative movement between a clasp
control member 524 and the respective first or second side portion
594, 596 easier. In other embodiments, the locking members 592 can
comprise other configurations configured for preventing relative
movement between the locking members 592 on the clasp control
members 524.
[0181] The flushing mechanism 552 can comprise a flushing tube 505
and a valve 507 (e.g., a stopcock valve). A distal end of the
flushing tube 505 can be coupled to and in fluidic communication
with the flushing lumen 566 and thus with the actuation shaft lumen
562 of the main body 554. A proximal end of the flushing tube 505
can be coupled to the valve 507. In this manner, the flushing
mechanism 552 can be configured for flushing (e.g., with a saline
solution) the outer shaft 520 prior to inserting the outer shaft
520 into a patient's vasculature.
[0182] The clasp control members 524 can be configured to
manipulate the configuration of the clasps 206, as further
described below. As best shown in FIG. 15, each of the clasp
control members 524 can be configured as a suture (e.g., wire or
thread) loop. Proximal end portions of the clasp control members
524 can extend proximally from the proximal end portion of the
clasp control mechanism 550 and can be releasably coupled to the
locking members 592 of the clasp control mechanism 550.
[0183] From the locking members 592, the clasp control members 524
can form loops extending distally through the lumens 501 of the
clasp control mechanism 550, through the control member tubes 570,
the control member lumens 564, 582 of the handle 522, and through
the control member lumens 540 of the outer shaft 520. The clasp
control members 524 can extend radially outwardly from the lumens
540, for example, through the ports 533 (FIG. 13) of the coupler
514. The clasp control members 524 can then extend through openings
234 of the clasps 206 (e.g., similar to the openings 142 of the
prosthetic spacer device 100). The clasp control members 524 can
then extend proximally back to the coupler 514, radially inwardly
through the ports 533 of the coupler 514, and then proximally
through the outer shaft 520 and the handle 522, and to the locking
members 592 of the clasp control mechanism 550.
[0184] In FIG. 15, the clasp control members 524 are shown slacken
and the clasps 206 are partially open in order to illustrate the
clasp control members 524 extending through the openings 234 of the
clasps 206. However, ordinarily when the clasp control members 524
are slacken, the clasps 206 would be in the closed
configuration.
[0185] As shown in the illustrated embodiment, each of the clasp
control members 524 can extend through multiple control member
lumens 540 of the outer shaft 520. For example, each of the clasp
control members 524 can be looped through two of the lumens 540. In
other embodiments, each of the clasp control members 524 can be
disposed in a single control member lumen 540. In yet other
embodiments, multiple clasp control members 524 can be disposed in
a single control member lumen 540.
[0186] With the clasp control members 524 coupled to the clasps
206, the clasp control mechanism 550 can be used to actuate the
clasps 206 between open and closed configurations. The clasps 206
can be opened by moving the actuator member 590 proximally relative
to the knob 526 and the housing 546. This increases tension of the
clasp control members 524 and causes the clasp 206 to move from the
closed configuration to the open configuration. The clasps 206 can
be closed by moving the actuator member 590 distally relative to
the knob 526 and the housing 546. This decreases tension on the
clasp control members 524 and allows the clasp 206 to move from the
open configuration to the closed configuration. The clasps 206 can
be individually actuated by removing the connecting pin 598 and
moving the first or second side portions 594, 596 relative to each
other, the knob 526, and the housing 546.
[0187] When the handle 522 is assembled as best shown in FIG.
17-18, the actuation shaft 512 can extend distally from the knob
526, through the actuation tube 568, through the actuation lumens
562, 580 of the housing 546, through the actuation shaft lumen 538
of the outer shaft 520, and through the coupler 514.
[0188] FIGS. 20-27 show the delivery assembly 500 being used, for
example, to implant the prosthetic spacer device 200 in native
mitral valve 600 of a heart 602 using a transseptal delivery
approach. Although not shown, a guide wire can be inserted into the
patient's vasculature (e.g., a femoral vein) through an introducer
sheath. The guide wire can be advanced through the femoral vein,
through the inferior vena cava, into the right atrium, through the
interatrial septum 604 (e.g., via the fossa ovalis), and into the
left atrium 606. The first sheath 516 of the first catheter 504 can
be advanced over the guide wire such that a distal end portion of
the first sheath 516 is disposed in the left atrium 606, as best
shown in FIG. 20.
[0189] With the prosthetic spacer device 200 coupled to the third
catheter 508 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 12) and configured in a
radially compressed, delivery configuration, the prosthetic spacer
device 200 can be loaded into the second sheath 518 of the second
catheter 506, which retains the prosthetic spacer device 200 in the
delivery configuration. In this manner, the distal end portion of
the second sheath 518 serves as a delivery capsule for the
prosthetic implant 200. In some embodiments, the radially
compressed, delivery configuration can be an axially elongate
configuration (e.g., similar to the configuration shown in FIG.
20). In other embodiments, the radially compressed, delivery
configuration can be an axially foreshorten configuration (e.g.,
similar to the configuration shown in FIG. 22). The second catheter
506 along with the prosthetic spacer device 200 and the third
catheter 508 can then be advanced together through the first
catheter 504 until a distal end portion of the second sheath 518
extends outwardly from the distal end portion of the first sheath
516 and is disposed in the left atrium 606, as shown in FIG.
20.
[0190] As shown in FIG. 20, the prosthetic spacer device 200 can be
advanced from the second sheath 518 by distally advancing the outer
shaft 520 and the actuation shaft 512 of the third catheter 508
relative to the second sheath 518 and/or retracting the second
sheath 518 relative to the outer shaft 520 and the actuation shaft
512, thus forcing the anchors 204 out of the second sheath 518.
Once exposed from the second sheath 518, the anchors 204 can be
folded by retracting the actuation shaft 512 of the third catheter
508 relative to the outer shaft 520 of the third catheter 508
and/or by advancing the outer shaft 520 relative to the actuation
shaft 512, causing the anchors 204 to bend from the configuration
shown in FIG. 20, to the partially folded configuration shown in
FIG. 21, and then to the fully folded configuration shown in FIG.
22. This can be accomplished, for example, by placing the actuation
lock mechanism 548 in the release configuration (e.g., by rotating
the knob 588 counterclockwise relative to the handle 522) and then
moving the knob 526 proximally relative to the housing 546. At any
point in the procedure, the physician can lock the relative
position of the actuation shaft 512 and the outer shaft 520, and
thus the position of the anchors 204, by actuating the actuation
lock mechanism 548.
[0191] The prosthetic spacer device 200 can then be positioned
coaxial relative to the native mitral valve 600 by manipulating
(e.g., steering and/or bending) the second sheath 518 of the second
catheter 506, as shown in FIG. 22. The curvature of the second
sheath 518 can be adjusted (e.g., with the steering mechanism) so
that a distal steerable section 518a extends at about a 90-degree
angle relative to a section 518b that extends proximally from the
steerable section 518a. Advantageously, this positions the
steerable distal section 518a and the prosthetic spacer device 200
along an axis that is substantially perpendicular to a plane
defined by the native mitral valve. Stated another way, the axis
extending through the steerable distal section 518a and the
prosthetic spacer device 200 is coaxial or substantially parallel
to the flow path of the native mitral valve.
[0192] Retracting or advancing the second sheath 518 of the second
catheter 506 and the outer shaft 520 of the third catheter 508
(e.g., in the directions shown by the arrow 521) relative to the
first sheath 516 of the first catheter 504 and the left atrium 606
moves the outer shaft 520 of the third catheter 508 and the
prosthetic spacer device 200 in the medial and lateral directions
(e.g., in the directions shown by arrow 523 in FIG. 28) relative to
the native leaflets 608. As the second sheath 518 and outer shaft
520 are advanced and/or retracted, the positioning of the
prosthetic spacer device 200 relative to the native mitral valve in
the superior/inferior directions (e.g., up/down in the orientation
shown in FIG. 22) remains at least substantially constant, and/or
the second sheath 518 does not "whip" due to the configuration of
the steering mechanism of the second catheter 506, which is
described above. Rotating (which can also be referred to as
"torquing") the second sheath 518 of the second catheter 506 (e.g.,
in the directions shown by the arrow 525 in FIG. 22) relative to
the first sheath 516 of the first catheter 504 and the left atrium
606 pivots the outer shaft 520 of the third catheter 508 and the
prosthetic spacer device 200 in the anterior/posterior directions
(e.g., in the directions shown by arrow 527 in FIG. 28). The
prosthetic spacer device 200 can also be rotated (e.g., by rotating
the housing 546) relative to the native mitral valve 600 in order
to align the anchors 204 with native leaflets 608 of the native
mitral valve 600. The positioning of the prosthetic spacer device
200 relative to the native mitral valve in the superior/inferior
directions (e.g., up/down in the orientation shown in FIG. 22) can
be adjusted by retracting/advancing the outer shaft 520 of the
third catheter 508 relative to the second sheath of the second
catheter 506. Thus, one advantage of the disclosed delivery
apparatus is that the positioning of the prosthetic spacer device
can be adjusted independently in three directions (i.e., the
medial/lateral, anterior/posterior, and superior/inferior
directions). For example, actuating the delivery apparatus such
that the prosthetic spacer device moves in the medial/lateral
directions does not affect the positioning of the prosthetic spacer
device in the anterior/posterior directions or the
superior/inferior directions. The three-way and/or independent
maneuverability of the delivery apparatus 502 therefore allows the
practitioner to accurately and/or precisely position the prosthetic
spacer device 200 at the desired implantation location relative to
the native leaflets (e.g., at the A2/P2 positions near the center
of a coaptation line 612 (FIG. 28) of the native leaflets) in a
relatively quick and/or easy manner.
[0193] The anchors 204 of the prosthetic spacer device 200 can then
be partially opened (i.e., moved radially outwardly relative to the
spacer member 202) to the configuration shown in FIG. 23 by moving
the knob 526 distally relative to the housing 546. The prosthetic
spacer device 200 can then be advanced through the annulus of the
native mitral valve 600 and at least partially into the left
ventricle 610 by advancing the handle 522 of the third catheter 508
relative to the second catheter 506. The prosthetic spacer device
200 can then be partially retracted such that the anchors 204 are
positioned behind the ventricular portions of the native leaflets
608 (e.g., at the A2/P2 positions) and the spacer member 202 is
disposed on the atrial side of the native leaflets 608.
Alternatively, the prosthetic spacer device 200 can be advanced
through the native valve in the fully folded configuration (as
shown in FIG. 22), after which the anchors 204 can be opened.
[0194] In this configuration, the native leaflets 608 can be
secured relative to the anchors 204 by capturing the native
leaflets with the clasps 206. The native leaflets 608 can be
captured simultaneously or separately by actuating the actuator
member 590. For example, FIG. 24 shows separate leaflet capture.
This can be accomplished by removing the connecting pin 598 from
the actuator member 590 and moving the first or second side
portions 594, 596 relative to each other, the knob 526, and the
housing 546. Moving the first or second side portions 594, 596
distally relative to the knob 526 and the housing 546 closes the
clasps 206 on the native leaflets 608 (e.g., as shown by the left
clasp 206 as illustrated in FIG. 24). Moving the first or second
side portions 594, 596 proximally relative to the knob 526 and the
housing 546 opens the clasps 206 (e.g., as shown by the right clasp
206 as illustrated in FIG. 24). Once a clasp 206 is closed, a
physician can re-open the clasp 206 to adjust the positioning of
the clasp 206.
[0195] As the clasps 206 re-open, the clasps 206 initially move
radially inwardly toward the spacer member 202 (e.g., as shown with
the right clasp 206 in FIG. 24) until the clasps 206 contact the
spacer member 202 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 23). In some instances,
barbs 236 of the clasps 206 may retain and pull the native leaflets
608 toward the spacer member 202 as the clasps 206 are re-opened.
Once the clasps 206 contact the spacer member 202, further
tensioning the clasp control member 524 moves the clasps 206
slightly proximally relative to the spacer member 202 (and causes
the anchors 204 to slightly unfold). The proximal movement of the
clasps 206 can, for example, withdraw the barbs 236 from the native
leaflets 608, which can facilitate repositioning and/or retrieval
of the prosthetic spacer device 200.
[0196] With both of the native leaflets 608 secured within the
clasps 206, the physician can move the knob 526 proximally relative
to the housing 546. This pulls the anchors 204 and thus the native
leaflets 608 radially inwardly against the spacer member 202, as
shown in FIG. 25. The physician can then observe the positioning
and/or reduction in regurgitation. If repositioning or removal is
desired the physician can re-open the anchors 204 and/or the clasps
206.
[0197] Once the desired positioning and/or reduction in
regurgitation is achieved, the physician can release the prosthetic
spacer device 200 from the delivery apparatus 502. The clasps 206
can be released from the delivery apparatus 502 by releasing the
clasp control members 524 from the locking members 592 and
unthreading the clasp control members 524 from the openings 234 of
the clasps 206. The distal collar 208 of the prosthetic spacer
device 200 can be released from the delivery apparatus 502 by
rotating the knob 526 in the second direction relative to the
housing 546 such that the actuation shaft 512 withdraws from the
bore 226. The actuation shaft 512 can then be retracted proximally
through the prosthetic spacer device 200 by pulling the knob 526
proximally relative to the housing 546. The proximal collar 210 of
the prosthetic spacer device 200 can be released from the delivery
apparatus 502 by retracting the actuation shaft 512 proximally
relative to the coupler 514 such that the distal end portion of the
actuation shaft 512 withdraws from the eyelets 534 of the coupler
514. This allows the flexible arms 528 of the coupler 514 to move
radially outwardly away from the projections 230 of the proximal
collar 210. The stabilizer members 530 of the coupler 514 can then
be withdrawn from the guide openings 232 of the proximal collar 210
by pulling the housing 546 proximally, thereby releasing the
prosthetic spacer device 200 from the delivery apparatus 502 as
shown in FIG. 26.
[0198] The shafts 512, 520 of the third catheter 508 can then be
retracted proximally into the second sheath 518 of the second
catheter 506, and the second sheath 518 of the second catheter 506
can be retracted proximally into the first sheath 516 of the first
catheter 504. The catheters 504, 506, 508 can then be retracted
proximally and removed from the patient's vasculature.
[0199] With the prosthetic spacer device 200 implanted at the A2/P2
position, the native mitral valve 600 can, in some embodiments,
comprise a double orifice during ventricular diastole, as shown in
FIG. 27. During ventricular systole, the native leaflets 608 can
coapt together and/or against the prosthetic spacer device 200 to
prevent or reduce mitral regurgitation, as shown in FIG. 28.
[0200] In other embodiments, the anchors 204 can move radially
outwardly relative to the spacer member 202 to a partially open
configuration during ventricular diastole such that the native
mitral valve 600 has a single orifice, as shown in FIG. 29. The
anchors 204 can move radially inwardly relative to the spacer
member 202 to a closed configuration during ventricular systole
such that the native leaflets 608 coapt together and/or against the
prosthetic spacer device 200 to prevent or reduce mitral
regurgitation, as shown in FIG. 28. As the anchors 204 open and
close during the natural cardiac cycles, the clasps 206 can retain
the native leaflets 608 against the anchors 204, as shown in FIGS.
28-29.
[0201] Configuring the prosthetic spacer device 200 in this manner
allows the native leaflets 608 to move naturally upon implantation.
This can, for example, promote antegrade blood flow during
ventricular diastole, while still reducing or preventing retrograde
blood flow during ventricular systole. It can also reduce or
prevent native tissue damage to the native leaflets. Overtime,
endothelialization can form a tissue bridge between the anchors and
the spacer member.
[0202] FIGS. 30-31 show another exemplary embodiment of a handle
700 for the delivery apparatus 502, in particular for use with the
third catheter 508. Referring to FIG. 30, the handle 700 can
comprise a housing 702, an actuation control mechanism 704, the
clasp control mechanism 550, and a flushing mechanism (not shown,
but see, e.g., the flushing mechanism 552 in FIG. 17). The housing
702 can include a main body 706 and the nose portion 556. The nose
portion 556 of the housing 702 can be coupled to a proximal end
portion of the outer shaft 520. The actuation control mechanism
704, the clasp control mechanism 550, and a flushing mechanism 552
can be coupled to a proximal end of the main body 706 of the
housing 702.
