Devices and methods for positioning and monitoring tether load for prosthetic mitral valve

Abstract

Apparatus and methods are described herein for positioning an epicardial anchor device and measuring the load of a tether extending from a prosthetic heart valve and coupled to the epicardial anchor device. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a handle assembly (444) coupled to an elongate member (445) and a docking member (446) coupled to a distal end of the elongate member. The docking member can be releasably coupled to an epicardial anchor device configured to secure a tether extending from a prosthetic heart valve implanted with a heart at a location on an exterior of a ventricular wall of the heart. A force sensor device (448) is coupled to the handle assembly and can measure a force exerted on the force sensor device. The force is associated with a tension of the tether extending through the elongate member and handle assembly.

Description

[0001] Cross References to Related Applications [0002] This application claims Application No. 61 / 950,429 filed March 10, 2014 and titled "Devices and Methods for Monitoring Tether Load for Prosthetic Mitral Valves." Mitral Valve), U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 970,887, filed March 26, 2014, and titled "Post-Deployment Adjustment of a Prosthetic Mitral Valve" and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 970,882, filed March 26, 2014, entitled "Post-Deployment Adjustment of a Prosthetic Mitral Valve" Priority and interest in patent applications. The disclosure of each of the aforementioned applications is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background technique [0003] Embodiments described herein relate to devices and methods for anchoring medical devices, such as prosthetic heart valve replacement devices, and more particularly to devices and methods for post-deployment adjustment and / or repositioning of such medical devices . [0004] Some...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Many known devices do not have the ability to adjust the anchor or tether tension after initial placement

Furthermore, known devices do not have the ability to measure and monitor tension on the tether during deployment of the valve to help provide optimal tension and optimal position

[0005] For example, some problems associated with improper tensioning of the fixation tether may include gradual loosening of the tether over time, overtensioning and deformation of the tether when positioning the deployed valve, and tethers at suboptimal angles. Configuration is deployed or migrated such that the valve axis is no longer normal to the plane of the native valve annulus

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