Methods and apparatus for cardiac valve repair

US8187299B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• EVALVE, INC. · US

Inventors

• Eric Goldfarb · Belmont, US
• Mark Deem · Mountain View, US
• Kent D. Dell · Redwood City, US
• Martin Dieck · Cupertino, US
• Sylvia Wen-Chin Fan · San Francisco, US
• Hanson S. Gifford, III · Woodside, US
• Brian B. Martin · Felton, US
• Ferolyn T. Powell · San Francisco, US
• Frederick G. St. Goar · Menlo Park, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 29, 2007
• Grant date: May 29, 2012
• Expiry date: May 1, 2030

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61F2/2457
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

The methods, devices, and systems are provided for performing endovascular repair of atrioventricular and other cardiac valves in the heart. Regurgitation of an atrioventricular valve, particularly a mitral valve, can be repaired by modifying a tissue structure selected from the valve leaflets, the valve annulus, the valve chordae, and the papillary muscles. These structures may be modified by suturing, stapling, snaring, or shortening, using interventional tools which are introduced to a heart chamber. Preferably, the tissue structures will be temporarily modified prior to permanent modification. For example, opposed valve leaflets may be temporarily grasped and held into position prior to permanent attachment.