[0203] The handle 700 can be configured similar to the handle 522,
except that the handle 700 is configured such that rotational
movement of a first knob 718 of the actuation control mechanism 704
relative to the housing 702 causes axial movement of the actuation
tube 568 and the actuation shaft 512; whereas, the handle 522 is
configured such that axial movement of the knob 526 (e.g., pushing
and pulling) relative to the housing 546 causes axial movement of
the actuation tube 568 and the actuation shaft 512.
[0204] As mentioned above, the housing 702 can include a main body
706 and the nose portion 556. Referring to FIG. 31, the main body
706 of the housing 702 can comprise an actuation lumen 708, control
member lumens 710, and a flange portion 712. The flange portion 712
can extend axially from a proximal end portion of the main body 706
and annularly around the actuation lumen 708.
[0205] The flange portion 712 of the main body 706 can comprise one
or more circumferential grooves 714, a bore (not shown), and a
guide pin 716. The grooves 714 can be configured to interact with
the actuation control mechanism 704, as further described below.
The bore can extend radially inwardly from an outside diameter to
an inside diameter of the flange portion 712 and can be configured
to receive the guide pin 716. The guide pin 716 can be partially
disposed in the bore and can extend radially inwardly from the bore
such that the guide pin 716 protrudes into the actuation lumen
708.
[0206] Referring still to FIG. 31, the actuation control mechanism
704 can comprise a first knob 718, attachment pins 720, a drive
screw 722, a collet 724, and a second knob 726. The first knob 718
can have a distal end portion 728 and a proximal end portion 730.
The first knob 718 can be configured such that the inside diameter
of the distal end portion 728 is relatively larger than the inside
diameter of the proximal end portion 730. The distal end portion
728 can comprise side openings 732 that extend radially inwardly
from an outside diameter to the inside diameter of the distal end
portion 728.
[0207] Referring again to FIG. 30, the inside diameter of the
distal end portion 728 can be configured such that the distal end
portion 728 of the first knob 718 can extend over the flange
portion 712 of the main body 706. The openings 732 (FIG. 31) can be
configured to axially align with the grooves 714 when the first
knob 718 is disposed over the flange portion 712. The attachment
pins 720 can be configured so as to extend through the openings 732
of the first knob 718 and into grooves 714 of the flange portion
712. In this manner, the attachment pins 720 allow relative
rotational movement and prevent relative axial movement between the
first knob 718 and the flange portion 712.
[0208] The inside diameter of the proximal end portion 730 of the
first knob 718 can have internal threads (not shown) configured to
engage corresponding external threads 734 of the drive screw 722.
As best shown in FIG. 31, the drive screw 722 can have a slot 736
that extends axially across the external threads 734. The slot 736
can be configured to receive the guide pin 716 of the flange
portion 712. As such, when the handle 700 is assembled (FIG. 30)
and the first knob 718 is rotated relative to the flange portion
712, the guide pin 716 prevents the drive screw 722 from rotating
together with the first knob 718 and causes the drive screw 722 to
move axially relative to the first knob 718 and the flange portion
712. In this manner, rotating the first knob 718 in a first
direction (e.g., clockwise) moves the drive screw distally relative
to the housing 702, and rotating the first knob 718 in a second
direction (e.g., counterclockwise) moves the drive screw proximally
relative to the housing 702.
[0209] The drive screw 722 can also have a lumen 738, as shown in
FIG. 31. The lumen 738 can be configured such that the actuation
tube 568 can extend through the drive screw 722. The lumen 738 can
be configured such that a distal end portion 740 of the collet 724
can also be inserted into a proximal end portion of the lumen
738.
[0210] The second knob 726 can comprise a first, distal portion 742
and a second, proximal portion 744. The distal portion 742 can
include internal threads (not shown) corresponding to the external
threads 734 of the drive screw 722. The proximal portion 744 can
comprise a conical inside surface configured to engage a proximal
end portion 746 of the collet 724.
[0211] When assembled (FIG. 30), the actuation tube 568 can extend
through the lumen 738 of the drive screw 722, through the collet
724, and through the second knob 726. The second knob 726 can be
disposed over the collet 724 and the internal threads of the distal
portion 742 of the second knob can threadably engage the external
threads 734 of the drive screw 722. Accordingly, rotating the
second knob 726 in a first direction (e.g., clockwise) relative to
the drive screw 722 causes the proximal portion 744 of the second
knob 726 to move toward the proximal end portion 746 of the collet
724 and thus urges the collet 724 radially inwardly against the
actuation tube 568. As a result, the actuation tube 568 and the
drive screw 722 move axially together when the first knob 718 is
rotated relative to the housing 702. Rotating the second knob 726
in a second direction (e.g., counterclockwise) relative to the
drive screw 722 causes the distal portion 742 of the second knob
726 to move away from the proximal end portion 746 of the collet
724 and thus allows the collet 724 to move radially outwardly
relative to the actuation tube 568. As a result, the actuation tube
568 and the drive screw 722 can move relative to each other.
[0212] In lieu of or in addition to the collet 724, the actuation
control mechanism 704 of the handle 700 can include a release
member (e.g., a set screw or a pin). The release member can extend
into the housing 702 (e.g., near the proximal end of the housing
702) and can selectively engage (e.g., threadably) the drive screw
722 and the actuation tube 568. When the release member is engaged
with the drive screw 722 and the actuation tube 568 (e.g., by
inserting the release member into the housing 702 and into contact
with the drive screw 722 and the actuation tube 568), the release
member can, for example, prevent the actuation tube 568 from moving
relative to the drive screw 722, thus preventing the actuation
shaft 512 from being completely withdrawn from their respective
lumens 568, 580 (e.g., when actuating the anchors 204). When the
release member is released from the drive screw 722 and the
actuation tube 568 (e.g., by withdrawing it from the housing 702
and/or moving it out of contact with the actuation tube 546), the
actuation tube 568 and thus the actuation shaft 512 can move
relative to the drive screw 722 and can therefore be completely
withdrawn from their respective lumens 568, 580 (e.g., when
releasing the prosthetic spacer device 200 from the delivery
apparatus).
[0213] With the prosthetic spacer device 200 coupled to the
actuation shaft 512 and the outer shaft 520 of the delivery
apparatus 502, the physician can use the actuation control
mechanism 704 of the handle 700 to manipulate the anchors 204 of
the prosthetic spacer device 200 relative to the spacer member 202
of the prosthetic spacer device 200. The actuation control
mechanism 704 can be activated by rotating the second knob 726 in
the first direction relative to the drive screw 722 to secure the
actuation tube 568 and thus the actuation shaft 512 to the drive
screw 722. The physician can then rotate the first knob 718
relative to the housing 702, which causes the drive screw 722 and
thus the actuation tube 568 and the actuation shaft 512 to move
axially relative to the relative to the housing 702 and thus the
outer shaft 520. This, in turn, causes the anchors 204 (which are
coupled to the actuation shaft 512 via the distal collar 208) to
move relative to the spacer member 202 (which is coupled to the
outer shaft 520 via coupler 514 and the proximal collar 210).
[0214] The prosthetic spacer device 200 can be released from the
delivery apparatus 502 by rotating the second knob 726 in the
second direction relative to the drive screw 722. This allows the
actuation tube 568 and thus the actuation shaft 512 to move
relative to the drive screw 722. The shafts 512, 520 of the
delivery apparatus 502 can then be removed from the respective
collars 208, 210 of the prosthetic spacer device 200, as described
above.
[0215] Configuring a delivery apparatus with the actuation control
mechanism 704 can provide several advantages. For example, the
rotational forces required to actuate the first knob 718 of the
handle 700 can be less than the axial forces required to actuate
the knob 526 of the handle 700.
[0216] The actuation control mechanism 704 can also provide
relatively more precise control of the anchors 204 because the
axial movement of the actuation shaft 512 is controlled by rotation
of the first knob 718 and the thread pitch of the drive screw 722
rather than be axial movement of the knob 526. In other words, the
actuation control mechanism 704 can be configured, for example,
such that one rotation of the first knob 718 moves the actuation
shaft 512 a small axial distance (e.g., 1 mm); whereas, it may be
relatively more difficult to axially move the knob 526 and thus the
actuation shaft 512 in small increments (e.g., 1 mm).
[0217] Additionally, the actuation control mechanism 704 can
prevent or reduce inadvertent movement and release of the actuation
shaft 512. For example, because the actuation control mechanism 704
requires rotational movement of the first knob 718 to move the
actuation shaft 512, it can prevent or reduce the likelihood that
the actuation shaft 512 will move if the knob 526 is inadvertently
contacted. Also, the physician has to rotate the second knob 726 to
release the actuation tube 568 from the drive screw 722 by before
the physician can rotate the knob 526 to release the actuation
shaft 512 from the distal collar 208 of the prosthetic spacer
device 200 and proximally retract the actuation shaft 512. This
two-step release process could reduce the likelihood of a physician
inadvertently releasing the prosthetic spacer device 200 from the
delivery apparatus 502.
[0218] FIGS. 32-33 show exemplary embodiments of a coupler 800 and
a proximal collar 802. Although not shown, the coupler 800 can be
coupled to the distal end portion of the outer shaft 520 (FIG. 16)
in a manner similar to the coupler 514. As shown, the proximal
collar 802 can be coupled to a proximal end portion of the spacer
member 202 in a manner similar to the proximal collar 210 (FIG.
13). As such, the coupler 800 and the proximal collar 802 can be
used, for example, in lieu of the coupler 514 and the proximal
collar 210 of the delivery assembly 500, respectively, to
releasably couple the prosthetic spacer device 200 to the outer
shaft 520 (FIG. 16).
[0219] Referring to FIG. 33, the coupler 800 can comprise an
axially-extending lumen 804 and a plurality of radially-extending
openings 806. The lumen 804 can be configured to receive the
actuation shaft 512 (FIG. 32). The openings 806 can be configured
to receive the proximal collar 802, as further described below.
[0220] The proximal collar 802 can comprise a plurality of
proximally-extending tabs or fingers 808. Free end portions 810 of
the fingers 808 can have radially-extending projections 812 formed
thereon. The fingers 808 can be configured to pivot between a first
or resting state (FIG. 33) and a second or deflected state (FIG.
32). In the first state, the free end portions 810 of the fingers
808 press radially inwardly against each other. In the second
state, the free end portions 810 of the fingers 808 are radially
spaced from each other.
[0221] Referring to FIG. 32, the coupler 800 and the proximal
collar 802 be releasably coupled together by positioning the
fingers 808 of the proximal collar 802 within the coupler 800. The
actuation shaft 512 can then be advanced through the lumen 804 of
the coupler 800 and through the fingers 808 of the proximal collar
802, thus causing the free end portions 810 of the fingers 808 to
pivot radially-outwardly from the first state to the second state.
The projections 812 of the fingers 808 and the openings 806 of the
coupler 800 can be rotationally aligned such that the projections
812 extend into the openings 806, thereby releasably coupling the
coupler 800 to the proximal collar 802. The coupler 800 can be
released from the proximal collar 802 by retracting the actuation
shaft 512 from the fingers 808 of the proximal collar 802. This
allows the free end portions 810 of the fingers 808 to pivot from
the second state back to the first state and causes the projections
812 of the fingers 808 to withdraw from the openings 806 of the
coupler 800, thus releasing the coupler 800 from the proximal
collar 802.
[0222] In some embodiments, the fingers 808 of the proximal collar
802 can be configured to create a hemostatic seal when the fingers
808 are in the first state. This can, for example, prevent or
reduce blood from flowing through the proximal collar 802 when the
prosthetic spacer device 200 is implanted in a patient.
[0223] FIGS. 34-35 show exemplary embodiments of a distal collar
900, an actuation shaft 902, and a release member (e.g., a wire)
904, which can be used, for example, with the delivery assembly
500. Although not shown, the distal collar 900 can be coupled to
the distal end portion of the prosthetic spacer device 200. A
proximal end portion (not shown) of the actuation shaft 902 can be
coupled to the actuation tube 568 and the knob 526. From the
proximal end portion, the actuation shaft 902 can extend distally
through the handle 522 (FIG. 17), through the outer shaft 520 (FIG.
17), and into the prosthetic spacer device 200 (FIG. 12). A distal
end portion of the actuation shaft 902 can be releasably coupled to
the distal collar 900 of the prosthetic spacer device 200. As such,
the distal collar 900 and the actuation shaft 902 can be used, for
example, in lieu of the distal collar 208 and the actuation shaft
512 of the delivery assembly 500, respectively.
[0224] Referring to FIG. 35, the distal collar 900 can comprise a
central bore 906 and a tab or tongue 908 formed (e.g., laser cut)
in a side surface 910 of the distal collar 900. The tongue 908 can
have an opening 912 formed (e.g., laser cut) therein.
[0225] The central bore 906 can be configured to receive a distal
end portion of the actuation shaft 902. The tongue 908 can be
pivotable relative to the side surface 910 of the distal collar 900
from a first or resting configuration (FIG. 35) to a second or
deflected configuration (FIG. 34). In the first configuration, the
tongue 908 can be flush with the side surface 910. In the second
configuration, the tongue 908 can extend radially inwardly relative
to the side surface 910 so as to protrude into the central bore
906. The tongue 908 can be biased (e.g., shaped set) toward the
first configuration.
[0226] The tongue 908 can be used, for example, to releasably
couple the distal collar 900 to the actuation shaft 902, as shown
in FIG. 34. For example, the actuation shaft 902 can be inserted
into the central bore 906 of the distal collar 900. The tongue 908
can then be pushed radially inwardly from the first configuration
to the second configuration such that the tongue 908 presses
against the actuation shaft 902 and frictionally retains the
actuation shaft 902 relative to the collar 900. The release member
904 can then be advanced distally such that a distal end portion
914 of the release member 904 extends through the opening 912 of
the tongue 908. Thus, the release member 904 retains the tongue 908
in the second configuration against the actuation shaft 902,
thereby releasably coupling the distal collar 900 to the actuation
shaft 902.
[0227] The distal collar 900 can be released from the actuation
shaft 902 by retracting the release member 904 proximally such that
the distal end portion 914 of the release member 904 withdraws from
the opening 912 of the tongue 908. This allows the tongue to move
radially outwardly from the second state back to the first state,
thereby releasing the distal collar 900 from the actuation shaft
902.
[0228] This configuration can provide several advantages. For
example, in some embodiments, the distal collar 900 and the
actuation shaft 902 can be formed without threads. Removing the
threads can make manufacturing the distal collar 900 and the
actuation shaft 902 easier and/or less expensive. Removing the
threads from the actuation shaft 902 can also reduce the likelihood
the actuation shaft 902 could catch or snag on another component of
the delivery assembly 500.
[0229] FIGS. 36-37 show exemplary embodiments of a coupler 1000, a
proximal collar 1002, a distal collar 1004, and an actuation shaft
1006, which can be used, for example, with the delivery assembly
500. Referring to FIG. 36, the coupler 1000 can be coupled to the
distal end portion of the outer shaft 520. The proximal collar 1002
can be coupled to the proximal end portion of the prosthetic spacer
device 200 (shown schematically in partial cross-section), and the
distal collar 1004 can be coupled to the to the distal end portion
of the prosthetic spacer device 200. A proximal end portion (not
shown) of the actuation shaft 1006 can be coupled to the actuation
tube 568 and the knob 526. From the proximal end portion, the
actuation shaft 1006 can extend distally through the handle 522
(FIG. 17), through the outer shaft 520 (FIG. 17), and into the
prosthetic spacer device 200 (FIG. 12). A distal end portion of the
actuation shaft 1006 can be releasably coupled to the distal collar
1004 of the prosthetic spacer device 200. As such, the coupler
1000, the proximal collar 1002, the distal collar 1004, and the
actuation shaft 1006 can be used, for example, in lieu of the
coupler 514, the proximal collar 210, the distal collar 208, and
the actuation shaft 512 of the delivery assembly 500,
respectively.
[0230] Referring to FIG. 37, the coupler 1000 can comprise a
connection portion 1008, a plurality of pins 1010 (e.g., three in
the illustrated embodiment), and one or more securing members 1012
(e.g., three in the illustrated embodiment). The pins 1010 and the
securing members can be coupled to and extend distally from the
connection portion 1008.
