Methods and devices for capturing and fixing leaflets in valve repair

US9044246B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Abbott Vascular, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Eric Goldfarb · Belmont, US
• Kent D. Dell · Redwood City, US
• Sylvia Wen-Chin Fan · San Francisco, US
• Brian B. Martin · Felton, US
• Ferolyn T. Powell · San Francisco, US
• Alfred H. Raschdorf · Saint James, US
• Troy L. Thornton · San Francisco, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 24, 2011
• Grant date: Jun 2, 2015
• Expiry date: Nov 7, 2033

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61F2/2463
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

The present invention provides methods and devices for grasping, and optional repositioning and fixation of the valve leaflets to treat cardiac valve regurgitation, particularly mitral valve regurgitation. Such grasping will typically be atraumatic providing a number of benefits. For example, atraumatic grasping may allow repositioning of the devices relative to the leaflets and repositioning of the leaflets themselves without damage to the leaflets. However, in some cases it may be necessary or desired to include grasping which pierces or otherwise permanently affects the leaflets. In some of these cases, the grasping step includes fixation.