Devices and methods for cardiac annulus stabilization and treatment
US7753922B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 4, 2003 |
| Grant date | Jul 13, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 23, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2/2451
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Devices and methods generally provide enhanced stabilization, exposure and/or treatment of a cardiac valve annulus. Methods generally involve introducing a stabilizing member beneath one or more leaflets of a heart valve to engage the annulus at an intersection between the leaflets and the interior ventricular wall of the heart. Force is then applied to the stabilizing member to stabilize and/or expose the valve annulus. In some embodiments, the stabilizing member may include a series of hydraulically driven tethered anchors, such as hooks or clips, for engaging and cinching valve annulus tissue to decrease the diameter of a regurgitant valve. Alternatively, other treatments may be delivered by a stabilizing member, such as radiofrequency energy, drugs, bulking agents or shape memory stents. A second stabilizing member may also be introduced above the leaflets for further stabilization.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.