[0231] The connection portion 1008 can have an axially-extending
lumen 1014 configured to slidably receive the actuation shaft 1006.
In some embodiments, the connection portion 1008 can also have a
recessed outwardly facing surface 1015 (FIG. 37) configured to be
inserted into the distal end portion of the outer shaft 520, as
shown in FIG. 36.
[0232] As best shown in FIG. 37, the pins 1010 can be spaced
circumferentially relative to each other and relative to the
securing members 1012. The securing members 1012 can be spaced
circumferentially relative to each other. In some embodiments, the
pins 1010 and the securing members 1012 can be arranged in an
alternating type pattern (e.g., pin-securing member-pin and so on)
on the connection portion 1008.
[0233] Referring to FIG. 36, the pins 1010 can be configured to
extend into openings 1016 of the proximal collar 1002. In certain
embodiments, the securing members 1012 can be suture loops. The
securing members 1012 can be configured to extend through the
openings 1016 of the proximal collar 1002 and around the actuation
shaft 1006. For clarity, only one securing member 1012 is shown
extending around the actuation shaft 1006 in FIG. 36.
[0234] Referring again to FIG. 37, in addition to the openings
1016, the proximal collar 1002 can comprise a central lumen 1018
disposed radially inward from the openings 1016. The central lumen
1018 can extend axially and can be configured to slidably receive
the actuation shaft 1006, as shown in FIG. 36.
[0235] The distal collar 1004 can be configured in a sleeve-like
manner such that the actuation shaft 1006 can slidably extend
through the distal collar 1004, as shown in FIG. 36.
[0236] The actuation shaft 1006 can comprise a radially-expandable
portion 1020 disposed at or near the distal end portion 1022 of the
actuation shaft 1006. The radially-expandable portion 1020 can be
configured to be selectively expandable from a compressed
configuration to an expanded configuration. For example, the
radially-expandable portion 1020 can be an inflatable balloon or an
expandable mesh (e.g., braided) basket.
[0237] The radially-expandable portion 1020 can be configured such
that an outside diameter of the radially-expandable portion 1020 is
less than the inside diameter of the distal collar 1004, the
central lumen 1018 of the proximal collar 1002, and the lumen 1014
of the coupler 1000 when the radially-expandable portion 1020 is in
the compressed configuration. When the radially-expandable portion
1020 is in the expanded configuration, the outside diameter of the
radially-expandable portion 1020 is greater than the inside
diameter of the distal collar 1004. Thus, in the expanded
configuration, the radially-expandable portion 1020 can prevent the
distal end portion 1022 from moving proximally relative to the
distal collar 1004.
[0238] As shown in FIG. 36, the prosthetic spacer device 200 can be
releasably coupled to the outer shaft 520 and the actuation shaft
1006 by inserting the pins 1010 and the securing members 1012
through respective openings 1016 in the proximal collar 1002. With
the radially-expandable portion 1020 in the compressed
configuration, the actuation shaft 1006 can be advanced distally
through the lumen 1014 of the coupler 1000, through the central
lumen 1018 and the securing members 1012 of the proximal collar
1002, and through the distal collar 1004 such that the
radially-expandable portion 1020 is disposed distal relative to the
distal collar 1004. The radially-expandable portion 1020 of the
actuation shaft 1006 can then be expanded from the compressed
configuration to the expanded configuration, thus releasably
coupling the prosthetic spacer device 200 to the outer shaft 520
and the actuation shaft 1006.
[0239] The prosthetic spacer device 200 can be released from the
outer shaft 520 and the actuation shaft 1006 by compressing the
radially-expandable portion 1020 of the actuation shaft 1006 and
proximally retracting the actuation shaft 1006 through the distal
collar 1004, through the securing members 1012 and the central
lumen 1018 of the proximal collar 1002. The outer shaft 520 can
then be retracted proximally relative to the prosthetic spacer
device 200 such that the pins 1010 and the securing members 1012
withdraw from the openings 1016 in the proximal collar 1002, thus
releasing the prosthetic spacer device 200 from the outer shaft 520
and the actuation shaft 1006.
[0240] FIGS. 38-39 show an exemplary embodiment of clasp control
members 1100, which can be used, for example, in lieu of the clasp
control members 524 of the delivery assembly 500. Referring to FIG.
39, the clasp control members 1100 can comprise sleeves 1102,
connecting members 1104, and release members 1106. The connecting
members 1104 and the release members 1106 can extend axially
through and can be movable relative to the sleeves 1102.
[0241] Proximal end portions (not shown) of the sleeves 1102 can be
coupled to the control member tubes 570, and distal end portions of
the sleeves 1108 can be releasably coupled to the clasps 206 of the
prosthetic spacer device 200 by the connecting members 1104 and the
release members 1106, as further described below.
[0242] The connecting members 1104 can, for example, be suture
loops that extend distally from the clasp control mechanism 550 of
the delivery apparatus 502, through the control member tubes 570,
through the sleeves 1102, and through the openings 234 of the
clasps 206. The connecting members 1104 can be releasably coupled
to the clasps 206 the prosthetic spacer device 200 by the release
members 1106.
[0243] The release members 1106 can, for example, be wires that
extend distally from the clasp control mechanism 550 of the
delivery apparatus 502, through the control member tubes 570,
through the sleeves 1102, and through the loops of the connecting
members 1104. In this manner, the release members 1106 releasably
couple the connecting members 1104 and thus the sleeves 1102 to the
clasps 206 by preventing the connecting members 1104 from
withdrawing through the openings 234 of the clasps 206. The
connecting members 1104 can be released from the clasps 206 by
withdrawing the release members 1106 from the loops of the
connecting members 1104 and withdrawing the connecting members 1104
from the openings 234 of the clasps 206.
[0244] With the sleeves 1102 releasably coupled to the clasps 206
of the prosthetic spacer device 200 by the connecting members 1104
and the release members 1106, the clasps 206 can be actuated
(either together or separately) by moving the sleeves 1102 axially
relative to the outer shaft 520 and the actuation shaft 512. This
can be accomplished, for example, by moving the actuator member
590, which are coupled to the sleeves 1102 via the control member
tubes 570, relative to the housing 546 and actuation tube 568.
Moving the actuator member 590 proximally relative to the housing
546 and actuation tube 568 can open the clasps 206, and moving the
actuator member 590 distally relative to the housing 546 and
actuation tube 568 can close the clasps 206.
[0245] Because the sleeves 1102 are relatively rigid (e.g.,
compared to the clasp control members 524), the sleeves 1102 can be
used to push the clasps 206 closed (either in lieu of or in
addition to the bias of the clasps 206 to the closed position).
This pushability can help to ensure the native leaflets are
captured within the clasps 206 and thus secured to the anchors
204.
[0246] FIG. 40 shows an exemplary embodiment of a guide rail 1200.
The guide rail 1200 can, for example, be coupled to a respective
clasp 206 of the prosthetic spacer device 200. In some embodiments,
the clasp control member 1100 can be releasably coupled to the
guide rail 1200 in a snare-like manner similar to that described
above with respect to FIG. 39.
[0247] Coupling the clasp control member 1100 to the guide rail
1200 rather than directly to the clasps 206 allows the clasp
control member 1100 to slide longitudinally along the guide rail
1200 as the clasp 206 moves between the open and the closed
configurations. This can, for example, allow the clasp control
member 1100 to maintain a relatively constant angle relative to the
anchors 204 as the clasps 206 are actuated. For example, the clasp
control member 1100 can slide outwardly toward a first side portion
1202 of the guide rail 1200 when the clasp 206 is pulled open, and
the clasp control member 1100 can slide inwardly toward a second
side portion 1204 of the guide rail 1200 when the clasp 206 is
pushed closed. This can therefore reduce the force required to
actuate the clasp control member 1100.
[0248] FIG. 41 shows an exemplary embodiment of a shaft 1300. The
shaft 1300 can be used, for example, with the delivery apparatus
502 in lieu of the outer shaft 520 of the third catheter 508. The
shaft 1300 can comprise a plurality of axially extending lumens,
including an actuation shaft lumen 1302 and a plurality of control
member lumens 1304 (e.g., four in the illustrated embodiment 1304a,
1304b, 1304c, 1304d--collectively referred to as "the control
member lumens 1304") disposed radially outwardly from the actuation
shaft lumen 1302. The control member lumens 1304 can be spaced
relative to each other and can be evenly distributed
circumferentially around the actuation shaft lumen 1302. For
example, each of the control member lumens 1304 can be located
approximately 90 degrees from an adjacent control member lumen
1304.
[0249] The actuation shaft lumen 1302 can be configured to receive
the actuation shaft 512, and the control member lumens 1304 can be
configured to receive the clasp control members 524. The lumens
1302, 1304 can also be configured such that the actuation shaft 512
and clasp control members 524 can be movable (e.g., axially and/or
rotationally) relative to the lumens 1302, 1304, respectively. In
particular embodiments, the lumens 1302, 1304 can comprise a liner
or coating (e.g., PTFE) configured to reduce friction between the
lumens 1302, 1304 and the actuation shaft 512 and clasp control
members 524, respectively.
[0250] Each of the clasp control members 524 can extend through one
or more of the control member lumens 1304 and extend around a clasp
206 of the prosthetic spacer device 200. For example, in some
embodiments, each clasp control member 524 can extend through a
pair of control member lumens 1304 that are circumferentially
offset by 90 degrees. In one particular embodiment, a first clasp
control member 524 can extend through the lumens 1304a, 1304b and
around a first clasp 206 of the prosthetic spacer device 200, and a
second clasp control member 524 can extend through the lumens
1304c, 1304d and around a second clasp 206 of the prosthetic spacer
device 200.
[0251] In such embodiments, when the shaft 1300 is deflected in a
direction oriented between two lumens corresponding to one of clasp
control members 524 (e.g., to the right as illustrated in FIG. 41),
the lumens 1304a, 1304b both foreshorten because they are on the
inner diameter of the curve, and the lumens 1304c, 1304d both
elongate because they are on the outer diameter of the curve.
Because the clasp control members 524 are free to move axially
within the lumens 1304, the tension of the first clasp control
member 524 (which is disposed on the inner diameter of the curve)
is reduced and thus the first clasp 206 can move slightly toward
the closed configuration due to the bias of the claps; whereas, the
tension of the second clasp control member 524 (which is disposed
on the outer diameter of the curve) is increased and thus the
second clasp 206 can move slightly toward the open configuration.
When the shaft 1300 is rotated 180 degrees, the lumens 1304a, 1304b
and the first clasp control member 524 move from the inner diameter
of the curve to the outer diameter of the curve, thus increasing
tension and slightly opening the first clasp 206, and the lumens
1304c, 1304d and the second clasp control member 524 move from the
outer diameter of the bend to the inner diameter of the bend, thus
reducing tension and slightly closing the clasp 206.
[0252] In other embodiments, the first clasp control member 524 can
extend through the lumen 1304a, extend around the first clasp 206,
and extend through the lumen 1304c. The second clasp control member
524 can extend through the lumen 1304b, extend around the second
clasp 206, and extend through the lumen 1304d. Threading each clasp
control member 524 through a pair of control member lumens 1304
that are circumferentially offset by 180 degrees can provide
several advantages. For example, this configuration allows the
clasp control members 524 to maintain uniform tension on the clasps
206 as the shaft 1300 is deflected and/or rotated (e.g., during
positioning of the prosthetic spacer device 200). This is because a
length in which each lumen 1304 foreshortens/elongates when the
shaft 1300 is deflected and/or rotated is offset by an equal and
opposite length in which a respective, diametrically-opposite lumen
1304 elongates/foreshortens and because the clasp control members
524 can move relative to the lumens 1304 and the clasps 206 as the
lumens 1304 foreshorten/elongate. The clasps 206 of the prosthetic
spacer device 200 therefore maintain their open and/or closed
configuration regardless of the deflection and/or rotation of the
shaft 1300.
[0253] The shaft 1300 can be formed from various materials,
including metals and polymers. For example, in one particular
embodiment, the shaft 1300 can comprise a first portion or layer
1306, a second portion or layer 1308, and a third portion or layer
1310. The first portion 1306 be the radially outermost portion, the
third portion 1310 can be the radially innermost portion, and the
second portion 1308 can be disposed radially between the first and
third portions 1306, 1310. In certain embodiments, the first and
third portions 1306, 1310 can be formed from polymeric material
(e.g., PEBA having a Type D Shore durometer value of 55D), and the
second portion 1308 can be formed from a metallic material (e.g.,
braided stainless steel).
[0254] Configuring the shaft 1300 in this manner can, for example,
further improve control of the distal end portion of the shaft
1300. For example, this configuration can prevent or reduce
"whipping" (e.g., sudden or abrupt movement) at the distal end
portion of the shaft 1300 when the shaft 1300 is rotated at the
proximal end portion (e.g., by rotating the housing 546 of the
handle 522). As such, a physician can more precisely control of the
distal end portion of the shaft 1300 and thus of a prosthetic
spacer device (e.g., the prosthetic spacer device 200) during the
implantation procedure such as when the physician rotates the
prosthetic spacer device to align the anchors of the prosthetic
spacer device with the native leaflets.
[0255] It should be noted that in certain embodiments the housing
546 of the handle 522 can comprise four control member lumens 564,
582 (i.e., four of each) that are coupled to the control member
lumens 1304. As such, each longitudinally-extending section of each
clasp control member 524 can extend distally in a separate lumen
from the clasp control mechanism 550 of the handle 522 to the
prosthetic spacer device 200.
[0256] FIGS. 42-45 show an exemplary delivery assembly 1400
comprising a prosthetic spacer device 1402 and a delivery apparatus
1404. The prosthetic spacer device 1402 can be configured to reduce
or prevent regurgitation through a native heart valve (e.g., a
native mitral valve). As shown in FIGS. 42-43 and 45, the
prosthetic spacer device 1402 can be releasably coupled to the
delivery apparatus 1404, which can be used to implant the
prosthetic spacer device.
[0257] Referring to FIG. 42, the prosthetic spacer device 1402 can
comprise a spacer member 1406, a plurality of anchors 1408, and a
plurality of clasps 1410. In some embodiments, the spacer member
1406, the anchors 1408, and the clasps 1410 can be configured in a
manner similar to the spacer member 202, the anchors 204, and the
clasps 206 of the prosthetic spacer device 200, respectively.
[0258] The prosthetic spacer device 1400 can also comprise a
proximal collar 1412, a sleeve or cylinder 1414, and a piston 1416.
The proximal collar 1412 and the cylinder 1414 can be coupled to
the spacer member 1406, and the piston 1416 can be coupled to the
anchors 1408.
[0259] The proximal collar 1412 can be coupled to and extend
annularly around the proximal end portion (i.e., the upper end
portion as illustrated) of the spacer member 1406. The proximal
collar 1412 can be used, for example, for coupling the prosthetic
spacer device 1400 to the delivery apparatus 1404, as further
described below. In some embodiments, the proximal collar 1412 can
have connector members for receiving tethers 1432 of the delivery
apparatus 1404. The connector members can, for example, include
openings, eyelets, and/or other suitable means for connecting the
tethers to the proximal collar 1412.
[0260] The cylinder 1414 can be coupled to and extend coaxially
through at least a portion of the spacer member 1406. The cylinder
1414 can be coupled to the spacer member 1406 in various ways such
as with fasteners, sutures, adhesive, welding, and/or other means
for coupling. The cylinder 1414 can be sized and configured such
the piston 1416 can move axially through the cylinder 1414. As
such, the cylinder 1414 can be used, for example, as a guide for
the piston 1416 as the prosthetic spacer device 1400 is moved
between various configurations such as a foreshortened/functional
configuration (e.g., FIG. 42) and an elongate/delivery
configuration (e.g., FIG. 43).
[0261] The distal end portion 1418 of the piston 1416 can be
coupled to distal end portions 1420 of the anchors 1408. This can
be accomplished in various ways such as with fasteners, sutures,
adhesive, welding, and/or other coupling means. The proximal end
portion 1422 of the piston 1416 can be coupled to the delivery
apparatus 1404. For example, in some embodiments, the proximal end
portion 1422 of the piston 1416 can comprise a bore or opening 1424
having internal threads configured to receive corresponding
external threads of an actuation shaft 1428 of the delivery
apparatus 1404. The piston 1416 (in combination with the delivery
apparatus) can be used, for example, to move the anchors 1408
between various configurations such as a folded/functional
configuration (e.g., FIG. 42) and a straight/delivery configuration
(e.g., FIG. 43).
