sequentially deployed transcatheter mitral valve prosthesis

Abstract

A sequentially deployable prosthetic heart valve includes a self-expanding frame having an atrial skirt, a ventricular skirt, and an annular region disposed therebetween. The first front ear is positioned on the front of the frame. The rear ears are located on the rear of the self-expanding frame. The frame can be designed such that any portion can be expanded sequentially in any desired order. For example, a portion of the first front ear and a portion of the rear ear may initially partially self-expand. Next, the first anterior ear can fully self-expand before the posterior ear fully self-expands. The posterior ligaments may then be fully self-expanding, followed by self-expanding of the ventricular skirt; or the ventricular skirt may be self-expanding, followed by full expansion of the posterior ligaments.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0002] This application is a non-provisional application of and claims the benefit of US Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 563,156 (Attorney Docket No. 42194-704.101), filed on November 23, 2011; the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference . [0003] This application is related to US Patent Application No. 13 / 096,572 (Attorney Docket No. 42194-703.201), filed April 28, 2011, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. technical field [0004] The present invention relates generally to medical devices and methods, and more particularly to treating valvular insufficiency, such as mitral regurgitation, also known as mitral regurgitation. Background technique [0005] One possible treatment for valve insufficiency (also known as regurgitation) is the use of prosthetic valves delivered by traditional surgical implantation or by less invasive percutaneous catheters or minimally inva...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

While some of these devices and methods are promising, there are still improved devices and methods that will further allow for more precise positioning of the prosthetic valve and will also more firmly anchor the valve in place.

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