U.S. patent application number 17/173430 was filed with the patent office on 2021-06-03 for prosthetic heart valve delivery systems and methods.
This patent application is currently assigned to Medtronic Vascular, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Medtronic Vascular, Inc.. Invention is credited to Marc A. Anderson, Grainne Teresa Carroll, Paul Devereux, Niall Duffy, Matthew Fleming, Alexander J. Hill, Elliot J. Howard, James R. Keogh, Marian Patricia Lally, Luke Lehmann, Jeffrey Madden, Kevin M. Mauch, Ciaran McGuinness, Brian T. McHenry, Karl L. Olney, Geoffrey Orth, Edward Sarnowski, Elizabeth A. Schotzko, Benjamin Wong.
Application Number | 20210161661 17/173430 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005391243 |
Filed Date | 2021-06-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210161661 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Anderson; Marc A. ; et
al. |
June 3, 2021 |
PROSTHETIC HEART VALVE DELIVERY SYSTEMS AND METHODS
Abstract
Methods of transcatheter delivery of a prosthetic heart valve. A
distal region of a guide member assembly is advanced into a heart
of a patient. The distal region is docked to native anatomy of the
heart. A delivery device, including a collapsed prosthetic heart
valve, is advanced over the docked guide member assembly. The
collapsed prosthetic heart valve is located at an implantation
site. The prosthetic heart valve is deployed from the delivery
device, and then the delivery device is removed from the patient.
At least a portion of the guide member assembly is removed from the
patient. In some embodiments, the docking structure is docked to
one or more of native mitral valve leaflets, chordae in the left
ventricle, or walls of the left ventricle as part of a transseptal
mitral valve delivery procedure.
Inventors: |
Anderson; Marc A.; (Galway,
IE) ; Carroll; Grainne Teresa; (Galway, IE) ;
Devereux; Paul; (Galway, IE) ; Duffy; Niall;
(Galway, IE) ; Fleming; Matthew; (Roscommon,
IE) ; Hill; Alexander J.; (Blaine, MN) ;
Howard; Elliot J.; (Redwood City, CA) ; Keogh; James
R.; (Maplewood, MN) ; Lally; Marian Patricia;
(Galway, IE) ; Lehmann; Luke; (Newport Beach,
CA) ; Madden; Jeffrey; (Galway, IE) ; Mauch;
Kevin M.; (Windsor, CA) ; McGuinness; Ciaran;
(Roscommon, IE) ; McHenry; Brian T.; (Golden
Valley, MN) ; Olney; Karl L.; (Tustin, CA) ;
Orth; Geoffrey; (Sebastopol, CA) ; Sarnowski;
Edward; (Newport Coast, CA) ; Schotzko; Elizabeth
A.; (Blaine, MN) ; Wong; Benjamin; (Irvine,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Medtronic Vascular, Inc. |
Santa Rosa |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Medtronic Vascular, Inc.
Santa Rosa
CA
|
Family ID: |
1000005391243 |
Appl. No.: |
17/173430 |
Filed: |
February 11, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
16282885 |
Feb 22, 2019 |
10925728 |
|
|
17173430 |
|
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|
62633932 |
Feb 22, 2018 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 2/2418 20130101;
A61F 2250/0007 20130101; A61F 2/2427 20130101; A61F 2250/0039
20130101; A61F 2220/0025 20130101; A61F 2220/0075 20130101; A61F
2/2433 20130101; A61F 2/2409 20130101; A61F 2/2466 20130101; A61F
2250/0059 20130101; A61F 2/2412 20130101; A61F 2220/0008 20130101;
A61F 2/2454 20130101; A61F 2250/006 20130101; A61F 2210/0014
20130101; A61F 2/2436 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61F 2/24 20060101
A61F002/24 |
Claims
1. A system for treating a defective heart valve, the system
comprising: a prosthetic heart valve expandable from a collapsed
condition to an expanded condition; a delivery device including: a
delivery sheath assembly including a capsule, a support shaft
assembly disposed within the delivery sheath assembly and defining
a central lumen, wherein the delivery device is configured to
maintain the prosthetic heart valve in the delivery condition
between the capsule and the support shaft assembly, and is further
configured to release the prosthetic heart valve with retraction of
the capsule from over the prosthetic heart valve; and a guide
member assembly including: an elongated member sized to be slidably
received within the central lumen, a docking structure connected to
a distal region of the elongated member, wherein the docking
structure is configured to transition between a delivery
arrangement and a deployed arrangement, and further wherein the
docking structure is configured to dock with native anatomy in the
deployed arrangement; wherein the guide member assembly is
associated with the delivery device such that upon docking of the
docking structure to native anatomy, the elongated member can be
tensioned with advancement of the delivery device.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the docking structure is
releasably connected to the elongated member.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the docking structure is
threadably connected to the elongated member.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the docking structure is affixed
to the elongated member.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the docking structure includes at
least one anchor member selected from the group consisting of a
clip, a hook, a screw, a barb, and a pincer.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the docking structure includes
first and second anchor arms configured such that in the deployed
arrangement, the first and second anchor arms span a heart
chamber.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the guide member assembly further
includes an outer sheath slidably receiving the elongated member
and the docking structure, and further wherein the delivery
arrangement includes the docking structure arranged in a collapsed
condition within the outer sheath.
8. The system of claim 7, wherein the docking structure is
configured to self-deploy from the collapsed condition to the
deployed arrangement upon release from the outer sheath.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the elongated member is a first
elongated member and the docking structure is a first docking
structure connected to the first elongated member, and wherein the
guide member assembly further includes a second elongated member
connected to a second docking structure, and a third elongated
member connected to a third docking structure.
10. The system of claim 9, wherein the guide member assembly
further includes an outer sheath slidably receiving the first,
second and third elongated members and the first-third docking
structures.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein the guide member assembly is
configured such that when extended distal a distal end of the outer
sheath, the first, second, and third elongated members can be
manipulated independent of one another.
12. The system of claim 1, wherein the elongated member and the
docking structure are formed of an electrically conductive
material, and wherein the system further includes an energy source
electrically connected to the elongated member.
13. The system of claim 1, wherein the docking structure includes
an inflatable balloon.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein the guide member assembly
further includes a plurality of gripping bodies disposed on an
exterior surface of the balloon.
15. The system of claim 14, wherein each of the gripping bodies
includes a base attached to the balloon and a tip opposite the
base, and further wherein a direction of extension from the base to
the tip includes a proximal component.
16. The system of claim 1, wherein the docking structure includes a
basket body.
17. The system of claim 1, wherein the delivery device comprises
the guide member assembly, and the docking structure is configured
to provide a nose cone of the delivery device in the delivery
arrangement.
18. The system of claim 17, wherein the system is configured to
provide a delivery state in which the docking structure is in the
delivery arrangement and abuts a distal end of the delivery sheath
assembly.
19. The system of claim 18, wherein the delivery state includes the
docking structure extending distal the distal end of the delivery
sheath assembly.
20. The system of claim 1, wherein the elongated member is selected
from the group consisting of a wire and a suture.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 16/282,885, filed Feb. 22, 2019, which claims
the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.
62/633,932, filed Feb. 22, 2018, the entire teachings of each of
which are incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for
delivery a medical device, such as a prosthetic heart valve. More
particularly, it relates to minimally invasive, transcatheter-based
systems and methods for delivering a medical device, such as a
prosthetic mitral valve via a transseptal approach.
[0003] A human heart includes four heart valves that determine the
pathway of blood flow through the heart: the mitral valve, the
tricuspid valve, the aortic valve, and the pulmonary valve. The
mitral and tricuspid valves are atrio-ventricular valves, which are
between the atria and the ventricles, while the aortic and
pulmonary valves are semilunar valves, which are in the arteries
leaving the heart. The tricuspid valve, also known as the right
atrio-ventricular valve, is a tri-leaflet valve located between the
right atrium and the right ventricle. The mitral valve, also known
as the bicuspid or left atrio-ventricular valve, is a bi-leaflet
valve located between the left atrium and the left ventricle.
[0004] As with other valves of the heart, the mitral valve is a
passive structure in that it does not itself expend any energy and
does not perform any active contractile function. The mitral valve
includes an annulus that provides attachment for the two leaflets
(anterior leaflet and posterior leaflet) that each open and close
in response to differential pressures on either side of the valve.