[0262] The delivery apparatus 1400 can comprise an implant catheter
(e.g., similar to the third catheter 508 of the delivery apparatus
502) having an outer shaft 1426, an actuation shaft 1428, a
plurality of clasp control members 1430, and a plurality of tethers
1432. The outer shaft 1426 can be used, for example, to position
the prosthetic spacer device 1402 during the implantation procedure
of the prosthetic spacer device 1402. The actuation shaft 1428 can
be used, for example, to move the prosthetic spacer device 1402
between the functional configuration (FIG. 42) and the delivery
configuration (e.g., FIG. 43). The clasp control members 1430 can
be used, for example, to move the clasps 1410 between an open
configuration and a closed configuration. The tethers 1432 can be
used, for example, to couple the prosthetic spacer device 1402 to
the outer shaft 1426.
[0263] Referring to FIG. 44, the outer shaft 1426 can comprise a
plurality of lumens, including an actuation shaft lumen 1434, a
plurality of control member lumens 1436, and a plurality of tether
lumens 1438. The outer shaft 1426 can otherwise be configured
similar to the outer shaft 520 and/or the shaft 1300.
[0264] Referring again to FIG. 42, the actuation shaft 1428 can be
configured similar to the actuation shaft 512. In some embodiments,
the distal end portion of the actuation shaft 1428 can comprise
external threads 1440 configured to threadably mate with the
internal threads of the opening 1424 in the proximal end portion
1422 of the piston 1416.
[0265] In other embodiments, the actuation shaft 1428 can be
coupled to the anchors 1408 of the prosthetic spacer device 1402 in
various other ways. Although not shown, the prosthetic spacer
device 1402 can, for example, include a distal collar that is
configured similar to the distal collars 108, 208, 900, and/or 1004
in lieu of or in addition to the piston 1416, and the actuation
shaft 1428 can be configured similar to the actuation shafts 512,
902, and/or 1006.
[0266] The clasp control members 1430 can be configured similar to
the clasp control members 524 of the delivery apparatus 502. The
clasp control members 1430 can extend through the control member
lumens 1436 of the outer shaft 1426 and around the clasps 1410 of
the prosthetic spacer device 1402. Tensioning the clasp control
members 1430 can move the clasps 1410 to the open configuration.
Slackening the clasp control members 1430 can allow the clasps 1410
to move to the closed configuration (due to bias of the clasp 1410
toward the closed configuration).
[0267] In some embodiments, each of the clasp control members 1430
can extend through two of the control member lumens 1436 of the
outer shaft 1426. In certain embodiments, each clasp control member
1430 can extend through two control member lumens 1436 that are
circumferentially offset from each other by 180 degrees similar to
the manner described above with respect to the shaft 1300.
[0268] The tethers 1432 can extend through the tether lumens 1438
of the outer shaft 1426 and around the proximal end (e.g., through
the proximal collar 1412) of the prosthetic spacer device 1402.
Tensioning the tethers 1432 can draw the proximal end portion of
the prosthetic spacer device 1402 toward the distal end portion of
the outer shaft 1426 (e.g., FIGS. 42-43. Slackening the tethers
1432 can allow the proximal end portion of the prosthetic spacer
device 1402 to separate from the distal end portion of the outer
shaft 1426 (e.g., FIG. 45).
[0269] In some embodiments, each of the tethers 1432 can extend
through two of the tether lumens 1438 of the outer shaft 1426. In
certain embodiments, each tether 1432 can extend through two tether
lumens 1438 that are circumferentially offset from each other by
180 degrees.
[0270] With prosthetic spacer device 1402 coupled to the delivery
apparatus 1404 by the outer shaft 1426 (via the tethers 1432), the
actuation shaft 1428, and the clasp control members 1430, the
delivery assembly 1400 can be used, for example, to implant the
prosthetic spacer device 1402 in a native heart valve of a
patient's heart. This can be accomplished, for example, by
advancing the prosthetic spacer device 1402 through the first and
second catheters 504, 506 of the delivery apparatus 502 into the
patient's heart with the prosthetic spacer device 1402 in the
delivery configuration (e.g., FIG. 43). The prosthetic spacer
device 1402 can be advanced out of the distal ends of the first and
second catheters 504, 506. The prosthetic spacer device 1402 can
then be moved from the delivery configuration to the functional
configuration (e.g., FIG. 42) by moving the actuation shaft 1428
proximally relative to the outer shaft 1426 such that the piston
1416 moves through the cylinder 1414 and the proximal end portion
1422 of the piston 1416 is disposed adjacent the proximal collar
1412.
[0271] The actuation shaft 1428 and/or the clasp control members
1430 of the delivery apparatus 1404 can be actuated to capture the
native heart valve leaflets with the clasps 1410, and the native
leaflets can be secured against the spacer member 1406. This can be
performed in a manner similar to that described above with respect
the delivery assembly 500 and shown in FIGS. 22-25.
[0272] With the prosthetic spacer device 1402 secured to the native
leaflets, the functionality and/or positioning of the prosthetic
spacer device 1402 can be evaluated. To evaluate, the physician
can, for example, release the actuation shaft 1428 from the piston
1416 and move the actuation shaft proximally such that the distal
end portion of the actuation shaft is disposed within the central
lumen 1434 of the outer shaft 1426. The clasp control members 1430
and the tethers 1432 can be slackened such that the outer shaft
1426 can be retracted away from the proximal end portion of the
prosthetic spacer device 1402 so that the distal end of the shaft
1426 is spaced from the prosthetic spacer device 1402. In this
manner, the prosthetic spacer device 1402 is partially released
from the delivery apparatus 1400, but the clasp control members
1430 and the tethers 1432 remain coupled to the prosthetic spacer
device 1402. Due to the flexibility and slack of the clasp control
members 1430 and the tethers 1432, the prosthetic spacer device
1402 can move and/or function as if it were fully released from the
delivery apparatus 1404. As a result, the partially released
configuration can, for example, allow the physician to better
evaluate the functionality and/or positioning of the prosthetic
spacer device 1402 prior to fully releasing the prosthetic spacer
device 1402 than when evaluating the prosthetic spacer device 1402
while it is connected to the outer shaft 1426 and/or the actuation
shaft 1428. This is because the outer shaft 1426 and/or the
actuation shaft 1428 are relatively more rigid than the clasp
control members 1430 and the tethers 1432, and can thus alter the
position and/or hemodynamics of the prosthetic spacer device 1402
compared to when the prosthetic spacer device 1402 is partially or
fully released from the delivery apparatus 1404.
[0273] If the physician would like to adjust the positioning of the
prosthetic spacer device 1402, the tethers 1432 can be tightened
and the distal end portion of the outer shaft 1426 can be advanced
distally over the tethers 1432 such that it abuts the proximal end
portion of the prosthetic spacer device 1402. The actuation shaft
1428 can be advanced distally through the central lumen 1434 of the
outer shaft 1426 and reconnected to the proximal end portion 1422
of the piston 1416. The prosthetic spacer device 1402 can then be
moved/repositioned relative to the native leaflets by actuating the
actuation shaft 1428 and/or the clasps control members 1430 to
manipulate the anchors 1408 and/or the clasps 1410, respectively.
The physician can then re-evaluate the positioning and/or
functionality of the prosthetic spacer device 1402 and, if desired,
make additional adjustments.
[0274] From the partially released configuration, the prosthetic
spacer device 1402 can be fully released from the delivery
apparatus 1404 by withdrawing the clasp control members 1430 from
the clasps 1410 of the prosthetic spacer device 1402 and by
withdrawing the tethers 1432 from proximal end portion of the
prosthetic spacer device 1402. The clasp control members 1430 and
the tethers 1432 can then be retracted proximally into the lumens
1436, 1438 of the outer shaft 1426, and the outer shaft together
with the actuation shaft 1428 can be retracted proximally through
the first and second catheters 504, 506 and removed from the
patient's body.
[0275] The tethers 1432 can be incorporated into any of the
embodiments disclosed herein to allow a prosthetic implant to be
implanted while still tethered to the delivery apparatus to
evaluate the operation of the implant, and then fully release the
implant from the delivery apparatus once the operation of the
implant is confirmed by the practitioner.
[0276] FIGS. 46-54 show an exemplary embodiment of a handle 1500
and it components. The handle 1500 can be used, for example, with
the third catheter 508 of the delivery apparatus 502 in lieu of the
handle 522. Referring to FIG. 46, the handle 1500 has five main
components: a connection member 1502, a flushing mechanism 1504, a
housing 1506, an anchor actuation mechanism 1508, and a clasp
actuation mechanism 1510.
[0277] The configuration of the handle 1500 is generally similar to
the configuration of the handles 522, 700. The anchor actuation
mechanism 1508 of the handle 1500 is configured to allow a user to
actuate anchors of a prosthetic spacer device (e.g., the anchors
204) by axially moving (e.g., pushing/pulling) an actuation knob
1512 of the anchor actuation mechanism 1508 (e.g., similar to the
actuation of the knob 526 described above) or by rotating the
actuation knob 1512 (e.g., similar to actuation of the knob 718
described above), as further described below. In this manner, the
anchor actuation mechanism 1508 provides both axial and rotational
actuation of the anchor actuation mechanism 1508, which is also
referred to herein as "hybrid actuation."
[0278] Referring still to FIG. 46, the connection member 1502 can
be coupled the distal end portion of the housing 1506 and to the
proximal end portion 520a of the outer shaft 520 (not shown). The
connection member 1502 can be configured to a provide strain relief
to the outer shaft 520. Reducing the strain on the outer shaft can,
for example, reduce kinking of the outer shaft 520 near the housing
1506.
[0279] Referring now to FIG. 47, the connection member 1502 can,
for example, have a generally conical shape that tapers radially
outwardly from a distal end portion 1514 to a proximal end portion
1516. The connection member 1502 can also have one or more slits or
grooves 1518, which can facilitate flexing. The slits 1518 can
extend circumferentially around the connection member 1502.
[0280] As shown in FIG. 46, the flushing mechanism 1504 of the
handle 1500 can be coupled to and in fluidic communication with the
housing 1506 and the outer shaft (not shown). In this manner, the
flushing mechanism 1504 can be used to flush the outer shaft (e.g.,
with a saline solution) prior to inserting the third catheter 508
into a patient's body.
[0281] As shown in FIG. 47, the housing 1506 of the handle 1500 can
include a nose portion 1520 and a main body 1522. The nose portion
1520 and the main body 1522 can, for example, be coupled together
with a fastener (e.g., a bolt) 1524. The nose portion 1520 and the
main body 1522 can include a plurality of lumens, including an
actuation shaft lumen 1526 and control member lumens 1528.
Actuation tube 1530 can be disposed in and axially movable relative
to the actuation shaft lumen 1526. Clasp control tubes 1532 can be
disposed in an axially movable relative to the control member
lumens 1528.
[0282] The main body 1522 of the housing 1506 can also include a
slot 1534 and a bore 1536 that are configured for receiving one or
more components of the anchor actuation mechanism 1508, as further
described below. The slot 1534 can extend radially into and axially
along the actuation shaft lumen 1526 of the housing 1506. The bore
1536 can be disposed proximal to the slot 1534 and can extend
radially into the actuation shaft lumen 1526 of the housing
1506.
[0283] In some embodiments, the housing 1506 can have a generally
triangular cross-sectional shape taken in a plane perpendicular to
the longitudinal axis of the actuation lumen 1526. In other
embodiments, the housing can be a variety of other shapes such as
rectangular, circular, etc.
[0284] The anchor actuation mechanism 1508 can be used to move the
actuation shaft 512 axially relative to the housing 1506 (and thus
the outer shaft 520), and thus the anchors 204 of the prosthetic
spacer device 200 (which can be coupled to the actuation shaft
512). The anchor actuation mechanism 1508 can also be used to
release the actuation shaft from the prosthetic spacer device. The
anchor actuation mechanism 1508 can include the actuation tube
1530, a drive screw 1538, the actuation knob 1512, a release knob
1540, a release pin 1542, a bushing 1544, a mode selector button
1546, and a biasing element (e.g., a spring) 1548.
[0285] Referring to FIG. 48, the actuation tube 1530 can have a
flange 1550 disposed at the distal end portion of the actuation
tube and a lumen 1552 extending from the distal end portion to a
proximal end portion of the actuation tube. The flange 1550 can be
used, for example, to couple the actuation tube 1530 to the release
pin 1542 and the bushing 1544. The lumen 1552 can, for example,
receive an actuation shaft (e.g., the actuation shaft 512).
[0286] As shown in FIG. 48, the flange 1550 can have one or more
recessed portions or "flats" 1554 (e.g., two on diametrically
opposite sides of the flange 1550). In this manner, the flange 1550
of the actuation tube 1530 can be inserted into a first opening
1556 (FIG. 49) of the bushing 1544, and the release pin 1542 can be
inserted into a second opening 1558 (FIG. 49) of the bushing 1544
to couple actuation tube 1530 and the bushing 1544 together, as
shown in FIG. 51. Referring to FIG. 50, the release pin 1542 can
have one or more tabs 1560 (e.g., two in the illustrated
embodiment) that are spaced apart by a groove 1562. Referring again
to FIG. 51, the tabs 1560 and groove 1562 of the release pin 1542
and/or the flange 1550 of the actuation tube 1530 can be sized and
configured such that tabs 1560 of the release pin 1542 extend
alongside and engage the flats 1554 of the actuation tube 1530. In
the engaged configuration (e.g., FIG. 51), the release pin 1542
restricts relative movement (e.g., rotational and axial) between
the actuation tube 1530 and the bushing 1544.
[0287] In some embodiments, the release pin 1542 and the bushing
1544 can have locking elements 1564, 1566, respectively. The
locking elements 1564, 1566 can, for example, help retain the
release pin 1542 and the bushing 1544 in the engaged configuration.
The locking elements 1566 can be slots formed on an inner surface
of the bushing 1544 and the locking elements 1564 can be tabs or
protrusions formed on the release pin 1542 and sized to be received
within corresponding slots 1566. Alternatively, the tabs 1564 can
be formed on the bushing and the slots 1566 can be formed on the
release pin. The tabs 1564, when received in the slots 1566,
prevent inadvertent movement of the release pin relative to the
bushing, yet allow the release pin to be manually removed from the
bushing when so desired by the user.
[0288] Referring to FIG. 47, the drive screw 1538 can comprise a
lumen 1568, a distal portion 1570, and a proximal portion 1572. The
lumen 1568 can extend from the distal portion 1570 of the drive
screw 1538 to the proximal portion 1572 of the drive screw
1538.
[0289] The lumen 1568 of the drive screw 1538 and/or the actuation
tube 1530 can be sized and configured such that the actuation tube
1530 can extend through the lumen 1568 and such that the actuation
tube 1530 can move rotationally and axially relative to the drive
screw 1538.
[0290] The distal portion 1570 of the drive screw 1538 can comprise
threads (e.g., external treads) that are configured to engage
corresponding threads (e.g., internal threads) of the mode selector
button 1546, as further described below.
[0291] The proximal portion 1572 of the drive screw 1538 can be
fixedly coupled to the actuation knob 1512. As such, movement
(e.g., rotational and axial) of the actuation knob 1512 can result
in corresponding movement of the drive screw 1538. In some
embodiments, the actuation knob 1512 can be fixedly coupled to the
drive screw with a fastener (e.g., a set screw), adhesive, and/or
other means for fastening. In other embodiments, the actuation knob
1512 can be fixedly coupled to the drive screw 1538 by integrally
forming the actuation knob 1512 and the drive screw 1538 as a
single, unitary component.
[0292] The release knob 1540 can be fixedly coupled to a proximal
end portion of the actuation tube 1530. As such, movement (e.g.,
rotational and/or axial) of the release knob 1540 can result in
corresponding movement of the actuation tube 1530. In some
embodiments, the actuation knob 1512 can be fixedly coupled to the
drive screw 1538 with a fastener (e.g., a set screw), adhesive,
and/or other means for fastening.
