Method and apparatus for circulatory valve repair

US6269819A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York · US

Inventors

• Mehmet C. Oz · Cliffside Park, US
• Gerald M. Lemole · Huntingdon Valley, US
• Alan Lotvin · Maple Grove, US
• Juan P. Umana · New York, US
• William Allen · Westborough, US
• Howard P. Levin · Teaneck, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 25, 1999
• Grant date: Aug 7, 2001
• Expiry date: Feb 25, 2019

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61F2/2427
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An apparatus for the repair of a cardiovascular valve having leaflets comprises a grasper capable of grabbing and co-apting the leaflets of the valve. Preferably, the grasper has jaw that grasp, immobilize the leaflets, and then a fastener is inserted to co-apt the leaflets. The apparatus is particularly useful for repairing mitral valves to cure mitral regurgitation.