The leaflets of the mitral valve are dissimilarly shaped. The
anterior leaflet is more firmly attached to the annulus, and is
somewhat stiffer than the posterior leaflet (that is otherwise
attached to the more mobile posterior lateral mitral annulus). The
anterior leaflet protects approximately two-thirds of the valve.
The anterior leaflet takes up a larger part of the annulus and is
generally considered to be "larger" than the posterior leaflet
(although the posterior leaflet has a larger surface area). In a
healthy mitral valve, then, the anterior and posterior leaflets are
asymmetric.
[0005] Ideally, the leaflets of a heart valve move apart from each
other when the valve is in an open position, and meet or "coapt"
when the valve is in a closed position. Problems that may develop
with valves include stenosis in which a valve does not open
properly, and/or insufficiency or regurgitation in which a valve
does not close properly. Stenosis and insufficiency may occur
concomitantly in the same valve. The effects of valvular
dysfunction vary, with regurgitation or backflow typically having
relatively severe physiological consequences to the patient.
[0006] Diseased or otherwise deficient heart valves can be repaired
or replaced using a variety of different types of heart valve
surgeries. One conventional technique involves an open-heart
surgical approach that is conducted under general anesthesia,
during which the heart is stopped and blood flow is controlled by a
heart-lung bypass machine.
[0007] More recently, minimally invasive approaches have been
developed to facilitate catheter-based implantation of the valve
prosthesis on the beating heart, intending to obviate the need for
the use of classical sternotomy and cardiopulmonary bypass. In
general terms, an expandable prosthetic valve is compressed about
or within a catheter, inserted inside a body lumen of the patient,
such as the femoral artery, and delivered to a desired location in
the heart.
[0008] The heart valve prosthesis employed with catheter-based, or
transcatheter, procedures generally includes an expandable frame or
stent that supports a valve structure having a plurality of
leaflets. The frame can be contracted during percutaneous
transluminal delivery, and expanded upon deployment at or within
the native valve. One type of valve stent can be initially provided
in an expanded or uncrimped condition, then crimped or compressed
about a balloon portion of a catheter. The balloon is subsequently
inflated to expand and deploy the prosthetic heart valve. With
other stented prosthetic heart valve designs, the stent frame is
formed to be self-expanding. With these systems, the valved stent
is crimped down to a desired size and held in that compressed state
within a sheath for transluminal delivery. Retracting the sheath
from this valved stent allows the stent to self-expand to a larger
diameter, fixating at the native valve site. In more general terms,
then, once the prosthetic valve is positioned at the treatment
site, for instance within an incompetent native valve, the stent
frame structure may be expanded to hold the prosthetic valve firmly
in place. One example of a stented prosthetic valve is disclosed in
U.S. Pat. No. 5,957,949 to Leonhardt et al., which is incorporated
by reference herein in its entirety. Another type of valve stent
can be initially provided in an expanded or uncrimped condition,
then crimped or compressed about a balloon of a balloon catheter.
The balloon is subsequently inflated to expand and deploy the
prosthetic heart valve.
[0009] The actual shape and configuration of any particular
transcatheter prosthetic heart valve is dependent, at least to some
extent, upon the valve being replaced or repaired (i.e., mitral
valve, tricuspid valve, aortic valve, or pulmonary valve). The
stent frame must oftentimes provide and maintain (e.g., elevated
hoop strength and resistance to radially compressive forces) a
relatively complex shape in order to achieve desired fixation with
the corresponding native anatomy. Moreover, the stent frame must
have a robust design capable of traversing the tortuous path
leading to the native valve annulus site. These design features can
give rise to delivery obstacles such as difficulties in precisely
locating and rotationally orienting the prosthetic valve relative
to the native annulus.
[0010] Anatomical constraints can also present difficult delivery
obstacles. For example, the mitral valve controls the flow of blood
from the left atrium to the left ventricle. There are various
minimally invasive treatments that can be done on the mitral valve
and related anatomy. For example, with one procedure to gain
transcatheter access to the mitral valve, the delivery device is
directed through the vena cava to the right atrium, and then to the
left atrium via a puncture in the atrial septum (the wall of tissue
that separates the left atrium from the right atrium). This
procedure to access the mitral valve from the left atrium is
sometimes referred to as a transseptal approach. Regardless, once
located in the left atrium, it can be difficult to manipulate the
delivery system within the confines of the left atrium so as to
align the prosthetic valve with the native annulus. Similar
concerns are presented by other transcatheter valve delivery
procedures using other approaches and/or in access other valves of
the heart.
SUMMARY
[0011] The inventors of the present disclosure recognized that a
need exists for transcatheter delivery devices and methods that
address one or more of the above-mentioned problems.
[0012] Some aspects of the present disclosure relate to methods of
delivering a prosthetic heart valve. The methods including
advancing a distal region of a guide member assembly into a heart
of a patient. The distal region is docked to native anatomy of the
heart. A delivery device, including a collapsed prosthetic heart
valve, is advanced over the docked guide member assembly. The
collapsed prosthetic heart valve is located at an implantation
site. The prosthetic heart valve is deployed from the delivery
device, and then the delivery device is removed from the patient.
At least a portion of the guide member assembly is removed from the
patient. In some embodiments, the docking structure is docked to
one or more of native mitral valve leaflets, chordae in the left
ventricle, or walls of the left ventricle as part of a transseptal
mitral valve delivery procedure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional illustration of a mammalian
heart having native valve structures;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional illustration of a left
ventricle of a mammalian heart showing anatomical structures and a
native mitral valve;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a simplified section of a human heart and
illustrating a medical device having attained transseptal access of
the left atrium;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a simplified plan view of a system for
transcatheter delivery of a prosthetic heart valve including a
delivery device and a guide member assembly in accordance with
principles of the present disclosure;
[0017] FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate methods in accordance with principles
of the present disclosure;
[0018] FIG. 6A is a simplified side view of guide member assembly
in accordance with principles of the present disclosure and useful
with the systems and methods of the present disclosure, the
assembly including a docking structure in a delivery
arrangement;
[0019] FIG. 6B is a simplified side view of the guide member
assembly of FIG. 6A, illustrating the docking structure in a
capture arrangement;
[0020] FIGS. 7A-7C illustrates methods of the present disclosure,
including use of the guide member assembly of FIG. 6A;
[0021] FIG. 8 is a simplified side view of another guide member
assembly in accordance with principles of the present disclosure
and useful with the systems and methods of the present
disclosure;
[0022] FIG. 9 illustrates methods of the present disclosure,
including use of the guide member assembly of FIG. 8;
[0023] FIGS. 10A and 10B are simplified side views of another guide
member assembly in accordance with principles of the present
disclosure and useful with the systems and methods of the present
disclosure;
[0024] FIG. 11 illustrates methods of the present disclosure,
including use of the guide member assembly of FIGS. 10A and
10B;
[0025] FIG. 12 is a simplified side view of another guide member
assembly in accordance with principles of the present disclosure
and useful with the systems and methods of the present
disclosure;
[0026] FIG. 13 is a simplified side view of another guide member
assembly in accordance with principles of the present disclosure
and in performing methods of the present disclosure;
[0027] FIG. 14 is a simplified perspective view of another guide
member assembly in accordance with principles of the present
disclosure and in performing methods of the present disclosure;
[0028] FIGS. 15A-15E illustrates methods of the present disclosure,
including use of the guide member assembly of FIG. 14;
[0029] FIG. 16 is a simplified side view of another guide member
assembly in accordance with principles of the present disclosure
and useful with the systems and methods of the present
disclosure;
[0030] FIGS. 17A-17B illustrates methods of the present disclosure,
including use of the guide member assembly of FIG. 16;
[0031] FIG. 18 is a simplified side view of another guide member
assembly in accordance with principles of the present disclosure
and in performing methods of the present disclosure;
[0032] FIG. 19 is a simplified side view of another guide member
assembly in accordance with principles of the present disclosure
and in performing methods of the present disclosure;
[0033] FIG. 20 is a simplified side view of another guide member
assembly in accordance with principles of the present disclosure
and useful with the systems and methods of the present
disclosure;
[0034] FIG. 21 is an enlarged side view of a portion of a docking
structure of the guide member assembly of FIG. 20;
[0035] FIGS. 22A-22D illustrates methods of the present disclosure,
including use of the guide member assembly of FIG. 20;
[0036] FIG. 23 is a simplified side view of another guide member
assembly in accordance with principles of the present disclosure
and in performing methods of the present disclosure;
[0037] FIG. 24 is a simplified side view of another guide member
assembly in accordance with principles of the present disclosure
and useful with the systems and methods of the present
disclosure;
[0038] FIG. 25 is a photograph of a portion of the guide member
assembly of FIG. 24;
[0039] FIG. 26 is a simplified side view of a distal portion of a
delivery device in accordance with principles of the present
disclosure and useful with the systems and methods of the present
disclosure;
[0040] FIG. 27 is a simplified sectional view of a human heat and
illustrating a distal end portion of a delivery device in
accordance with principles of the present disclosure having
attained transseptal access of the left atrium; and
[0041] FIGS. 28-31 illustrate a method in accordance with
principles of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0042] Specific embodiments of the present disclosure are now
described with reference to the figures, wherein like reference
numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements. The
terms "distal" and "proximal" are used in the following description
with respect to a position or direction relative to the treating
clinician. "Distal" or "distally" are a position distant from or in
a direction away from the clinician. "Proximal" and "proximally"
are a position near or in a direction toward the clinician. As used
herein with reference to an implanted valve prosthesis, the terms
"distal", "outlet", and "outflow" are understood to mean downstream
to the direction of blood flow, and the terms "proximal", "inlet",
or "inflow" are understood to mean upstream to the direction of
blood flow. In addition, as used herein, the terms "outward" or
"outwardly" refer to a position radially away from a longitudinal
axis of a delivery device or a frame of the valve prosthesis and
the terms "inward" or "inwardly" refer to a position radially
toward a longitudinal axis of the delivery device or the frame of
the valve prosthesis. As well the terms "backward" or "backwardly"
refer to the relative transition from a downstream position to an
upstream position and the terms "forward" or "forwardly" refer to
the relative transition from an upstream position to a downstream
position.