[0293] Referring to FIG. 52, the mode selector button 1546 can have
an opening 1574. The opening 1574 can be elliptical and configured
to receive the drive screw 1538. The annular surface defining the
opening 1574 can have a first portion 1576 (i.e., the upper portion
in the depicted orientation) and a second portion 1578 (i.e., the
lower portion in the depicted orientation). The first portion 1576
can be generally smooth. The second portion 1578 can have threads
(e.g., internal threads) configured to engage corresponding threads
of the distal portion 1570 of the drive screw 1538, as shown in
FIG. 53A. The opening 1574 of the button 1546 can be sized and
configured such that when the first portion 1576 of the button 1546
contacts the drive screw 1538, the threads of the second portion
1578 of the button 1546 disengage the threads of the drive screw
1538, as shown in FIG. 53B. This configuration allows relative
movement (e.g., axial) between the button 1546 and the drive screw
1538, as further described below.
[0294] Referring to FIGS. 46-47, the anchor actuation mechanism
1508 of the handle 1500 can be assembled by inserting the bushing
1544 into the actuation lumen 1526 of the housing 1506 such that
ears 1580 (FIG. 49) of the bushing 1544 extend out of the slot 1534
of the housing 1506. In this manner, the slot 1534 of the housing
1506 can act as a track or guide for the bushing 1544 that allows
relative axial movement of the bushing 1544 within the actuation
lumen 1526 of the housing 1506 and restricts relative rotational
movement between the bushing 1544 and the housing 1506. In some
embodiments, the bushing 1544 can have additional mating features
(e.g., a slot 1582 and/or tabs 1584 (FIG. 49)) that can engage with
corresponding mating features (e.g., rails 1586 and/or notches 1588
(FIG. 54)) of the actuation lumen 1526 of the housing 1506 to
restrict relative rotational movement between the bushing 1544 and
the housing 1506.
[0295] The biasing member 1548 can be positioned within the bore
1536 of the housing 1506, and the mode selector button 1546 can be
disposed on the biasing member 1548 and within the bore 1536. The
button 1546 can then be pressed inwardly relative to the bore 1536
of the housing 1506 (to overcome the outward force of the biasing
member 1548 on the button 1546) such that the opening 1574 of the
button 1546 radially aligns with the actuation lumen 1526 of the
housing 1506.
[0296] In this configuration, the drive screw 1538 can be inserted
into the actuation lumen 1526 of the housing and through the
opening 1574 of the button 1546 such that the distal end portion
1570 of the drive screw 1538 abuts the bushing 1544.
[0297] The actuation tube 1530 can be inserted through the lumen
1568 of the drive screw 1538 such that the release knob 1540 abuts
the actuation knob 1512 and such that the flange 1550 of the
actuation tube 1530 extends distally from the lumen 1568 of the
drive screw 1538 and into the first opening 1556 of the bushing
1544. The release pin 1542 can be inserted into the second opening
1558 of the bushing 1544 and such that the tabs 1560 of the release
pin 1560 engage the flats 1554 of the flange 1550, as shown in FIG.
51. Accordingly, with the release pin 1542 engaged, the actuation
tube 1530 cannot rotate relative to bushing 1544 or the housing
1506. Also, the actuation shaft 1530 and the drive screw 1538 move
together axially. This is because the actuation shaft cannot move
proximally relative to the drive shaft 1538 due to the bushing 1544
(which cannot extend into the lumen 1568 of the drive screw 1538
and because the actuation shaft cannot move distally relative to
the drive shaft 1538 due to the release knob 1540 (which cannot
extend past the actuation knob 1512). The drive screw 1538 can,
however, rotate relative to the actuation shaft 1530.
[0298] Once assembled (e.g., FIG. 46), the anchor actuation
mechanism 1508 can be operated in rotational mode and sliding mode.
Due to the biasing member 1548 urging the threaded second portion
1578 of the mode selector button 1546 against the threads of the
drive screw 1538 (see e.g., FIG. 53A), the default mode of
operation is the rotational mode.
[0299] In alternative embodiments, the mode selector button 1546
can be configured such that the default mode of operation is the
sliding mode. This can be accomplished, for example, by switching
the placement of the threaded portion 1578 and the smooth portion
1576 of the button 1546.
[0300] In the rotational mode, anchors of a prosthetic spacer
device can be actuated by rotating the actuation knob 1512 relative
to the housing 1506. This moves the drive screw 1538 axially
relative to the button 1546. As the drive screw 1538 moves axially,
the drive screw 1538 carries the actuation tube 1530 (and the
actuation shaft 512 which can be coupled to the actuation tube
1530) axially along with it. Also, the release pin 1542 moves
axially relative to the slot 1532, and the bushing 1544 moves
axially relative to the actuation lumen 1526.
[0301] Rotating the actuation knob 1512 in a first direction (e.g.,
clockwise) relative to the housing 1506 can result in the anchors
of the prosthetic spacer device opening or unfolding away from the
spacer body. Rotating the actuation knob 1512 in a second direction
(e.g., counterclockwise) relative to the housing 1506 can result in
the anchors of the prosthetic spacer device closing or folding
toward the spacer body.
[0302] To switch from rotational mode to sliding mode, the user can
press the mode selector button 1546 inwardly relative to the
housing 1506. This movement disengages the threads of the button
1546 from the threads of the drive screw 1538, thereby allowing the
user to open the anchors of the prosthetic spacer device by pushing
the actuation knob 1512 distally relative to the housing 1506 or to
close the anchors of the prosthetic spacer device by pulling the
actuation knob 1512 proximally relative to the housing 1506.
[0303] Due to the dual/hybrid actuation modes, the handle 1500
provides several significant advantages. For example, the handle
1500 allows a user to have both the quick and/or course adjustment
of push/pull actuation and the precise and/or fine adjustment of
rotational actuation. The handle 1500 also provides a locking
mechanism in either mode of operation because the actuation shaft
512 cannot be moved relative to the housing 1506 without the user
rotating the actuation knob 1512 and/or pressing the mode selector
button 1546 and moving the actuation knob 1512 axially.
[0304] To release the actuation shaft from the prosthetic spacer
device, the user can withdraw the release pin 1542 from the
actuation tube 1530, the bushing 1544, and the slot 1534. This
allows the user to rotate the release knob 1540 (e.g.,
counterclockwise) relative to the housing 1506, which in turn,
results in the actuation tube 1530 and the actuation shaft rotating
relative to the housing 1506 and the prosthetic spacer device. This
can retract the actuation shaft from the distal collar of the
prosthetic spacer device. The release knob 1540 can then be moved
proximally relative to the housing 1506 to withdraw the actuation
shaft from the prosthetic spacer device and the coupler 514 of the
outer shaft 520, thereby releasing the prosthetic spacer device
from the delivery apparatus.
[0305] In some embodiments, the release knob 1540 and the release
pin 1542 can be a first color (e.g., blue), the actuation knob 1512
can be a second color (e.g., black), and the mode selector button
1546 can be a third color (e.g., gray). This can, for example,
provide the user with visual indicators that the release knob 1540
and the release pin 1542 are related (i.e., because they are the
same color) and that the actuation knob 1512, release knob 1540,
and mode selector button 1546 preform separate functions (i.e.,
because they are different colors).
[0306] Additionally or alternatively, the release knob 1540 and the
release pin 1542 can have other indicators or features such as
lettering (e.g., "Release"), symbols (e.g., an unlocked lock),
and/or texturing (e.g., ribs) to make the components easier and/or
more intuitive to use. Similarly, the mode selector button 1546
and/or the actuation knob 1512 can have one or more such indicators
or features.
[0307] The clasp control mechanism 1510 of the handle 1500 can be
configured similar to the clasp control mechanism 550 described
above.
[0308] FIGS. 55-61D show an exemplary embodiment of a handle 1600
and it components. The handle 1600 can be used, for example, with
the third catheter 508 of the delivery apparatus 502 in lieu of the
handle 522. Referring to FIG. 55, the handle 1600 has five main
components: a connection member 1602, a flushing mechanism (not
shown), a housing 1604, an anchor actuation mechanism 1606, and a
clasp actuation mechanism 1608.
[0309] The handle 1600 is configured similar to the handle 1500.
The anchor actuation mechanism 1606 of the handle 1600 is
configured to allow a user to actuate anchors of a prosthetic
spacer device (e.g., the anchors 204) by axial (i.e.,
distal/proximal) movement of an actuation knob 1610 of the anchor
actuation mechanism 1606 and by rotational movement (i.e.,
clockwise/counterclockwise) of the actuation knob 1610, as further
described below. In this manner, the anchor actuation mechanism
1508 provides hybrid anchor actuation (e.g., similar to the handle
1500).
[0310] The housing 1604 of the handle 1600 can include a nose
portion 1612, a main body 1614, and a support portion 1616. The
distal end of the nose portion 1612 can be coupled to the
connection member 1602 and/or the outer shaft 520, and the proximal
end of the nose portion 1612 can be coupled to the distal end of
the main body 1614. The support portion 1616 can be coupled to the
proximal end of the main body 1614.
[0311] The nose portion 1612, the main body 1614, and the support
portion 1616 of the housing 1604 can include an actuation lumen
(not shown). The nose portion 1612 and the main body 1614 can also
include a plurality (e.g., two) of clasp control lumens (not
shown).
[0312] The main body 1614 of the housing 1604 can have a generally
cylindrical or rounded shape. The cylindrical shape can, for
example, allow the handle 1600 to be placed or secured to an object
(e.g., a table) in any rotational orientation (e.g., when rotating
the outer shaft 520). The cylindrical shape can also help the
handle 1600 maintain its rotational orientation relative to the
object because the handle 1600 does not have flat sides for the
handle to pivot or flop toward.
[0313] The support portion 1616 of the housing 1604 can have a
generally rectangular shape. In some embodiments, the edges of the
support portion 1616 can be rounded and have radii similar to the
radius of the main body 1614.
[0314] Referring to FIG. 56, the support portion 1616 of the
housing 1604 can include a slot 1618 extending from the actuation
lumen. The slot 1618 can be configured to receive a release pin
1622 and/or bushing 1624 of the actuation mechanism 1606 (e.g.,
similar to the slot 1534 of the handle 1500). The support portion
1616 can also include a bore 1620. The bore 1620 can be configured
to receive a mode selector button 1626 and a biasing member (e.g.,
a spring) 1628 of the actuation mechanism 1606.
[0315] Referring to FIG. 56, the actuation mechanism 1606 of the
handle 1600 can include an actuation tube 1630, a drive screw 1632,
the actuation knob 1610, a release knob 1634, a release pin 1622, a
bushing 1624, a mode selector button 1626, and a biasing member
1628. The actuation mechanism 1606 can be configured, assembled,
and operated in a manner similar to the actuation mechanism 1508 of
the handle 1500. For example, FIGS. 57-59 respectively show
detailed views of a distal portion 1636 of the actuation tube 1630,
the bushing 1624, and the release pin 1622. FIG. 60 shows the
distal portion 1636 of the actuation tube 1630 coupled to the
bushing 1624 by the release pin 1622. FIG. 55 shows the entire
actuation mechanism 1606 assembled and coupled to the housing
1604.
[0316] Referring to FIG. 55, the clasp control mechanism 1608 of
the handle 1600 can include clasp tubes 1638, actuators 1640, and
locking members 1642. In the illustrated embodiment, there are two
tubes clasp tubes 1632, two actuators 1640, and two locking members
1642. In other embodiments, the clasp control mechanism 1608 can
have more (e.g., three) or less (e.g., one) than two of the tubes,
actuators, and locking members.
[0317] A distal end portion of each of the clasp tubes 1638 can be
disposed in and axially moveable relative to a respective control
lumen of the main body 1614. A proximal end portion of each of the
clasp tubes 1638 can be coupled to a respective actuator 1640. Each
of the locking members 1642 (e.g., stop cocks) can be coupled to a
respective actuator 1640. The clasp control members 524 (FIG. 15)
can extend through the clasp tubes 1638 and can be releasably
secured to actuators by the locking members 1642.
[0318] The actuators 1640 can be selectively coupled together, for
example, by a removable pin 1644. As such, the actuators 1640 can
be moved together to actuate the clasp control members 524 (and
thus the clasps 206 of the prosthetic spacer device) simultaneously
when the pin 1644 is inserted into the actuators 1640. When the pin
1644 is removed, the actuators 1640 (the clasps 206) can be moved
individually.
[0319] Referring to FIG. 61A, in some embodiments, each of the
actuators 1640 can have a retention member (e.g., a pin) 1646
disposed on and/or extending from a surface of the actuator 1640
that faces the support portion 1616 of the housing 1604. The
retention member 1646 can be configured to engage the support
portion 1616 of the housing 1604 to retain the relative position of
the actuators 1640 and the housing 1604, which in turn retains the
positioning of the clasps of the prosthetic spacer device.
[0320] In some embodiments, the retention members 1646 can be sized
and/or configured so as to position the clasp tubes 1638 slightly
off-axis relative to the control lumens of the housing 1604. In
this manner, the clasp tubes 1638 act as biasing members that force
the retention members 1646 against the support portion 1616. This
force results in a frictional engagement between the clasp tubes
1638 and the support portion 1616, thus reducing the likelihood
that the actuators 1640 will be inadvertently moved relative to the
support portion 1616. The frictional engagement can also help to
retain the positioning of the clasps of the prosthetic device in
the open position by overcoming the tensile force on the clasp
control members and the actuators that is caused by the bias of the
clasps toward the closed position.
[0321] In other embodiments, the retention members 1646 can be
sized and/or configured so as to position the clasp tubes 1638
coaxial to the control lumens of the housing 1604, and the support
portion 1616 of the housing 1604 can have one or more holding
elements (see holding elements 1648a, 1648b, 1648c, and 1648d shown
in FIGS. 61A-61D, respectively, and which are also be referred to
generically and/or collectively as "the holding elements 1648"),
that are disposed on and/or extend from a surface of the support
portion 1616 that faces the actuators 1640. The holding elements
1648 can be configured to engage the actuators 1640 and/or the
retention members 1646 to retain the relative position of the
actuators 1640 and the housing 1604, which in turn retains the
positioning of the clasps of the prosthetic spacer device.
[0322] FIG. 61A shows an exemplary holding element 1648a. The
holding element 1648a comprises a projection or ridge that extends
toward and/or or engages the retention members 1646 of the
actuators 1640. Thus, in order for the actuators 1640 to move
relative to the housing 1604, the retention members 1646 have to be
moved over the holding element 1648a. As the retention members 1646
move over the holding element 1648a, the clasp tubes 1648 are
pushed slightly off-axis relative to the control lumens of the
housing, thus increasing the frictional engagement between the
control lumens and the clasp tubes 1638. This in turn makes it
relatively more difficult to move the actuators 1640 relative to
the housing 1604. To open the clasps on the prosthetic spacer
device, the actuators 1640 are moved to a proximal-most position
(as shown in FIG. 61A). The engagement of the retention members
1646 with the holding element 1648a resists movement of the
actuators 1640 under the tensile force of the clasps, thereby
retaining the clasps in their open position. To close the clasps,
the user can push the actuators 1640 distally (to the left in FIG.
61A) with sufficient force to push the retention members 1646 over
the holding element 1648a. If desired, the user can slightly lift
the actuators away from the support portion 1616 while pushing them
distally to allow the retention members 1646 to clear the holding
element 1648a.
[0323] FIG. 61B shows another exemplary holding element 1648b,
which can be used, for example, in lieu of the holding element
1648a. The holding element 1648b has a relatively gradual-sloped
distal portion and a relatively steep-sloped proximal portion. The
steep-sloped proximal portion of the holding element 1648b can act
as a lock to selectively hold the retention members 1646 (and thus
the actuators 1640) in the proximal-most position. The actuators
1640 can be moved from the proximal-most position by applying
sufficient distal force (and/or vertical force) on actuators 1640
so that the retention members 1646 "climb" the steep-sloped
proximal portion of the holding element 1648b and move onto the
gradual-sloped distal portion of the holding element 1648b. Once
the retention members 1648 pass the apex of the holding element
1648b, the actuators tend to move relatively easily in the distal
direction due to the gradual-sloped distal portion (and the tension
on the clasp control members 524). The actuators 1640 can be moved
to the proximal-most position by moving the actuators 1640
proximally with sufficient force for the retention members 1646 to
"climb" the gradual-sloped distal portion of the holding element
1648b and move onto the steep-sloped proximal portion of the
holding element 1648b. Since the gradual-sloped portion is less
abrupt than the steep-sloped portion, the force needed to move the
actuators 1640 proximally over the distal portion of the holding
element 1648b is relatively less noticeable (i.e., seems easier) to
a user than the force needed to move the actuators 1640 distally of
the proximal portion of the holding element 1648b. This is in
contrast to the holding element 1648a shown in FIG. 61A, which has
similar slopes on the proximal and distal sides of the holding
element 1648a.
