Apparatus and methods for treating tissue
US6669687B1 · kind B1 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 23, 2000 |
| Grant date | Dec 30, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 11, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N7/02
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Apparatus and methods are provided for thermally or mechanically treating tissue, such as valvular structures, to reconfigure or shrink the tissue in a controlled manner, thereby improving or restoring tissue function. The apparatus comprises a catheter in communication with an end effector. The end effector induces a temperature rise in an annulus of tissue surrounding the leaflets of a valve sufficient to cause shrinkage of the tissue, thereby reducing a diameter of the annulus and causing the valves to close more tightly. Alternatively, the end effector selectively induces a temperature rise in the chordae tendineae sufficient to cause a controlled degree of shortening of the chordae tendineae, thereby enabling the valve leaflets to be properly aligned. In another alternative, the end effector is configured to mechanically shorten the effective length of the chordae tendineae by forcing the tendineae through a tortuous path, again properly aligning the valve leaflets.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.