[0043] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems,
methods, tools and devices for treating a native heart valve, such
as in delivering a prosthetic heart valve. Although the description
is in the context of treatment of heart valves such as the mitral
valve, the systems and methods of the present disclosure also may
be used in any other body passageways, organs, etc., where it is
deemed useful. Further, while the systems and methods of the
present disclosure can be sell-suited for transseptal approaches to
the left atrium and mitral valve, features of the present
disclosure can also be implemented with other surgical approaches
such as retrograde aortic delivery, antegrade approaches,
transapical, transatrial, etc., and combinations thereof.
Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or
implied theory presented in the present disclosure.
[0044] By way of background, FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional
illustration of a mammalian heart 30 that depicts the four heart
chambers (right atria RA, right ventricle RV, left atria LA, left
ventricle LV) and native valve structures (tricuspid valve TV,
mitral valve MV, pulmonary valve PV, aortic valve AV). FIG. 2 is a
schematic sectional illustration of a left atria LA and left
ventricle LV of the heart 30 showing anatomical structures and a
native mitral valve MV. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 together, the
heart 30 comprises the left atrium LA that receives oxygenated
blood from the lungs via the pulmonary veins. The left atrium LA
pumps the oxygenated blood through the mitral valve MV and into the
left ventricle LV during ventricular diastole. The left ventricle
LV contracts during systole and blood flows outwardly through the
aortic valve AV, into the aorta and to the remainder of the
body.
[0045] In a healthy heart, the leaflets LF of the mitral valve MV
meet evenly at the free edges or "coapt" to close and prevent back
flow of blood during contraction of the left ventricle LV (FIG. 2).
Referring to FIG. 2, the leaflets LF attach the surrounding heart
structure via a dense fibrous ring of connective tissue called an
annulus AN which is distinct from both the leaflet tissue LF as
well as the adjoining muscular tissue of the heart wall. In
general, the connective tissue at the annulus AN is more fibrous,
tougher and stronger than leaflet tissue. The flexible leaflet
tissue of the mitral leaflets LF are connected to papillary muscles
PM, which extend upwardly from the walls W of the left ventricle LV
and the interventricular septum IVS, via branching tendons called
chordae tendinae CT.
[0046] One example of a treatment procedure to be performed on the
heart 30 is generally reflected by FIG. 3. A transcatheter delivery
device 40 is shown after having been introduced into the
vasculature via a percutaneous entry point (e.g., the Seldinger
technique), and having been tracked through the vasculature and
into the left atrium LA. For example, the percutaneous entry point
may be formed in a femoral vein. Thereafter, a guidewire or guide
member (not shown) is advanced through the circulatory system,
eventually arriving at the heart. The guidewire is directed into
the right atrium RA (e.g., via the vena cava), traverses the right
atrium RA, and is made to puncture or otherwise pass through a hole
H in the atrial septal wall W (e.g., with the aid of a transseptal
needle), thereby entering the left atrium LA. Once the guidewire is
positioned, the delivery device 40 is tracked over the guide wire
and delivered transseptally to the left atrium LA. From the
arrangement of FIG. 3, the delivery device 40 is further
manipulated and/or operated to perform a treatment, such as
delivering and deploying a prosthetic heart valve (e.g., maintained
within a capsule 42 of the delivery device 40 in the state of FIG.
3) at the mitral valve MV. In this regard, from the arrangement of
FIG. 3, the delivery device 40, and in particular the capsule 42,
should be caused to turn or track approximately 90 degrees downward
in order to face and align with the mitral valve MV. Some
embodiments of the present disclosure provide devices, tools,
assemblies and methods useful with the delivery device 40 in
guiding the capsule 42 (or other portion of the delivery device 40)
into alignment with the mitral valve MV.
[0047] As a point of reference, the systems, devices, tools and
methods of the present disclosure can be employed with a wide
variety of differently-configured delivery devices. In general
terms, and with reference to FIG. 4, one non-limiting embodiment of
the delivery device 40 can include a delivery sheath assembly 50, a
support shaft assembly 52 (referenced generally), and a handle
assembly 54. The delivery device 40 provides a loaded or delivery
state in which a prosthetic valve (hidden) is loaded over the
support shaft assembly 52 and is retained within the capsule 42 of
the delivery sheath assembly 50. The support shaft assembly 52 can
include an inner shaft (hidden) connected to or terminating at a
tip 56. The prosthetic valve is maintained over the inner shaft by
the capsule 42. A guide member or guidewire lumen (hidden) can be
provided through the tip 56 and other portions of (including an
entirety of) the support shaft assembly 52, and can be open to a
guide member or guidewire port (e.g., at the handle assembly 54).
The delivery sheath assembly 50 can be manipulated to withdraw the
capsule 42 from over the prosthetic heart valve via operation of
the handle assembly 54. In some embodiments, the prosthetic heart
valve may then self-expand and release from the delivery device 40.
In other embodiments, the prosthetic heart valve may have a
mechanically-expandable or balloon-expandable construction. For
example, the delivery device 40 may include an inflatable component
(e.g., a balloon) that is operated to expand the prosthetic heart
valve following retraction of the capsule 42. Other delivery device
constructions are also envisioned by the present disclosure, for
example delivery device configurations that do not include the
capsule 42.
[0048] With the above in mind, some aspects of the present
disclosure relate to a guide member assembly 60 useful with the
delivery device 40 as part of a prosthetic heart valve (or other
medical device) delivery procedure, and corresponding methods of
use. The delivery device 40 and the guide member assembly 60
combine to define a system 62 for delivering the prosthetic heart
valve (or performing other transcatheter-based treatment
procedures). As described below, the guide member assemblies of the
present disclosure can assume a wide variety of forms, and features
of some guide member assembly formats can be combined with or
incorporated into other guide member assembly embodiments.
[0049] In some embodiments, the guide member assembly 60 provides a
distal region 64, and includes an elongated member (or rail or
guide member) 70 and a docking structure 72 (shown in block form).
In some embodiments, the elongated member 70 may comprise a
surgical guidewire of known or conventional construction useful in
the catheter arts and appropriate for insertion into a patient. In
some embodiments, the elongated member 70 exhibits sufficient
flexibility for atraumatic guidance through a patient's vasculature
to the heart in accordance with an intended procedure, and
sufficient rigidity for tracking or guiding a transcatheter
delivery device (such as the exemplary delivery device 40 of FIG.
4)) over the elongated member 70. In some embodiments, portions or
an entirety of the elongated member 70 can be configured to assume
a pre-determined shape (e.g., longitudinal curvature). In some
embodiments, the elongated member 70 is not configured to
self-assume a pre-determined shape. The elongated member 70 can be
formed of metal, plastic, fibers, strands, wire, etc. (e.g., the
elongated member 70 can comprise a wire or a suture).