[0324] FIG. 61C shows another exemplary holding element 1648c,
which can be used, for example, in lieu of the holding elements
1648a, 1648b. The holding element 1648c has a relatively
gradual-sloped distal portion and a relatively steep-sloped
proximal portion. The proximal portion of the holding element 1648c
has a slope that is substantially similar to the slope of the
proximal portion of the holding element 1648b (FIG. 61B). The
distal portion of the holding element 1648c has a slope that is
even more gradual than the slope of the distal portion of the
holding element 1648b shown in FIG. 61B.
[0325] FIG. 61D shows yet another exemplary holding element 1648d,
which can be used, for example, in lieu of the holding elements
1648a, 1648b, 1648c. The holding element 1648d has a vertically
extending wall or lip on the proximal side and a relatively
steep-sloped portion on the distal side. As such, to move the
actuators 1640 distally, a user can lift and move the actuators
1640 distally over the holding element 1648d to allow the clasps to
move from their open configuration toward the closed configuration.
In this manner, the vertical lip of the holding element 1648d can
reduce the likelihood that the actuators are inadvertently moved
distally compared to the holding elements 1684a, 1684b, and/or
1684c.
[0326] In some embodiments, the holding elements 1648 can be
configured and/or positioned to retain the actuators 1640 near the
proximal end of the support portion 1616. This can, for example,
help to retain the clasps of the prosthetic spacer device in the
open configuration.
[0327] In certain embodiments, the support portion 1616 can have a
plurality of holding elements 1648 at various locations along the
length of the support portion. For example, a first holding element
can be positioned near the proximal end of the support portion
(e.g., to hold the actuators 1640 in a proximal-most position to
hold the clasps in their open configuration), and a second holding
element can be positioned near the distal end of the support
portion (e.g., to hold the actuators in a distal-most position to
the hold the claps in their closed configuration).
[0328] FIGS. 62-75 show an exemplary embodiment of a handle 1700
and it components. The handle 1700 can be used, for example, with
the third catheter 508 of the delivery apparatus 502 in lieu of the
handle 522 to position, secure, and/or deploy a prosthetic spacer
device. Referring to FIG. 62, the handle 1700 has five main
components: a connection member (which can also be referred to as a
strain relief) 1702, a housing 1704, an anchor actuation mechanism
1706, a clasp actuation mechanism 1708, and a flushing mechanism
1710 (which is partially shown in FIG. 63).
[0329] The handle 1700 is configured and functions in a manner that
is generally similar to the handles 1500, 1600. The anchor
actuation mechanism 1706 of the handle 1700 is configured to allow
a user to actuate anchors of a prosthetic spacer device (e.g., the
anchors 204 of the prosthetic spacer device 200) by either
pushing/pulling an actuation knob 1712 of the anchor actuation
mechanism 1706 while pressing a mode selector button 1714 or by
rotating the actuation knob 1712 without pressing the mode selector
button 1714. In this manner, the anchor actuation mechanism 1706
provides hybrid anchor actuation (e.g., similar to the handle
1600).
[0330] The housing 1704 of the handle 1700 can include a main body
portion 1716 and a support portion 1718. The distal end of the main
body 1716 can be coupled to the connection member 1702 and/or the
outer shaft 520. The main body 1716 can have a first portion 1716a
(i.e., the upper portion in the orientation shown in FIG. 62) and a
second portion 1716b (i.e., the lower portion in the orientation
shown in FIG. 62). The support portion 1718 can extend from the
proximal end of the main body 1716 (e.g., from the second portion
1716b of the main body 1716). The support portion 1718 can have a
first portion 1718a (i.e., the upper portion in the orientation
shown in FIG. 62) and a second portion 1718b (i.e., the lower
portion in the orientation shown in FIG. 62).
[0331] In some embodiments, one or more portions of the main body
1716 and/or one or more portions of the support portion 1720 can be
integrally formed (e.g., molded) as a single unitary component or
formed as separate components that are coupled together (e.g., with
fasteners, frictional engagement (e.g., tabs), adhesive, welding,
and/or other means for fastening). For example, as shown in FIGS.
62-63, the second portions 1716b, 1718b of the main body 1716 and
the support portion 1718 can be integrally formed, the first and
second portions 1716a, 1716b of the main body 1716 can be coupled
together with fasteners (e.g., screws 1720), and the first and
second portions 1718a, 1718b of the support portion 1718 can be
coupled together with fasteners (e.g., screws 1720). In other
embodiments, the first and second portions 1716a, 1716b of the main
body 1716 can be integrally formed.
[0332] Referring to FIGS. 64-65, the handle 1700 can further
comprise various components that are disposed within and/or coupled
to the housing 1704. For example, in some embodiments, the handle
1700 can optionally include a coupling member 1722, a stabilizer
member 1724, and/or a shaft guide member 1726.
[0333] Referring to FIGS. 66-67, the coupling member 1722 can have
a shaft portion 1728, a flange portion 1730 extending radially
outwardly from the shaft portion 1728, and a lumen 1732 extending
axially through the shaft portion 1728 from distal end to a
proximal end of the coupling member 1722. In some embodiments, the
shaft portion 1728 can have projection or ridge 1734 that extends
radially outwardly.
[0334] As shown FIG. 64, the connection member 1702 can extend
partially over the shaft portion 1728 of the coupling member 1722
and the ridge 1734 can help prevent relative movement therebetween.
The flange portion 1730 can be configured for connecting the
coupling member 1722 to the housing 1704 (e.g., with a fastener
1736). The outer shaft 520 can extend into the distal end portion
of the lumen 1732, and the actuation shaft 512 and the clasp
control members 524 can extend from the proximal end of the outer
shaft 520 and lumen 1730.
[0335] In certain embodiments, the coupling member 1722 can have a
divider 1738 that divides the lumen 1732 into a plurality of
segments. The divider 1738 can be disposed in a proximal end
portion of the lumen 1732. In the illustrated embodiment, the
divider 1738 is generally "Y"-shaped and thus divides the lumen
1732 into three segments 1732a, 1732b, 1732c. For example, the
segment 1732a can be configured for receiving one of the clasp
control members 524, the segment 1732b can be configured for
receiving another of the clasp control members 524, and the segment
1732c can be configured for receiving the actuation shaft 512.
[0336] In particular embodiments, the divider 1738 can be
configured to orient the outer shaft 520 (and thus the prosthetic
spacer device which is coupled to the distal end portion of the
outer shaft 520) relative to the coupling member 1722 (and thus the
handle 1700) at a pre-determined rotational orientation. This can
be accomplished by positioning an axis 1733 of the divider 1738 at
an angle .theta. relative to an axis 1735 of the coupling member
1722. The angle .theta. between the axes 1733, 1735 can in the
range of 0-360 degrees. In certain embodiments, the angle .theta.
between the axes 1733, 1735 can in the range of 15-90 degrees. In
one particular embodiment, the angle .theta. between the axes 1733,
1735 can about 45 degrees. The coupling member 1722 can be coupled
to the outer shaft of the third catheter by aligning pairs of the
clasp control lumens of the outer shaft (see e.g., the lumens
1304a-1304d of the outer shaft 1300 shown in FIG. 41) with
respective segments 1732a, 1732b of the coupling member 1722. The
coupling member 1722 together with the outer shaft can be coupled
to the shaft guide member 1726 and the housing 1704. Because the
coupling member 1722 can only be coupled to the shaft guide member
1726 and the housing 1704 in one rotational orientation (e.g., due
to its asymmetrical shape), the rotational orientation of the
coupling member 1722 thus determines the rotational orientation of
the outer shaft relative to the handle 1700.
[0337] The pre-determined orientation between the outer shaft and
the handle 1700 can, for example, be selected (e.g., via the angle
.theta.) to rotationally align the prosthetic spacer device
relative to the native anatomy when the prosthetic spacer device is
coupled to the outer shaft 520 and advanced through a patient's
vasculature to an implantation location. For example, for a
delivery assembly (e.g., the prosthetic spacer device 200 and
delivery apparatus 502 with the handle 1700) that is configured for
implanting a prosthetic spacer device at a patient's native mitral
valve via a transseptal delivery approach, the divider 1738 can be
oriented with an angle .theta. that is about 45 degrees as shown in
FIG. 67. When oriented in this manner, the prosthetic spacer device
will be oriented relative to the native anatomy such that the
anchors of the prosthetic spacer device are at least substantially
rotationally aligned with the native leaflets of the mitral valve
when the prosthetic spacer device is deployed from the sheath 518
and positioned coaxially to the mitral valve (see, e.g., FIGS.
20-23) and the handle 1700 is rotationally oriented such that the
clasp actuation mechanism is facing upwardly (e.g., in the
orientation shown in FIG. 62).
[0338] This can, for example, reduce the time a physician spends
aligning the prosthetic spacer device during the implantation
procedure. It can also improve efficiency and precision of the
manufacturing process by reducing the amount of guesswork that is
needed to orient the outer shaft 520 relative to the coupling
member 1722.
[0339] The divider 1738 can also improve hemostatic sealing between
the outer shaft 520 and the handle 1700, for example, by reducing
leakage at the joints of sleeves 1740 (FIG. 65) (through which the
clasp control members 524 extend) and the outer shaft 520.
[0340] As shown in FIG. 65, the stabilizer member 1724 can be
coupled to a distal end portion of the shaft guide member 1726,
such as by fasteners, adhesive, and/or other coupling means (e.g.,
tabs 1739). The stabilizer member 1724 can include a support
portion 1741 that is spaced between the proximal end of the outer
shaft 520 (FIG. 64) and a port 1743 in the distal end portion of
the shaft guide member 1726. The stabilizer member 1724 can also
include an opening 1742 through which the actuation shaft 512 and
its sleeve 1744 can extend. In this manner, the stabilizer member
1724 can, for example, support the portions of the actuation shaft
512 and the sleeve 1744 that are disposed between the outer shaft
520 and the shaft guide member 1726. As such, the stabilizer member
1724 can, for example, reduce buckling or kinking of the actuation
shaft 512 when actuating the anchor actuation mechanism 1706. This
in turn improves the functionality and/or reliability of the anchor
actuation mechanism 1706 and thus anchor actuation of the
prosthetic spacer device.
[0341] It should be noted that the stabilizer member 1724 and the
divider 1738 are not shown in FIG. 64 in order to better illustrate
other components of the handle 1700.
[0342] The shaft guide member 1726 can include clasp control lumens
1746 (e.g., two in the illustrated embodiment), an actuation shaft
lumen 1748, and a flushing lumen 1750. The clasp control members
524 can extend through the clasp control lumens 1746 and can be
coupled to the clasp control mechanism 1708. The actuation shaft
512 can extend through the actuation shaft lumen 1748 and can be
coupled to the anchor actuation mechanism 1706. The flushing lumen
1750 can be coupled to a first portion 1752 of a flushing tube
(FIG. 64) and a second portion 1754 of the flushing tube (FIG. 63)
of the flushing mechanism 1710 (FIG. 63).
[0343] The anchor actuation mechanism 1706 can be coupled to the
actuation shaft 512. As mentioned above, the anchor actuation
mechanism 1706 of the handle 1700 is configured to allow a user to
actuate the actuation shaft 512 and thus the anchors of the
prosthetic spacer device by either pushing/pulling the actuation
knob 1712 of the anchor actuation mechanism 1706 while pressing the
mode selector button 1714 or by rotating the actuation knob 1712
without pressing the mode selector button 1714.
[0344] Referring to FIG. 62 and beginning at the proximal end
portion and moving toward the distal end portion of the handle
1700, the anchor actuation mechanism 1706 can include a release
knob 1756, the actuation knob 1712, a drive shaft 1758, the mode
selector button 1714, and a release pin 1760. Referring to FIGS.
68-69, the anchor actuation mechanism 1706 (FIG. 62) can also
include distal and proximal actuation sleeves 1762, 1764,
respectively, and a ferrule 1766 coupled to and extending between
the sleeves 1762, 1764. As shown in FIG. 69, the actuation shaft
512 can extend though and be fixedly coupled to the sleeves 1762,
1764 and the ferrule 1766. In this manner, the actuation shaft 512,
the sleeves 1762, 1764, and the ferrule 1766 move together both
axially and rotationally. Referring to FIG. 75, the anchor
actuation mechanism 1706 can also include a bushing 1768. The
components and operation of the actuation mechanism are further
described below.
[0345] Referring again to FIG. 62, a proximal end portion 1758a of
the drive shaft 1758 can be disposed outside of the housing 1704,
and the actuation knob 1712 can be fixedly coupled thereto. The
drive shaft 1758 can extend through a proximal opening 1770 of the
housing 1704. Referring now to FIG. 75, the drive shaft 1758 can
extend through an opening of the mode selector button 1714 (not
shown, but see, e.g., the opening 1574 of the mode selector button
1546 shown in FIG. 52) and through an opening 1772 of the bushing
1768. The distal end portion 1758b of the drive shaft 1758 can be
coupled to the bushing 1768 such that the drive shaft 1758 can
rotate relative to the bushing 1768 but cannot move axially
relative to the bushing 1768. This can be accomplished, for
example, by coupling the distal end portion 1758b of the drive
shaft 1758 to the bushing 1768 with fasteners (e.g., C-clips 1774)
on the distal and proximal sides of the bushing 1768.
[0346] As shown in FIG. 62, the drive shaft 1758 can comprise a
threaded portion 1776. The mode selector button 1714 (which is
movably coupled to the housing 1704) can comprise a threaded
portion configured to threadably engage the threaded portion 1776
of the drive shaft 1758 when the mode selector button 1714 is in a
first mode of operation. In the first mode of operation, the drive
shaft 1758 can be moved axially relative to the mode selector
button 1714 by rotating the actuation knob 1712 relative to the
housing 1704. In the illustrated embodiment, the threaded portions
of the drive shaft 1758 and the mode selector button 1714 are
"left-hand" threads. As such, rotating the drive shaft 1758
clockwise relative to the mode selector button portion 1714 moves
the drive shaft 1758 proximally relative to the housing 1704, and
rotating the drive shaft 1758 counterclockwise relative to the mode
selector button portion 1714 moves the drive shaft 1758 distally
relative to the housing 1704. In other embodiments, the threaded
portions of the drive shaft 1758 and the mode selector button 1714
can be "right-hand" threads. In those embodiments, rotating the
drive shaft 1758 counterclockwise relative to the mode selector
button portion 1714 moves the drive shaft 1758 proximally relative
to the housing 1704, and rotating the drive shaft 1758 clockwise
relative to the mode selector button portion 1714 moves the drive
shaft 1758 distally relative to the housing 1704.
[0347] The mode selector button 1714 can also comprise a
non-threaded portion configured to engage the drive shaft 1758 when
the mode selector button 1714 is in a second mode of operation. In
the second mode of operation, the drive shaft 1758 can be moved
axially relative to the mode selector button 1714 by pushing or
pulling the actuation knob 1712 relative to the housing 1704. The
mode selector button 1714 can be biased (e.g., with a biasing
member such as a spring) to either the first mode of operation or
the second mode of operation as the default mode of operation and
can be moved from the default mode of operation to the other mode
of operation by pressing the mode selector button 1714.
[0348] To help keep the drive shaft 1758 and the opening of the
mode selector button 1714 coaxial as the drive shaft 1758 moves
axially relative to the mode selector button 1714 in both the first
and second modes of operation, the bushing 1768 and the housing
1704 can comprise respective mating features. For example, in the
illustrated embodiment, the bushing 1768 comprises tabs or
projections 1778 that can be disposed in respective slots of the
housing 1704, as shown in FIG. 75. The tabs 1778 of the bushing
1768 and the slots of the housing 1704 allow the bushing 1768 and
thus the drive shaft 1758 to move axially relative to the housing
1704 and the mode selector button 1714 and prevent lateral (e.g.,
left/right in the orientation shown in FIG. 75) and vertical (e.g.,
up/down in the orientation shown in FIG. 75) movement therebetween.
As a result, the bushing 1768 helps to keep the drive shaft 1758
and the opening of the mode selector button 1714 coaxial.
Maintaining coaxiality can, for example, reduce or prevent the
drive shaft 1758 from binding relative to the mode selector button
1714 and/or promote smooth and controllable movement between the
components.
[0349] Referring to FIG. 62, the proximal end portion 512a (FIG.
15) of the actuation shaft 512 and/or the proximal sleeve 1764
(FIG. 69) can be fixedly secured (e.g., with a fastener, adhesive,
etc.) to the release knob 1756. As best shown in FIG. 71, the drive
shaft 1758 can have an axially extending lumen 1780 through which
the actuation shaft 512, the sleeves 1762, 1764, and the ferrule
1766 can extend. The lumen of the drive shaft 1758 can be sized
and/or configured such that the actuation shaft 512, the sleeves
1762, 1764, and the ferrule 1766 are movable (e.g., rotationally
and axially) relative to the drive shaft 1758. This can be
accomplished by forming the lumen 1780 of the drive shaft 1758 with
an at least slightly larger diameter than the diameter of the
actuation shaft 512, the sleeves 1762, 1764, and the ferrule 1766.
The proximal sleeve 1764 and the drive shaft 1758 can be sized such
that when the distal end portion of the release knob 1756 is
disposed adjacent or contacting the proximal end portion of the
actuation knob 1712 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 62), the ferrule 1766
(which is coupled to the distal end portion of the proximal sleeve
1764) is disposed adjacent the distal end portion 1758b of the
drive shaft 1758.
[0350] From the ferrule 1766, the distal sleeve 1762 and the
actuation shaft 512 can extend distally through the support portion
1718 of the housing 1704. As shown in FIGS. 64-65, the actuation
shaft 512 can extend distally through the actuation shaft lumen
1748 of the shaft guide member 1726 and into the sleeve 1744. The
sleeve 1744 and the actuation shaft 512 can exit the port 1743 of
the shaft guide member 1726, extend through the opening 1742 of the
stabilizer member 1724, and through the actuation shaft lumen 538
(FIG. 16) of the outer shaft 520. As shown in FIG. 12, the distal
end portion 512b of the actuation shaft 512 can extend distally
beyond the sleeve 1744 and the distal end portion 520b of the outer
shaft 520 and can be threadably coupled to the distal collar 208 of
the prosthetic spacer device 200.
[0351] With the actuation shaft 512 of the delivery apparatus 502
coupled to the distal collar 208 of the prosthetic spacer device
200, the actuation shaft 512 can be releasably coupled to the
anchor actuation mechanism 1706 via the release pin 1760. This can
be accomplished by inserting the release pin 1760 through a window
1782 of the support portion 1718 of the housing 1704 such that the
release pin 1760 engages the ferrule 1766, as shown in FIG. 62.
[0352] Referring to FIGS. 68-69, the release pin 1760 and the
ferrule 1766 can be configured so as to prevent relative movement
(e.g., rotational and/or axial movement) therebetween when the
release pin 1760 engages the ferrule 1766. For example, in some
embodiments, the ferrule 1766 can comprise a first recessed portion
1784 having a non-circular (e.g., rectangular, hexagonal, etc.)
cross-sectional profile taken in a plane perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis of the ferrule. The first recessed portion 1784
can, in some instances, be referred to as "a flat." The release pin
1760 can have a first pair of jaws 1786 defining a non-circular
first notch and configured for engaging a first recessed portion
1784 of the ferrule 1766. Engagement between the non-circular
surfaces of the release pin 1760 and the ferrule 1766 can prevent
relative rotational movement between the release pin 1760 and the
ferrule 1766. Engagement between the first pair of j aws 1786 and
shoulders 1788 of ferrule 1766 can prevent relative axial movement
between the release pin 1760 and the ferrule 1766.
[0353] Referring still to FIGS. 68-69, the ferrule 1766 can
optionally include a second recessed portion 1790 having a circular
cross-sectional profile taken in a plane perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis of the ferrule. The release pin 1760 can
optionally have a second pair of jaws 1792 defining a circular
second notch and configured for engaging the second recessed
portion 1790 of the ferrule 1766. Therefore, engagement between the
second pair of jaws 1792 and shoulders 1794 of ferrule 1766 can
prevent relative axial movement between the release pin 1760 and
the ferrule 1766. The circular configuration of the second recessed
portion 1790 and the second pair of jaws 1792 can, for example,
improve the ability of the release pin 1760 and/or the ferrule 1766
to bear an axial load because the surface area on which the second
pair of jaws 1792 contacts the shoulders 1794 of the ferrule 1766
is relatively larger than the surface area on which first pair of
jaws 1786 contacts the shoulders 1788 of the ferrule 1766.
[0354] The release pin 1760 can also prevent relative rotational
movement between the actuation shaft 512 and the housing 1704 when
the release pin is coupled to the ferrule 1766. This is because the
release pin 1760 is disposed in a slot 1796 of the support portion
1718 of the housing 1704 that is defined by surfaces 1798. If a
user tries to rotate the actuation shaft 512 via the release knob
1756, the release pin 1760 contacts the surfaces 1798 of the
housing 1704, which prevent the release pin 1760 rotating relative
to the housing 1704. Thus, when the release pin 1760 is coupled to
the ferrule 1766, the release pin 1760 prevents the release knob
1756 from being rotated relative to the housing 1704, which in turn
prevents the actuation shaft 512 from being released from the
prosthetic spacer device 200.
[0355] The release pin 1760 and the release knob 1756 prevent
relative axial movement between the actuation shaft 512 and the
drive shaft 1758 when the release pin 1760 is coupled to the
ferrule 1766. This is because the release knob 1756 (which is
coupled to the actuation shaft 512 via the proximal sleeve 1764)
contacts the proximal end portion 1758a of the drive shaft 1758,
thereby preventing the actuation shaft 512 from moving distally
relative to the drive shaft 1758, and because the release pin 1760
(which is coupled to the actuation shaft 512 via the ferrule 1766)
contacts the distal end portion 1758b of the drive shaft 1758,
thereby preventing the actuation shaft 512 from moving proximally
relative to the drive shaft 1758. As a result, the actuation shaft
512 moves axially with the drive shaft 1758 when the release pin
1760 is coupled to the ferrule 1766. Moving the drive shaft 1758
distally relative to the housing 1704 urges the distal end portion
1758b of the drive shaft 1758 against the release pin 1760 and thus
moves the actuation shaft 512 distally (e.g., to open the anchors
204 of the prosthetic spacer device 200). Moving the drive shaft
1758 proximally relative to the housing 1704 urges the proximal end
portion 1758a of the drive shaft 1758 against the release knob 1756
and thus moves the actuation shaft 512 proximally (e.g., to close
the anchors 204 of the prosthetic spacer device 200).
[0356] As the drive shaft 1758 and the actuation shaft 512 move
axially relative to the housing 1704, the release pin 1760 slides
axially within the slot 1796. In some embodiments, the release pin
1760 can be accessible to the user regardless of the axial position
of the release pin 1760 relative to the housing 1704. In such
embodiments, the user can remove the release pin 1760 from the
ferrule 1766 at any time, which allows the actuation shaft 512 to
move independently of the drive shaft 1758. This can be
accomplished, for example, by dimensioning the window 1782 in the
axial direction so that the release pin 1760 is accessible to the
user regardless of the axial position of the drive shaft 1758.
[0357] In other embodiments, the support portion 1718 of the
housing 1704 can be configured such that the release pin 1760 is
accessible to the user at one or more predetermined locations
relative to the housing 1704 and/or concealed from the user at one
or more other locations. For example, in the illustrated
embodiment, the release pin 1760 is accessible to the user (via the
window 1782 of the housing 1704) and therefore removable only when
the actuation shaft 512 (via the drive shaft 1758) are in one
predetermined location relative to the housing 1704, as shown in
FIG. 62. This is because the window 1782 is only slightly larger
than the release pin 1760. When the actuation shaft 512 is in other
axial positions relative to the housing 1704, the release pin 1760
is not aligned with the window 1782 and thus concealed from the
user by the housing 1704, as shown in FIGS. 70-71. In some
embodiments, the predetermined location in which the release pin
1760 is accessible to the user can correspond to the proximal-most
position of the drive shaft 1758. This position of the drive shaft
corresponds to the position of the actuation shaft 512 that places
the anchors 204 of the prosthetic spacer device 200 in the fully
closed configuration (e.g., FIG. 25). In such embodiments, the
housing 1704 therefore acts as an additional safeguard to reduce
the likelihood that the user will release the actuation shaft 512
from the prosthetic spacer device 200 (by pulling the release pin
1760 and rotating the release knob 1756) before the anchors 204 of
the prosthetic spacer device 200 are secured to the native leaflets
of the patient's heart.
[0358] Referring to FIG. 72, the clasp actuation mechanism 1708 can
include one or more clasp actuators 1701, one or more clasp tubes
1703, and one or more locking members 1705 (e.g., stopcocks). For
example, in the illustrated embodiment, there are two of each of
the clasp actuators 1701, the clasp tubes 1703, and the locking
members 1705. These respective components are individually referred
to as "17XXa" or "17XXb" (e.g., a first clasp actuator 1701a and a
second clasp actuator 1701b) and collectively as "17XX" (e.g., the
clasp actuators 1701). As best shown in FIG. 62, distal end
portions of the clasp tubes 1703 can be movably coupled to the
shaft guide member 1726 (FIG. 64) and extend proximally from the
main body 1716 of the housing 1704 generally parallel to the
support portion 1718 of the housing 1704. The clasp actuators 1701
can be fixedly coupled to proximal end portions of the clasp tubes
1703. The locking members 1705 can be fixedly coupled to the clasp
actuators 1701.
[0359] Referring to FIG. 72 and FIGS. 64-65, each of the clasp
control members 524 (only one shown in FIG. 72 in order to show
other features of the clasp actuators 1701) can form a loop that
extends through from a respective clasp actuator 1701, through a
respective locking member 1705, through a lumen (not shown) of the
clasp actuator 1701, through a respective clasp tube 1703, through
a respective clasp control lumen 1746 of the shaft guide member
1726, through a respective sleeve 1740, through a respective lumen
540 (FIG. 16) of the outer shaft 520, through an opening 238 (FIG.
15) of a respective clasp 206 of the prosthetic spacer device 200,
and then return back to the clasp actuator 1701 following the same
general path but in reverse order (though the ends of each clasp
control member 524 passes through a different lumen 540 of the
outer shaft 520, as further described above).
[0360] The locking members 1705 can be used to secure the clasp
control members 524 and their tension relative to the clasp
actuation mechanism 1708. As such, moving the clasp actuators
distally decreases tension on the clasp control members 524 (which
closes the clasps 206 of the prosthetic spacer device 200), and
moving the clasp actuators proximally increases tension on the
clasp control members 524 (which opens the clasps 206 of the
prosthetic spacer device 200).
[0361] Referring to FIG. 70, the clasp actuators 1701 can also
include retention members 1709 that are configured to engage
holding elements 1711 disposed on the support portion 1718 of the
housing 1704. The retention members 1709 and the holding elements
1711 can be configured to selectively retain the clasp actuators
1701 in the proximal position, which corresponds to the open
position of the clasps 206 of the prosthetic spacer device 200.
These features can help prevent the clasps 206 from inadvertently
closing, for example, due to the tension on the clasp control
members 524 caused by the bias of the clasps 206 toward closed
position which may cause the clasp actuators 1701 to move distally
or due to a user accidentally pushing the clasp actuators 1701
distally.
[0362] The first and second clasp actuators 1701a, 1701b can be
selectively coupled together (e.g., with the pin 1713) such that
the clasp actuators can be moved together (e.g., when the pin 1709
is inserted through the clasp actuators) or individually (e.g.,
when the pin 1709 is removed from the clasp actuators).
[0363] In some embodiments, the support portion 1718 of the housing
1704 can also have a stopper 1715 disposed at the proximal end of
the support portion 1718, as shown in FIG. 70. The stopper 1715
can, for example, limit movement of the clasp actuators 1701 in the
proximal direction. Referring to FIG. 72, in certain embodiments,
the stopper 1715 can have an opening 1717 formed therein. The
opening 1717 can be configured for receiving and storing the pin
1713 when the pin 1713 is removed from the clasp actuators 1701
(e.g., for individual clasp actuation).
[0364] The clasp actuators 1701 can also include one or more
optional features configured for securing the ends of the clasp
control members 524 to the clasp actuators 1701 and/or for
releasing the ends of the clasp control members 524 from the clasp
actuators 1701.
[0365] For example, as shown in FIG. 72, each clasp actuator 1701
can have one or more ridges 1719 with notches 1721 formed therein
and/or one or more bosses 1731 with channels extending
therethrough. One end of the clasp control members 524 can extend
from a respective locking member 1705, through a channel of the
boss 1731, and through the notches 1721. In this manner, the
channel and the notches 1721 can act as guides for the clasp
control members 524. This can, for example, reduce the likelihood
that the clasp control members 524 will become entangled with
another component of the handle 1700 (e.g., the locking members
1705). Each clasp actuator 1701 can also have a plurality of
spaced-apart openings 1723 (e.g., two in the illustrated
embodiment) with a post 1707 therebetween. In this manner, one end
of each of the clasp control members 524 can be wrapped around and
secured (e.g., tied) to the post 1707 of a respective clasp
actuators 1701.
[0366] The other end of each of the clasp control members 524 can
extend from a respective locking member 1705 and can be coupled
(e.g., tied) to the pin 1713. Each of the clasp actuators 1701 can
have an access point (e.g., a slot 1725) for accessing a respective
clasp control member 524 in order to release it from the clasp
actuator 1701. The access point can be disposed between the
coupling location (e.g., the openings 1723) and the locking member
1705. As a result, the slot 1725 can, for example, provide a
location in which the user can access and cut the clasp control
member 524 with a cutting tool such as a scalpel.
[0367] The clasp control members 524 can be secured to the clasp
actuators 1701 and/or the pin 1713 in various other ways, such as
with adhesive, clips, knots, and/or other securing means.
[0368] It should be noted only one clasp control member 524 (which
is coupled to the clasp actuator 1701a) is shown in FIG. 72. This
is to better illustrate the ridges 1719, notches 1721, openings
1723, and slots 1725 of the clasp actuator 1701b, which can also
have another clasp control member 524 coupled to and extending
therethrough.
[0369] FIGS. 73-75 show an exemplary embodiment of a clasp
positioning tool 1800 being used, optionally, with the handle 1700.
The clasp positioning tool 1800 can be used, for example, to
position a clasp actuation mechanism of a handle at a predetermined
position relative to an anchor actuation mechanism of the handle
while a user removes slack and sets the tension in clasp control
members. As such, the clasp positioning tool 1800 can help to
ensure consistent and precise tension in the clasp control
members.
[0370] Although the clasp positioning tool 1800 described herein as
being used with the handle 1700, the clasp positioning tool 1800
can be used and/or adapted for use with various other handles
(including the handles 522, 700, 1500, and/or 1600) and/or the
handles can be adapted for use with the clasp positioning tool
1800.
[0371] Referring to FIG. 73, the clasp positioning tool 1800 can
include a main body 1802 and one or more projections 1804 (e.g.,
two in the illustrated embodiment) extending from the main body
1802. Generally speaking, the main body 1802 can be configured for
releasably coupling the clasp positioning tool 1800 to the housing
1704 and for positioning the anchor actuation mechanism 1706
relative to the housing 1704, and the projections 1804 can be
configured for releasably coupling the clasp positioning tool 1800
to the clasp actuation mechanism 1708 and for positioning the clasp
actuation mechanism 1708 relative to the housing 1704.