[0050] The docking structure 72 is carried by or assembled to the
elongated member 70 and is generally configured to interface or
dock with expected native anatomy, for example native anatomy
associated (e.g., adjacent) with the mitral valve. By way of
non-limiting example and with additional reference to FIG. 5A, the
docking structure 72 can be configured to interface or dock with
one or more native valve leaflets LF (e.g., the docking structure
shown in block form and with dashed lines at 72a), one or more
chordae CT (e.g., the docking structure shown in block form and
with dashed lines at 72b), one or more of the walls W (e.g., the
docking structure shown in block form and with dashed lines at 72c)
of the left ventricle LV, etc., as described in greater detail
below. As a point of further reference, the view of FIG. 5A
illustrates portions of some non-limiting methods of the present
disclosure in which the distal region 64 of the guide member
assembly 60 has attained initial crossing of the inter-atrial
septum H to the left atrium LA, then crossing of the mitral valve
MV. A catheter or similar device (not shown) can be used in
directing the elongated member 70 to the arrangement of FIG. 5A in
some embodiments. Regardless, once the docking structure 72 is
engaged with native anatomy (e.g., one or more of the leaflets,
chordae CT, wall(s) W of the left ventricle LV, etc.), the
elongated member 70 provides a stable rail over which a larger
diameter system or device can be tracked or guided over, and, in
some embodiments, eliminating the need for active steering of the
larger system.
[0051] For example, in the view of FIG. 5B, the delivery device 40
carrying a collapsed prosthetic mitral valve (hidden within the
capsule 42) has been directed to the left atrium LA via a
transseptal approach as described above. The guide member assembly
60 can be utilized in initially directing the delivery device 40 to
the arrangement of FIG. 5B. In some embodiments, the guide member
assembly 60 can be manipulated, steered or advanced into the left
atrium LA or left ventricle LV. In some embodiments, the guide
member assembly 60 can be directed into the left atrium LA or left
ventricle LV via a conventional guidewire. In some embodiments, a
conventional guidewire can be employed to locate the delivery
device 40 in the left atrium LA (e.g., to the arrangement of FIG.
5B), and then the guidewire can be replaced with the guide member
assembly 60 (e.g., the guidewire is removed). Regardless, before,
after or simultaneous with locating the capsule 42 within the left
atrium LA, the distal region 64 of the guide member assembly 60 is
manipulated, steered and/or advanced as described above, directing
the docking structure 72 through and beyond the mitral valve MV.
The guide member assembly 60 is then manipulated to dock the
docking structure 72 to native anatomy. From the state of FIG. 5B,
the delivery device 40 is then advanced over the elongated member
70, bringing the capsule 42 into the mitral valve MV as in FIG. 5C.
Because the docking structure 72 is relatively fixed to the native
anatomy, a push/pull tension can be applied to the elongated member
70 allowing the delivery device 40 to be more readily distally
advanced over the elongated member 70. Further, because the
elongated member 70 remains generally aligned with the mitral valve
MV via the docked docking structure 72, the capsule 42 will be
similarly directed into and aligned with the mitral valve MV. The
delivery device 40 is then operated to deploy the prosthetic heart
valve.
[0052] Various examples of docking structures 72 in accordance with
principles of the present disclosure are provided below. In some
embodiments, the docking structure 72 can be configured to
transition (e.g., expand and collapse) between a delivery
arrangement and a deployed or capture arrangement or state. In some
embodiments, the docking structure 72 can be selectively detachable
from the elongated member 70. Portions or an entirety of the
docking structures of the present disclosure can be made from
stainless steel, a pseudo-elastic metal such as a nickel titanium
alloy or Nitinol.TM., or a so-called super alloy, which may have a
base metal of nickel, cobalt, chromium, or other metal. In yet
other embodiments, any of the docking structures of the present
disclosure can alternatively be provided as part of the delivery
device 40, e.g., tip or nosecone 56 (FIG. 4), with the
so-configured tip 56 being advanced via the elongated member 70 to
engage native anatomy as described below.
[0053] With the above explanations in mind, portions of one
embodiment of a guide member assembly 80 in accordance with
principles of the present disclosure and useful as the guide member
assembly 60 (FIG. 4) provided with the systems 62 (FIG. 4) of the
present disclosure is shown in simplified form in FIGS. 6A and 6B.
The guide member assembly 80 provides a distal region 82, and
includes the elongated member 70 as described above and a docking
structure 84. The docking structure 84 is carried by or assembled
to the elongated member 70 and is generally configured to interface
or dock with expected anatomy. For example, with the construction
of FIGS. 6A and 6B, the docking structure 84 includes at least one
anchor member or arm 86 configured to selectively interface with a
native valve leaflet(s), such as native mitral valve leaflets. In
some embodiments, the docking structure 84 is configured such that
the anchor member(s) 86 is collapsible, for example being
transitionable between a delivery arrangement (FIG. 6A) and a
deployed or capture arrangement (FIG. 6B). In the delivery
arrangement, the anchor member(s) 86 has a streamlined shape, with
at least majority, optionally an entirety, of the anchor member(s)
86 being in close proximity to the elongated member 70. In the
deployed or capture arrangement, at least a portion of the anchor
member(s) 86 projects radially from the elongated member 70 to
define a capture region. Stated otherwise, each of the anchor
members 86 has a maximum radial dimension R relative to a
longitudinal axis A defined by the elongated member 70; the maximum
radial dimension R in the capture arrangement (FIG. 6B) is greater
than the maximal radial dimension R in the delivery arrangement
(FIG. 6A). In some embodiments, the capture arrangement includes
the anchor member(s) 86 assuming or reverting to a curved shape in
extension from the elongated member 70 as generally reflected by
FIG. 6B. In other embodiments, the anchor member(s) 86 can have a
more linear or planar shape in projection from the elongated member
70 in the capture arrangement. Regardless, in some embodiments, the
capture arrangement can include the anchor member(s) 86 projecting
from the elongated member 70 in a generally proximal direction. For
example, the anchor member(s) 86 can, in the capture arrangement,
be viewed as defining or providing a base 90 and a tip 92. The base
90 is most proximate the elongated member 70, and effectively
represents a point of departure of the anchor member 86 from the
elongated member 70. The tip 92 is defined opposite the base 90,
and can correspond to the maximal radial dimension R. With these
definitions in mind, proximal projection of the anchor member 86
from the elongated member 70 in the proximal direction can include
the tip 92 being proximal the base 90 (and radially spaced from the
elongated member 70).
[0054] The optional collapsible configuration of the anchor
member(s) 86 can be provided in various fashions. In some
non-limiting embodiments, the docking structure 84 can further
include first and second rings 94, 96. As identified in FIG. 6A, a
first end 98 of each of the anchor members 86 is attached to the
first ring 94, and an opposing second end 100 is attached to the
second ring 96. The first ring 94 is fixedly mounted to the
elongated member 70, whereas the second ring 96 is slidably mounted
over the elongated member 70 proximal the first ring 94. During
use, transitioning of the docking structure 84 includes the second
ring 96 sliding along the elongated member 70 in the distal
direction toward the first ring 94, with the anchor member(s) 86
deflecting (or being caused to deflect) to the capture arrangement,
including the tip 92 being located at a radial spacing from the
elongated member 70. A reverse action can be performed in
transitioning of the anchor member(s) 86 from the capture
arrangement to the delivery arrangement. In some embodiments, the
guide member assembly 80 can further include one or more components
or mechanisms by which a user can effect movement of the first ring
94 (e.g., a push/pull wire). In other embodiments, the anchor
member(s) 86 can be configured to self-assume the capture
arrangement (e.g., formed of a shape memory metal or similar
material), and the guide member assembly 80 can further include an
outer sheath or similar component that is slidably arranged over
one or more portions of the elongated member 70 and slidably
arranged over one or more portions of the anchor member(s) 86 in
the delivery arrangement. With this optional construction, once
removed from the confines of the outer sheath, the anchor member(s)
86 self-revert to the capture arrangement. Other configurations can
be employed with the guide member assembly 80 to provide for
collapsing of the anchor member(s) 86 that may or may not include
the slidable ring 96. In other embodiments, the docking structure
84 is not collapsible.
[0055] The guide member assembly 80 can be used in connection with
a number of surgical procedures, such as in connection with the
transcatheter delivery of a prosthetic heart valve, for example a
prosthetic mitral valve as described above. With reference to FIG.
7A, before, after or simultaneous with locating the capsule 42
within the left atrium LA, the distal region 82 of the guide member
assembly 80 is manipulated, steered, and/or advanced into the
heart. The distal region 82 is then further manipulated to advance
the docking structure 84 through and beyond the mitral valve MV.
With embodiments in which the docking structure 84 provides for a
delivery arrangement and a capture or deployed arrangement, the
docking structure 84 can be in the delivery arrangement when being
directed through the mitral valve MV, and then transitioned to the
capture or deployed arrangement. The guide member assembly 80 is
then manipulated to dock the docking structure 84 to one or more of
the leaflets LF. For example, with the docking structure 84 in the
capture arrangement, the elongated member 70 can be distally
retracted, causing the anchor member(s) 86 to capture or engage
with one or more of the leaflets LF, resulting in the arrangement
of FIG. 7A. The anchor member(s) 86 can include features that grab
or pinch the leaflet(s) of the mitral valve MV.
[0056] The delivery device 40 is then advanced over the elongated
member 70 of the docked guide member assembly 80, bringing the
capsule 42 (and the collapsed prosthetic valve within the capsule
42) into the mitral valve MV as in FIG. 7B. The delivery device 40
is then operated to deploy the prosthetic heart valve 110 as shown
in FIG. 7C. For example, the capsule 42 can be retracted from over
the prosthetic heart valve 110, permitting the prosthetic heart
valve 110 to self-expand or otherwise deploy from the delivery
device 40. Following deployment or implantation of the prosthetic
heart valve 110, at least a portion of the guidewire assembly 80 is
removed from the patient. For example, in some embodiments, the
docking structure 84 is released from the leaflet(s) LF by distally
advancing the elongated member 70, followed by transitioning of the
docking structure 84 back to the delivery arrangement (FIG. 7A).
The entire guide member assembly 80 can then be withdrawn from the
patient.
[0057] Other surgical procedures can be facilitated using the guide
member assembly 80, and the methods of the present disclosure are
not limited to delivering a prosthetic heart valve. Further, other
methods of the present disclosure can include temporarily or
permanently docking the docking structure 84 to other native
anatomical features, and are not limited to native valve leaflets
LF. For example, and with additional reference to FIG. 5A, the
docking structure 84 can be docked to chordae CT, cardiac wall(s)
W, etc.
[0058] The docking structures of the present disclosure can assume
a wide variety of other forms configured, for example, to promote
docking with or within the chordae CT. For example, portions of
another embodiment guide member assembly 120 are shown in
simplified form in FIG. 8. The guide member assembly 120 includes
the elongated member 70 as described above along with a docking
structure 124. With the embodiment of FIG. 8, the docking structure
124 includes an inflatable anchor member 126, such as a balloon. An
inflation medium can be supplied to an interior of the inflatable
anchor member 126 via a lumen formed by the elongated member 70, or
by tubing (not shown) carried by the elongated member 70.
Regardless, the docking structure 124 is transitionable between the
capture or deployed arrangement of FIG. 8 in which the inflatable
anchor member 126 has been inflated, and a delivery arrangement in
which the inflation medium has been evacuated from the inflatable
anchor member 126, causing the inflatable anchor member 126 to
collapse onto the elongated member 70. As part of the methods
described above, and with additional reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B,
the docking structure 124 (deflated or in the delivery arrangement)
is advanced into the chordae CT (FIG. 5A). The inflatable anchor
member 126 is then inflated (e.g., transitioned to the capture
arrangement) so as to become caught up in or otherwise captured at
the chordae CT. This is further reflected by FIG. 9. With continued
reference to FIGS. 5A, 5B and 8, the delivery device 40 can then be
advanced over the elongated member 70 to a desired location, for
example locating a collapsed prosthetic heart valve (within the
capsule 42) at the native mitral valve MV. Following deployment or
implantation of the prosthetic heart valve, at least a portion of
the guide member assembly 120 is removed from the patient. For
example, in some embodiments, the docking structure 124 is released
from the chordae CT by deflating the inflatable anchor member 126,
by causing the inflatable anchor member 126 to burst, etc. The
entire guide member assembly 120 can then be withdrawn from the
patient.
[0059] In other embodiments, the docking structures and
corresponding methods of use are configured for docking in a
cardiac wall W, such as one or more walls W of the left ventricle
LV as part of a transcatheter prosthetic mitral valve delivery
procedure. The docking structures can include one or more anchor
members such as screws, hooks, barbs, pincers, etc., appropriate
for engaging or embedding into cardiac wall tissue. The docking
structure and corresponding method of use can include docking in
the apex of the left ventricle LV or side walls W of the heart
depending upon alignment. The docking structure and corresponding
methods of use can include a portion of the docking structure being
disconnected from the elongated member 70 and remaining in situ
(e.g., in the left ventricle wall W), or can be removed following
the procedure (e.g., implantation of the prosthetic heart
valve).
[0060] For example, another embodiment guide member assembly 130 in
accordance with principles of the present disclosure is shown in
FIGS. 10A and 10B, and includes the elongated member 70 as
described above along with a docking structure 134 and an outer
sheath or jacket 136. The docking structure 134 is transitionable
between a delivery arrangement (labeled as 134' in FIG. 10A) and a
capture or deployed arrangement as shown in FIG. 10B, and includes
one or more anchor members 138, such as barbs, clips or other
anchor members, extending from a base 140 and terminating at a tip
142 configured to pierce tissue. In some embodiments, the anchor
members 138 are configured (e.g., shape memory material) or biased
to the capture or deployed arrangement. The base 140 is connected
to the elongated member 70 (permanently attached, releasably
attached, etc.). The outer sheath 136 is slidably disposed over the
elongated member 70 and forms a capsule 144 terminating at a distal
end 146. The capsule 144 is configured (e.g., size, shape, hoop
strength, etc.) to force and restrain the docking structure 134,
and in particular the anchor members 138, to the delivery
arrangement when disposed over the docking structure 134. One or
both of the elongated member 70 and/or the outer sheath 136 can be
provided with steering features.
[0061] Some methods of the present disclosure making use of the
guide member assembly 130 can include directing the guide member
assembly 130, in the delivery arrangement, to the left ventricle LV
(FIG. 5A) commensurate with the above explanations. The distal end
146 of the outer sheath 136 is located against the native anatomy
structure of interest (e.g., a wall of the left ventricle LV). The
docking structure 134 is then advanced relative to the capsule 144,
with the tip 142 of each of the anchor members 138 moving distally
beyond the distal end 146 and piercing into tissue. With further
distal movement of the docking structure 134 and/or proximal
retraction of the capsule 144, the docking structure 134
self-transitions to the capture or deployed arrangement, with the
anchor members 138 embedding into the native anatomy. The outer
sheath 136 can then be withdrawn, as shown for example in FIG. 11,
with the docking structure 134 remaining docked to or embedded
within tissue of the wall W of the left ventricle LV. A delivery
device (such as the delivery device 40 (FIG. 5B)) can then be
tracked or advanced over the elongated member 70 of the now-docked
guide member assembly 130, followed by deployment of the prosthetic
heart valve as described above. Once the procedure is complete, the
outer sheath 136 (FIG. 10A) can be distally advanced over the
elongated member 70, bringing the capsule 144 into close proximity
with the docking structure 134. With further distal advancement of
the capsule 144 and/or proximal retraction of the docking structure
134, the docking structure 134 releases from engagement with the
native anatomy and returns to the delivery arrangement within the
capsule 144. The guide member assembly 130 can then be withdrawn
from the patient. In some embodiments, the outer sheath 136 is not
withdrawn prior to placement of the delivery device (e.g., the
delivery device 40 (FIG. 5B)) such that the delivery device is
advanced over the outer sheath 136 of the guide member assembly
130.
[0062] Another embodiment guide member assembly 150 in accordance
with principles of the present disclosure is shown in FIG. 12, and
includes the elongated member 70 as described above along with a
docking structure 154. The docking structure 154 is or includes two
or more clips or anchor members 156 each carried within a lumen or
lumens (not shown) of the elongated member 70. The anchor members
156 are biased to assume the capture or deployed arrangement
depicted in FIG. 12, and can be retracted within the corresponding
lumen of the elongated member 70, bending to a straightened shape
to provide a delivery arrangement. In some embodiments, the docking
structure 154, and optionally the elongated member 70, incorporate
clip retraction and deployment features and technology embodied by
a miniature transcatheter pacing system available under the trade
designation MICRA.TM. from Medtronic, Inc. Some methods of the
present disclosure making use of the guide member assembly 150 can
be highly akin to the methods above with respect to the guide
member assembly 130 (FIG. 10) in which the docking structure 154 is
transitioned to the capture or deployed arrangement, engaging
tissue (e.g., cardiac wall (FIG. 5A)) and docking the elongated
member 70 relative to the native anatomy.
[0063] Another embodiment guide member assembly 160 in accordance
with principles of the present disclosure is shown in FIG. 13, and
includes the elongated member 70 as described above along with a
docking structure 164. The docking structure 164 is attached to or
carried by the elongated member 70 and provides the capture
arrangement as shown in which the docking structure 164 spans the
left ventricle LV and docks or engages opposing wall sections W1,
W2 of the left ventricle LV. For example, the docking structure 134
can included two or more anchor members, such as anchor members
166a, 166b, that project generally radially in differing directions
from the elongated member 70; when brought into anchoring contact
with wall sections W1, W2, the anchor members 166a, 166b serve to
generally center the elongated member 70 relative to the left
ventricle LV (and thus generally center the elongated member 70
relative to the mitral valve MV). The anchor members 166a, 166b can
self-deploy (e.g., shape memory metal) to the capture or deployed
arrangement from a delivery arrangement in some embodiments.
Regardless, the guide member assembly 160 can be used with methods
of the present disclosure commensurate with the descriptions
above.
[0064] Portions of another embodiment guide member assembly 170 in
accordance with principles of the present disclosure are shown in
FIG. 14, and includes one or more of the elongated members 70 as
described above along with one or more docking structures 174 and
an outer sheath or jacket 176. In one embodiment, and as shown in
FIG. 14, the guide member assembly 170 includes three elongated
members 70a, 70b, 70c, each terminating at or carrying a docking
structure 174a, 174b, 174c that includes an anchor member 180
(e.g., a screw, barb, etc.). The elongated member 70a, 70b, 70c are
slidably disposed along or within corresponding lumens of the outer
sheath 176. The guide member assembly 170 can further include one
or more steering wires (not shown) connected to the outer sheath
176 and operable to manipulate or steer the outer sheath 176 as
described in greater detail below. The outer sheath 176 can be a
polymer or co-polymer material, such as medical-grade thermoplastic
polyurethane elastomers. The elongated members 70a, 70b, 70c can be
made of a rigid material such as stainless steel, nitinol, PTFE,
etc. The anchor members 180 (e.g., screws) can be formed as a
stainless steel or nitinol coil, etc.
[0065] Some methods of the present disclosure making use of the
guide member assembly 170 can a delivery arrangement wherein the
docking structures 174a, 174b, 174c are positioned within the outer
sheath 176. The so-loaded outer sheath 176 is then steered or
advanced over a guidewire and into the left ventricle LV as in FIG.
15A. The outer sheath 176 is then manipulated (e.g., retracted,
steered, etc.) to expose the anchor body 180 of the first docking
structure 174a. The corresponding elongated member 70a is then
manipulated to directing the docking structure 174a toward a native
tissue wall section W1 of the left ventricle LV as in FIG. 15B. The
anchor body 180 can be a sharpened coil or screw that readily digs
into the anatomy as shown in FIG. 15C. The first elongated member
70a is rotated, applying a torque onto the first docking structure
174a to achieve robust engagement with the wall section W1. A
tugging force can then be applied onto the first elongated member
70a to confirm that the anchor body 180 of the first docking
structure 174a is embedded into the wall section W1. This same
process is repeated for placing the second docking structure 174b
into a separate wall section W2 (FIG. 15D), followed by placement
of the third docking structure 174c into a separate wall section W3
(FIG. 15E). The delivery device (not shown) can then be advanced
over the outer sheath 176 commensurate with the descriptions above.
The guide member assembly 170 is configured such that by
individually placing the three docking structures 174a, 174b, 174c
independent of one another, the three elongated members 70a, 70b,
70c can be individually manipulated to effectively create steering
at the tip of the outer sheath 176. Following deployment of the
prosthetic heart valve (not shown) or other procedure, the
elongated members 70a, 70b, 70c can be rotated or twisted to
"unscrew" the corresponding docking structure 174a, 174b, 174c from
the tissue wall. Once released, the guide member assembly 170 can
be withdrawn from the patient.
[0066] Another embodiment guide member assembly 190 in accordance
with principles of the present disclosure is shown in FIG. 16, and
includes the elongated member 70 as described above along with a
docking structure 194 and an outer sheath or jacket 196. The
docking structure 194 can include a base 198 and two (or more)
anchor members (e.g., barbs) 200. The base 198 is configured for
selective attachment to a distal end of the elongated member 70.
For example, the base 198 and the elongated member 70 can have
complementary threaded surfaces; other temporary attachment
constructions are also acceptable. The anchor members 200 project
from the base 198 and can each terminate at a sharp tip appropriate
for piercing tissue. The outer sheath 196 can be a thin wall sheath
and is slidably disposed over the elongated member 70. In the
delivery arrangement of FIG. 16, the outer sheath 196 is located
over the docking structure 194, collapsing the anchor members 200
toward one another. The docking structure 194 is configured to
self-transition to a capture or deployed arrangement when released
from the outer sheath 196 as described below (e.g., as a distal end
202 of the outer sheath 196 is proximally retracted relative to the
anchor members 200). For example, one or more portions of the
docking structure 194 can be formed from a surgically safe metal or
metal alloy (e.g., stainless steel, nitinol, etc.) shape set to
self-revert to the capture or deployed arrangement.
[0067] Some methods of the present disclosure making use of the
guide member assembly 190 can include directing the guide member
assembly 190, in the delivery arrangement, to the left ventricle LV
(FIG. 5A) commensurate with the above explanations. The distal end
202 of the outer sheath 196 is located against the native anatomy
structure of interest (e.g., a wall of the left ventricle LV). The
outer sheath 196 is then retracted relative to the docking
structure 194 (and/or the elongated member 70, and thus the docking
structure 194, is distally advanced relative to the outer sheath
196); the anchor members 200 self-transition toward the capture or
deployed arrangement, embedding into tissue of the heart wall. For
example, FIG. 17A illustrates the docking structure 194 in the
capture or deployed arrangement and engaged with the wall W2 of the
left ventricle LV. Alternatively, and as shown with dashed lines,
the docking structure 194 can be docked to an apex A of the left
ventricle LV. Regardless, methods of the present disclosure can
include tracking a delivery device (such as the delivery device 40
(FIG. 5A)) over the elongated member 70 of the now-docked or
anchored guide member assembly 190, followed by deployment of the
prosthetic heart valve 110 as shown in FIG. 17B. The elongated
member 70 can then be disconnected from the docking structure 194
(e.g., the elongated member 70 can be rotated to unscrew or
unthread from the docking structure 194). Once disconnected, the
elongated member 70 can be removed from the patient, while the
docking structure 194 remains in situ.
[0068] Any of the docking structures of the present disclosure can
be utilized with methods of the present disclosure in which the
docking structure is docked to the apex A of the left ventricle LV.
For example, another embodiment guide member assembly 210 is shown
in FIG. 18, and includes the elongated member 70 and a docking
structure 214 which may comprise a helix formed into or at the tip
of the elongated member 70 (e.g. 0.032 inch diameter elongated
member). The guide member assembly 210 has been delivered (e.g.,
via a small diameter delivery system) through the inter-arterial
septum, and then through the mitral valve MV. The docking structure
214 has then been anchored to native anatomy of the walls W of the
left ventricle LV at or near the apex A. The so-docked guide member
assembly 210 provides a stable rail that a large diameter delivery
system (e.g., the delivery device 40 (FIG. 5B)) can be advanced,
tracked, or guided over as described above.
[0069] As mentioned above, with any of the guide member assemblies
of the present disclosure, the elongated member 70 can be
configured to self-assume or be biased toward (e.g., formed of a
shape memory material) a predetermined shape or curvature that is
beneficial for particular procedures. For example, another
embodiment guide member assembly 220 in accordance with principles
of the present disclosure is shown in FIG. 19. The guide member
assembly 220 includes an elongated member 70' connected to a
docking structure 224, and a delivery tube 226. The docking
structure 224 can assume any of the formats or constructions
described through the present disclosure, and is generally
configured to engage or anchor to native tissue. The elongated
member 70' can be akin to conventional guidewire constructions
known in the art, but is formed to self-assume the curved shape as
shown. The curvature and other dimensions or geometries of the
pre-determined shape correspond with transseptal advancement of the
elongated member 70' to the left ventricle LV and docking of the
docking structure 224 to native anatomy. The predetermined shape
naturally locates the elongated member 70' through the mitral valve
MV and within the septum; with this arrangement, as the elongated
member 70' is delivered and a delivery device (not shown) tracked
over the elongated member 70', the elongated member 70' will not
exert significant forces on tissue of the septum (a problem known
as "cheese grating" with conventional flossing techniques). The
delivery tube 226 can be relatively more rigid than the elongated
member 70', and assists in temporarily straightening the pre-formed
curvature in the elongated member 70' for initial delivery to the
heart.
[0070] Returning to FIG. 4, in some optional embodiments, both the
elongated member 70 and the docking structure 72 include
electrically conductive materials (e.g., the elongated member 70
can include an electrically conductive metal wire surrounded by an
electrical insulator, and the docking structure includes a metal
hook, coil, barb, clip, tine, etc., that is electrically connected
to the metal wire). With these and similar constructions, the guide
member assembly 60 can further include (or be connected to) a
source of energy (e.g., a pacing device), and can be configured to
perform various electrical energy-type procedures on a patient as
part of, for example, transseptal delivery of a prosthetic mitral
valve. With these and related embodiments, the guide member
assembly 60 can serve as a pacing lead, for example, in addition to
providing the delivery device tracking features described above.
With these and related embodiments, once the docking structure 72
is in contact with native tissue of interest, the guide member
assembly 60 can be operated as a temporary cardiac pacing wire, and
allows for rapid pacing of the patient's heart during deployment of
the prosthetic heart valve. The pacing or other electrical energy
related procedures could be performed on the left ventricle LV
(FIG. 1) or other areas of the patient's heart (e.g., the left
atrium LA (FIG. 1)). As a point of reference, conventional pacing
leads are too flexible or do not otherwise have sufficient rigidity
for tracking of a transcatheter prosthetic heart valve delivery
device loaded with a compressed prosthetic heart valve. In
contrast, the guide member assemblies of the present disclosure
(such as with some embodiments of the elongated member 70) are
mechanically robust, capable of traversing a tortuous pathway and
capable of directing a tracked transcatheter prosthetic heart valve
delivery device along a curved pathway.
[0071] As mentioned above, in some embodiments, the docking
structure 72 can be or include an inflatable anchor member (e.g.,
the docking structure 124 of FIG. 8). With these and related
embodiments, the inflatable docking structure can be configured
(e.g., inflated size and shape) to engage or anchor against various
native structures of the patient's heart. For example, another
embodiment guide member assembly 230 in accordance with principles
of the present disclosure is shown in FIG. 20. The guide member
assembly 230 includes the elongated member 70 as described above,
along with a docking structure 234. The docking structure 234
includes an inflatable anchor member 236 (e.g., a balloon) and
optional grip bodies 238. The inflatable anchor member 236 can be
directly attached to the elongated member 70 (with the elongated
member 70 having a lumen for delivering an inflation medium to an
interior of the inflatable member 236). Alternatively, the
inflatable anchor member 236 can be provided as part of a balloon
catheter that is slidably disposed over the elongated member 70 and
forms requisite inflation lumen(s). Regardless, the inflatable
anchor member 236 is transitionable between a delivery arrangement
(not shown) and the capture or deployed arrangement of FIG. 20 (in
which the inflatable anchor member 236 has been inflated); in the
capture or deployed arrangement, the inflatable anchor member 236
is sized and shaped to lodge or anchor in the left ventricle LV
(FIG. 1) as described in greater detail below.
[0072] The grip bodies 238, where provided, are carried on an
exterior of the inflatable anchor member 236 and are configured to
provide a more robust engagement or purchase with native tissue.
The grip bodies 238 can assume various forms, and in some
embodiment have a directional bias for reasons made clear below. In
some non-limiting embodiments reflected by FIG. 21, the grip bodies
238 can be akin to scales or ribs, projecting from the inflatable
anchor member 236 to a tip (e.g. sharp tip) 240. A shape or profile
of one or more of the grip bodies 238 can be such that tip 240 is
biased away from a distal end 242 of the inflatable member 236.
With this construction, the grip bodies 238 will more overtly
resist a pulling force in the proximal direction, and will more
easily "slip" in response to a force in the distal direction. This
"biased" attribute can be provided with a number of other
configurations. For example, the grip bodies 238 can be a number of
extremely stiff and flat arms that naturally project perpendicular
to the surface of the inflatable anchor member 236 when the
inflatable anchor member 236 is inflated/expanded; when the
inflatable anchor member 236 is deflated, the stiff and flat arms
can readily "flip" in any direction. With this optional
construction, the grip bodies 238 promote robust engagement of the
docking structure 234 with native anatomy with expansion of the
inflatable anchor member 236, and allow the docking structure 234
to easily release from the native anatomy with deflation of the
inflatable anchor member 236. The grip bodies 238 can be relatively
large and sturdy as shown. In other embodiment, the grip bodies 238
can have a very small scale (e.g., micro-sized bodies) and are
disposed over a larger surface area of the inflatable anchor member
236.
[0073] Some methods of the present disclosure making use of the
guide member assembly 230 can include transseptally inserting a
elongated member, such as the elongated member 70, into the left
ventricle LV as in FIG. 22A. The docking structure 234 (with the
inflatable anchor member 236 deflated) is then advanced to the
bottom of the left ventricle LV as in FIG. 22B. The docking
structure 234 can be carried by the elongated member 70, can be
slidably disposed over the elongated member 70, the
previously-inserted elongated member can be replaced by the
elongated member 70 otherwise carrying the docking structure 234.
Regardless, and with additional reference to FIG. 22C, the
inflatable anchor member 236 is pressed deep into the left
ventricle LV (e.g., at the apex A) and constant pressure is held
while the inflatable anchor member 236 is inflated. As the
inflatable anchor member 236 inflates, it presses against the apex
A and begins to push upwards. As the inflatable anchor member 236
comes into contact with the complex wall structure W of the left
ventricle LV, the grip bodies 238 intimately catch into the wall
structure W. The docking structure 234 thus becomes lodged in the
left ventricle LV, effectively anchoring the elongated member 70.
The so-docked guide member assembly 230 provides a stable rail that
a larger diameter delivery system (e.g., the delivery device 40
(FIG. 5B)) can be tracked over as described above. Because the
inflatable anchor member 236 is in place on the elongated member
70, in some embodiments the tip of the delivery device is a rapid
exchange (Rx) style tip in order to allow for the larger diameter
of the docking structure 234 without forcing the delivery system to
have an increased diameter. As a point of reference, the expanded
inflatable anchor member 236 is shown in FIG. 22C as occupying a
fairly large volume of the left ventricle LV for ease of
understanding. In other embodiments, the inflatable anchor member
236 is sized and shaped to occupy less than a majority (e.g., no
more than 25%, alternatively approximately 20%) of an available
volume of the left ventricle LV as generally reflected by the
inflatable anchor member 236' shown in FIG. 22D. It will be
understood that the expanded inflatable anchor member 236' will
reduce the open volume of the left ventricle LV and may impede some
level of contraction above the inflatable anchor member 236', but
not prevent it. In some embodiments, the inflatable anchor member
236' is made as small as possible while still achieving a desired
level of grip to the native anatomy.
[0074] While some methods described above entail use of a guide
member assembly of the present disclosure in performing a
transseptal access to the mitral valve and anchoring or docking at
or within the left ventricle to facilitate delivery of a prosthetic
mitral valve, other surgical approaches are also envisioned by the
present disclosure. For example, FIG. 23 illustrates another
embodiment guide member assembly 250 in performing a retrograde
aortic access or delivery procedure. The guide member assembly 250
includes the elongated member 70 as described above, along with a
docking structure 254. The docking structure 254 can assume any of
the formats described in the present disclosure, and in some
embodiments is or includes an inflatable anchor member (e.g., a
balloon) 256. To attain the arrangement of FIG. 23, the elongated
member 70 is advanced to the left ventricle LV via a retrograde
aortic approach and then toward the mitral valve MV. In this
regard, the inflatable anchor member 256 can assist in navigating
through the chordae CT in the left ventricle LV, for example by
slightly inflating the inflatable anchor member 256, may better
ensure that the elongated member 70 has a clear path to the center
of the mitral valve MV. Once located in the left atrium LA, the
docking structure 254 can be operated or manipulated to dock to
native anatomy as described above. Once anchored, the elongated
member 70 is stabilized for tracking of a prosthetic heart valve
delivery device commensurate with the descriptions above.
[0075] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, any of the
guide member assemblies disclosed herein can incorporate a
steerable elongated member or rail. For example, another guide
member assembly 270 in accordance with principles of the present
disclosure is shown in FIG. 24 and includes a steerable rail or
elongated member 272, a handle 274, and an optional docking
structure 276. The steerable elongated member 272 can assume
various forms known in the art appropriate for providing steering
capabilities. For example, two or more rail or rod segments can by
pivotably (and/or rotatably) coupled to one another, and pull wires
(or other actuators) provided; an operator can manipulate or steer
the rod segment relative to one another via the handle 274. Other
steering features known in the catheter art, for example, can be
incorporated into the steerable elongated member 272 (e.g.,
hydraulic-based steering mechanisms). Regardless, during a surgical
procedure, such as the transseptal prosthetic mitral valve delivery
procedures described above, the prosthetic mitral valve delivery
device (e.g., the delivery device 40 of FIG. 4) rides or tracks
over the steerable elongated member 272. As the capsule 52 (FIG. 4)
and thus the collapsed prosthetic mitral valve constrained therein
pass from the right atrium into the left atrium, and then into the
left ventricle, the pull wires (or other actuators) can be operated
or manipulated to alter or articulate the shape of the steerable
elongated member 272. As the capsule/collapsed valve enters the
native mitral valve annulus, additional steering of the distal end
of the steerable elongated member 272 located deep in the left
ventricle could help to center the prosthetic heart valve in the
native valve annulus. With related methods, the steerable elongated
member 272 can be used by pushing against the walls of the heart
chamber(s) to deflect the prosthetic heart valve delivery device
into a desired position.
[0076] Where provided, the optional docking structure 276 can
assume various forms. In some embodiments, the docking structure
276 is configured to facilitate desired deflection of the steerable
elongated member 272 against native anatomy. In some embodiments,
the docking structure 276 can be or include a basket-type body 278
as shown in FIG. 25. The basket 278 may more effectively push the
steerable elongated member 272 and therefor aid in orientating the
prosthetic heart valve delivery device toward the center of the
native mitral valve annulus.
[0077] As mentioned above, in some embodiments, any of the docking
structures of the present disclosure can alternatively be provided
as part of the delivery device 40, e.g., a guide member assembly
360 can be provided as part of the delivery device 40 wherein the
guide member assembly 360 includes a docking structure 372, which
can also be configured as a tip or nosecone for delivery device 40,
and an elongated member 370 (FIG. 26). In some embodiments, the
delivery device 40 can include a delivery sheath assembly 50, a
support shaft assembly 52, a handle assembly 54 (FIG. 4), and a
guide member assembly 360 wherein the delivery device 40 provides a
loaded or delivery state in which a prosthetic valve is loaded over
the support shaft assembly 52 and is retained within the capsule 42
of the delivery sheath assembly 50. The guide member assembly 360
includes a docking structure 372 carried by or connected to the
distal end of the elongated member 370. The docking structure 372
is generally configured to interface or dock with expected anatomy.
A guidewire lumen 380 can be provided through the docking structure
372 and through the elongated member 370 and can be open to a
guidewire port (e.g., at the handle assembly 54). The support shaft
assembly 52 can include an inner shaft 354 having a guide member
lumen 390. The docking structure 372 can be advanced from the
distal end of the inner shaft 354 via manipulation or advancement
of the elongated member 370 through the lumen 390 of the inner
shaft 354. The docking structure 372 is configured to engage native
anatomy as described above. Once the docking structure 372 is
relatively fixed to the native anatomy, a push/pull tension can be
applied to the elongated member 370 allowing the support shaft
assembly 52 and the delivery sheath assembly 50 of the delivery
device 40 to be more readily distally advanced over the elongated
member 370. Further, because the elongated member 370 can be
generally aligned with the mitral valve MV via the docked docking
structure 372, the capsule 42 will be similarly directed into and
aligned with the mitral valve MV. The delivery device 40 is then
operated to deploy the prosthetic heart valve.
[0078] In some embodiments, the docking structure 372 can be
configured to transition (e.g., expand and collapse) between a
delivery arrangement wherein the docking structure 372 is
configured for use as a tip or nosecone for delivery device 40 and
a deployed or capture arrangement wherein the docking structure 372
is used to engage native anatomy as described above. In some
embodiments, the docking structure 372 can be selectively
detachable from the elongated member 370 as described above. In
some embodiments, the docking structure 372 can include one or more
anchor members as described above.
[0079] One example of a treatment procedure to be performed on the
heart 30 is generally reflected by FIG. 27. A transcatheter
delivery device 40 is shown after having been introduced into the
vasculature via a percutaneous entry point (e.g., the Seldinger
technique), and having been tracked through the vasculature and
into the left atrium LA. For example, the percutaneous entry point
may be formed in a femoral vein. Thereafter, a guidewire (not
shown) assembly is advanced through the circulatory system,
eventually arriving at the heart. The guidewire assembly is
directed into the right atrium RA (e.g., via the vena cava),
traverses the right atrium RA, and is made to puncture or otherwise
pass through a hole H in the atrial septal wall W (e.g., with the
aid of a transseptal needle), thereby entering the left atrium LA.
Once the guidewire assembly is positioned, the delivery device 40
is tracked over the guidewire assembly and delivered transseptally
to the left atrium LA. From the arrangement of FIG. 27, the
elongated member 370 is manipulated, steered, and/or advanced as
described above, directing the docking structure 372 through and
beyond the mitral valve MV (FIG. 28). The guide member assembly 360
is then manipulated to dock the docking structure 372 to native
anatomy. In some embodiments, the docking structure 372 can include
one or more inflatable anchor members and/or one or more grip
bodies as described above. In some embodiments, the docking
structure 372 can be pressed deep into the left ventricle LV (e.g.,
at the apex A) and anchored or lodged into position as described
earlier. The so-docked guide member assembly 360 provides a stable
rail that the support shaft assembly 52 and the delivery sheath
assembly 50 of the delivery device 40 can then be tracked over,
bringing the capsule 42 into the mitral valve MV as in FIG. 29.
Because the docking structure 372 is relatively fixed to the native
anatomy, a push/pull tension can be applied to the elongated member
370 allowing the delivery device 40 to be more readily distally
advanced over the elongated member 370. Further, because the
elongated member 370 can be generally aligned with the mitral valve
MV via the docked docking structure 372, the capsule 42 will be
similarly directed into and aligned with the mitral valve MV. The
delivery device 40 is then operated to retract capsule 42 to
thereby deploy the prosthetic heart valve 400 at the mitral valve
MV (FIG. 30). Following deployment of the prosthetic valve 400, the
docking structure 372 is either released from the elongated member
370 or, as shown in FIG. 31, the elongated member 370 is retracted
or advanced proximally within the inner shaft 354 to relocate the
docking structure 372 at the distal end of the inner shaft 354. In
addition, the capsule 42 is advanced back over the inner shaft 354
thereby reconfiguring the delivery device 40 from a deployed
configuration or arrangement back into a delivery configuration or
arrangement. Once the delivery device 40 has been reconfigured into
a delivery configuration, the delivery device 40 is then removed
from the patient.
[0080] The assemblies, systems and methods of the present
disclosure provide a marked improvement over previous designs and
techniques, for example in transcatheter delivery of a prosthetic
mitral valve. By docking an elongated member or rail to native
anatomy and utilizing the so-docked guide member assembly for
advancing, tracking, or guiding the prosthetic heart valve delivery
device to the target native mitral valve (e.g., a transseptal
approach to the mitral valve from the left atrium), the anatomical
complexities presented by transcatheter mitral valve delivery are
addressed.
[0081] Although the present disclosure has been described with
reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will
recognize that changes can be made in form and detail without
departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.
* * * * *