[0372] The main body 1802 of the clasp positioning tool 1800 can
comprise a first opening 1806 formed in a side portion and a second
opening 1808 formed in a proximal end portion. The first opening
1806 can be configured to provide access to the mode selector
button 1714 of the handle 1700, as shown in FIG. 74. The second
opening 1808 can be configured such that the drive shaft 1758 of
the anchor actuation mechanism 1706 can extend therethrough and
such that the actuation knob 1712 cannot extend therethrough, as
also shown in FIG. 74. In this manner, the main body 1802 can limit
movement of the actuation shaft 1758 in the distal direction when
the actuation knob 1712 abuts the proximal end of the main body
1802 adjacent the second opening 1808.
[0373] Referring again to FIG. 73, the main body 1802 can include a
lip or shoulder 1810 that is spaced from the proximal end of the
main body 1802. The lip or shoulder 1810 can be configured to
engage the proximal end of the support portion 1718 of the housing
1704. Accordingly, the lip 1810 can limit movement of the clasp
positioning tool 1800 relative to the housing 1704 in the distal
direction.
[0374] Referring to FIG. 75, the main body 1802 can also have one
or more flange portions 1812 that extend radially inwardly. The
flange portions 1812 can be configured for releasably coupling the
clasp positioning tool 1800 to the handle 1700, as further
described below.
[0375] The projections 1804 can extend outwardly (e.g., vertically
in the orientation shown in FIG. 75) from the flange portions 1812
of the main body 1802. The projections 1804 can be configured to
extend into openings 1727 of the locking members 1705 of the clasp
actuation mechanism 1708. In this manner, the projections 1804 can
limit movement of the clasp actuators 1701 relative to the housing
1704 in distal direction.
[0376] To provide access to the openings 1727 of the locking
members 1705 of the handle 1700, the support portion 1718 of the
housing 1704 can have recesses 1729 formed therein, as best shown
in FIG. 63. The recesses 1729 can be axially aligned with the
window 1782 of the housing 1704.
[0377] The clasp positioning tool 1800 can be coupled to the handle
1700 by axially aligning the openings 1727 (FIG. 63) of the locking
members 1705 with the recesses 1729 of the housing 1704 and by
moving the actuation mechanism 1706 distally such that the release
pin 1760 is not aligned with the window 1782 of the housing 1704,
as shown in FIG. 73. The projections 1804 of the clasp positioning
tool 1800 can then be inserted into the openings 1727, as shown in
FIG. 74. The clasp positioning tool 1800 can be secured or locked
to the handle 1700 (e.g., for shipping) by moving the actuation
mechanism 1706 proximally such that the release pin 1760 is aligned
with the window 1782 of the housing 1704 and thus with the flanges
1812 of the clasp positioning tool 1800, as shown in FIG. 73. In
the locked configuration, the release pin 1760 prevents the clasp
positioning tool 1800 from being removed from the openings 1727 of
the locking members 1705 because the release pin 1760 obstructs one
of the recesses 1729 of the housing 1704 and contacts one of the
flanges 1812 of the clasp positioning tool 1800. Although not
shown, when the actuation knob 1712 is aligned with the window
1782, the actuation knob 1712 is spaced from the proximal end of
the clasp positioning tool 1800.
[0378] As mentioned above, the handle 1700 can be a part of a
delivery apparatus (e.g., the delivery apparatus 502, 1404), which,
together with a prosthetic spacer device (e.g., the prosthetic
spacer device 200, 1402), can form at least part of a delivery
assembly. An exemplary method of assembling the delivery assembly
and using the handle 1700 and the clasp positioning tool 1800 are
described below.
[0379] The clasp control members 524 of the delivery apparatus 502
can be coupled to the clasps 206 of the prosthetic spacer device
200 by looping the clasp control members 524 through the openings
234 of the clasps 206 (see FIG. 15). The clasp control members 524
can be secured to the handle 1700 via the locking member 1705 and
the clasp actuators 1701 (see FIG. 72). At this point, the clasps
206 of the prosthetic spacer device 200 can be opened and closed by
moving the clasp actuators 1701 proximally and distally,
respectively. The outer shaft 520 of delivery apparatus 502 can be
coupled to the proximal collar 210 of the prosthetic spacer device
200 via the coupler 514 and actuation shaft 512 of the delivery
apparatus (see FIGS. 12-14). The actuation shaft 512 of the
delivery apparatus 502 can be coupled to the distal collar 208 of
the prosthetic spacer device 200 by inserting the distal end
portion 512b of the actuation shaft 512 into the bore 226 of the
distal collar 208 and rotating the release knob 1756 in a first
direction (e.g., clockwise) relative to the prosthetic spacer
device 200 (see FIGS. 14 and 62). At this point, the anchors 204 of
the prosthetic spacer device 200 can be opened and closed by moving
the release knob 1756 distally and proximally, respectively.
[0380] With the delivery apparatus 502 and the prosthetic spacer
device 200 releasably coupled together, the actuation shaft 512 can
be releasably coupled to the anchor actuation mechanism 1706 of the
handle 1700. This can be accomplished, for example, with at least
some of the following acts. The actuation knob 1712 can be
positioned such that the distal end portion 1758b of the drive
shaft 1758 is disposed proximal relative to the window 1782 of the
housing 1704 (see FIG. 62). This can be achieved by rotating the
actuation knob 1712 in the first direction (e.g., clockwise)
relative to the housing 1704 and/or by pressing the mode selector
button 1714 and moving the actuation knob 1712 proximally relative
to the housing 1704. The ferrule 1766 (which is coupled to the
actuation shaft 512 and the release knob 1756) can be exposed from
the lumen 1780 of the drive shaft 1758 and axially aligned with the
window 1782 of the housing 1704 by positioning the distal end of
the release knob 1756 adjacent the proximal end of the actuation
knob 1712. With the drive shaft 1758 and the ferrule 1766 in this
position, the release pin 1760 can be coupled to the ferrule 1766
by inserting the release pin 1760 through the window 1782 of the
housing 1704 (see FIG. 62) and urging the jaws 1786, 1792 of the
release pin 1760 over the respective recessed portions 1784, 1790
of the ferrule 1766 (see FIG. 68). With the release pin 1760
coupled to the ferrule 1766, the actuation shaft 512 (and thus the
anchors 204 of the prosthetic spacer device 200) moves axially with
the drive shaft 1758 of the anchor actuation mechanism 1706.
[0381] Once the actuation shaft 512 is coupled to the anchor
actuation mechanism 1706, rotating the actuation knob 1712 in a
second direction (e.g., counterclockwise) relative to the housing
1704 and/or pressing the mode selector button 1714 and moving the
actuation knob 1712 distally relative to the housing 1704 results
in the anchors 204 moving toward the open configuration (see FIG.
20). Rotating the actuation knob 1712 in the first direction (e.g.,
clockwise) relative to the housing 1704 and/or by pressing the mode
selector button 1714 and moving the actuation knob 1712 proximally
relative to the housing 1704 results in the anchors 204 moving
toward the closed position (see FIG. 25).
[0382] The clasp positioning tool 1800 can be coupled and secured
to the handle 1700 as described above (see FIGS. 73-75). An
assembly comprising the delivery apparatus, the prosthetic spacer
device, and the clasp positioning tool 1800 can be packaged and/or
delivered to a user in this configuration.
[0383] To prepare the delivery assembly for implantation, the user
can remove slack and/or adjust the tension of the clasp control
members 524 with the clasp positioning tool 1800. This can be
accomplished by moving the drive shaft 1758 of the handle 1700
distally from proximal-most position (which is used to secure the
clasp positioning tool 1800 to the handle 1700 due to the release
pin 1760 axially aligning with the flange 1812 of the clasp
positioning tool 1800 until the distal end of the actuation knob
1712 contacts the proximal end of the clasp positioning tool 1800.
This can be accomplished by rotating the actuation knob 1712 in the
second direction (e.g., counterclockwise) relative to the housing
1704 and/or pressing the mode selector button 1714 and moving the
actuation knob 1712 distally relative to the housing 1704. This
moves the anchors 204 of the prosthetic spacer device 200 from the
fully closed configuration (e.g., FIG. 25) to an at least partially
open configuration (e.g., FIG. 23). With the anchors 204 in this
position, the user can open the locking members 1705 of the clasp
actuation mechanism 1708 and remove slack and/or otherwise adjust
the tension of the clasp control members 524. The users can then
retain the desired tension on the clasp control members 524 by
closing the locking members 1705, which prevents the clasp control
members 524 from moving relative to the clasp actuation mechanism
1708 of the handle 1700. Both of the first end portions of the
clasp control members 524 can then be coupled (e.g., tied) to the
pin 1713 of the clasp actuation mechanism 1708 (see FIG. 72). Each
of the second end portions of the clasp control members 524 can be
coupled to a respective clasp actuator 1701 by positioning the
clasp control member 524 in the notches 1721, looping the clasp
control member 524 through openings 1723, and tying the clasp
control member 524 to itself. Securing the end portions of the
clasp control members 524 can, for example, reduce the risk that
the clasp control members 524 will be released from the clasps 206
even if the locking members 1705 are opened. Separating the ends of
each clasp control member 524 from each other (i.e., by tying one
end to the clasp actuators 1701 and the other end to the pin 1713),
can make it easier to cut the clasp control members 524 (e.g.,
during the release procedure).
[0384] The clasp positioning tool 1800 can be removed from the
handle 1700 by withdrawing the projections 1804 of the clasp
positioning tool 1800 from the openings 1727 of the handle 1700 and
by removing the main body 1802 from the housing 1704 of the handle
1700.
[0385] The flushing mechanism 1710 can be used to flush the
delivery assembly (e.g., with a saline solution).
[0386] The prosthetic spacer device 200 can be positioned in the
delivery configuration by moving the actuation knob 1712 and the
clasp actuators 1701 to the distal-most position. This elongates
the anchors 204 and closes the clasps 206 (see FIG. 20).
[0387] The prosthetic spacer device 200, which is coupled to the
third catheter 508 (FIG. 11), can be inserted through the first and
second catheters 504, 506 (see FIG. 11) and positioned adjacent an
implantation location (see FIG. 20). The catheters 504, 506, 508
(including the handle 1700) can be used to position the prosthetic
spacer device 200 relative to native heart valve leaflets (see
FIGS. 20-22).
[0388] At the implantation location, the anchor actuation mechanism
1706 of the handle 1700 can be used to manipulate the anchors 204
of the prosthetic spacer device 200 between the elongate, delivery
configuration (e.g. FIG. 20), a positioning configuration (e.g.,
FIG. 22), and a leaflet-capture configuration (e.g., FIG. 23).
Rotating the actuation knob 1712 in the first direction (e.g.,
clockwise) relative to the housing 1704 and/or pressing the mode
selector button 1714 and moving the actuation knob 1712 proximally
relative to the housing 1704 closes the anchors 204, and rotating
the actuation knob 1712 in the second direction (e.g.,
counterclockwise) relative to the housing 1704 and/or pressing the
mode selector button 1714 and moving the actuation knob 1712
distally relative to the housing 1704 opens the anchors 204.
[0389] With the anchors 206 of the prosthetic spacer device 200
positioned behind respective native leaflets, the clasp actuation
mechanism 1708 of the handle 1700 can be used to manipulate the
clasps 206 of the prosthetic spacer device 200 between the closed
configuration (e.g., FIGS. 20-22 shows the clasps 206 in the closed
configuration) and the open configuration (e.g., FIG. 23 shows the
clasps 206 in the open configuration) to capture the native
leaflets within a respective clasp 206. Moving the clasp actuators
1701 proximally relative to the housing 1704 opens the clasps 206
of the prosthetic spacer device 200. Moving the clasp actuators
1701 distally relative to the housing 1704 closes the clasps 206 of
the prosthetic spacer device 200. Positioning the clasp actuators
1701 such that the retention members 1709 of the clasp actuators
1701 are disposed proximally relative to the holding elements 1711
of the housing 1704 retains the clasp actuators 1701 in the
proximal-most position, which retains the clasps 206 of the
prosthetic spacer device 200 in the open configuration. Lifting the
clasp actuators 1701 over the holding elements 1711 of the housing
1704 and moving the clasp actuators 1701 from the proximal-most
position allows the clasp actuators 1701 to move freely relative to
the housing, which allows opening and closing of the clasps 206 of
the prosthetic spacer device 200. Both clasps 206 of the prosthetic
spacer device 200 can manipulated simultaneously when the clasp
actuators 1701 are coupled together by the pin 1713 (FIG. 72). Each
clasp 206 of the prosthetic spacer device 200 can be manipulated
independently when the pin 1713 is removed from the clasp actuators
1701.
[0390] Once the native leaflets are captured within respective
clasps 206 of the prosthetic spacer device 200, the anchor
actuation mechanism 1706 of the handle 1700 can be used to
manipulate the anchors 204 of the prosthetic spacer device 200 from
the leaflet-capture configuration (e.g., FIGS. 23-24) to a closed
configuration (e.g., FIG. 25). This can be accomplished by rotating
the actuation knob 1712 in the first direction (e.g., clockwise)
relative to the housing 1704 and/or pressing the mode selector
button 1714 and moving the actuation knob 1712 proximally relative
to the housing 1704. This in turn draws the native leaflets
inwardly toward the spacer member 202 of the prosthetic spacer
device 200, as shown in FIG. 25.
[0391] The user can re-open the anchors 204 and/or the clasps 206
to reposition and/or retrieve the prosthetic spacer device 200 by
manipulating the anchor actuation mechanism 1706 and/or the clasp
actuation mechanism 1708.
[0392] Once the spacer device 200 is implanted at the desired
location, the user can release the delivery apparatus from the
prosthetic spacer device 200. One aspect of the release procedure
is releasing the clasp control members 524 from the clasps 206.
This can be accomplished by opening the locking members 1705 of the
handle 1700. The user can cut the second end portions of the clasp
control members 524 free from their respective clasp actuator 1701
by inserting a scalpel into the slots 1725 (FIG. 62) of the clasp
actuators 1701 and into contact with the clasp control members 524.
The user can then pull on the first end portions of the clasp
control members 524 at least until the second end portions withdraw
from the openings 234 of the clasps 206 of the prosthetic spacer
device 200.
[0393] A second aspect of the release procedure is releasing the
distal end portion 512b of the actuation shaft 512 from the distal
collar 208 of the prosthetic spacer device 200. This can be
accomplished by moving the actuation knob 1712 to the proximal-most
position relative to the housing 1704. This axially aligns the
release pin 1760 with the window 1782 of the housing 1704, which
ensures that the anchors 204 of the prosthetic spacer device 200
are in the fully closed configuration. The user can grasp the
release pin 1760 and separate it from the ferrule 1766 by
withdrawing it through the window 1782 of the housing 1704. With
the release pin 1760 removed, the actuation shaft 512 and thus the
release knob 1756 can rotate relative to the housing and can move
proximally relative to the housing 1704, the drive shaft 1758, and
the actuation knob 1712. The user can therefore remove the
actuation shaft 512 from the distal collar 208 of the prosthetic
spacer device 200 by rotating the release knob 1756 of the handle
1700 in the second direction (e.g., counterclockwise) relative to
the housing 1704.
[0394] A third aspect of the release procedure is releasing the
outer shaft 520 from the proximal collar 210 of the prosthetic
spacer device 200. This can be accomplished by moving the release
knob 1756 of the handle 1700 proximally until the distal end
portion 512b of the actuation shaft 512 is disposed proximal to the
coupler 514 of the delivery apparatus and then moving the housing
1704 of the handle 1700 (and thus the outer shaft 520) proximally
relative to the prosthetic spacer device 200.
[0395] With the delivery apparatus released from the prosthetic
spacer device 200, the catheters 504, 506, 508 of the delivery
apparatus 504 can be removed from the patient.
[0396] The features described herein with regard to any example can
be combined with other features described in any one or more of the
other examples, unless otherwise stated. For example, the features
of the prosthetic spacer device 100 can be combined with the
prosthetic spacer device 200, and vice versa. As another example,
any one or more of the features of a handle of a delivery apparatus
(e.g., the handles 522, 700, 1500, 1600, and/or 1700) can be
combined with any one or more of the features of another
handle.
[0397] In view of the many possible embodiments to which the
principles of the disclosure may be applied, it should be
recognized that the illustrated embodiments are only preferred
examples and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the
claims. Rather, the scope of the claimed subject matter is defined
by the following claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *