Minimally invasive valve replacement system

Abstract

Methods and systems for minimally invasive replacement of a valve. The system includes a collapsible valve and anchoring structure, devices and methods for expanding the valve anchoring structure, adhesive means to seal the valve to the surrounding tissue, a catheter-based valve sizing and delivery system, native valve removal means, and a temporary valve and filter assembly to facilitate removal of debris material. The valve assembly comprises a valve and anchoring structure for the valve, dimensioned to fit substantially within the valve sinus.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to devices and systems for the replacement of physiological valves. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The transport of vital fluids in the human body is largely regulated by valves. Physiological valves are designed to prevent the backflow of bodily fluids, such as blood, lymph, urine, bile, etc., thereby keeping the body's fluid dynamics unidirectional for proper homeostasis. For example, venous valves maintain the upward flow of blood, particularly from the lower extremities, back toward the heart, while lymphatic valves prevent the backflow of lymph within the lymph vessels, particularly those of the limbs. [0003] Because of their common function, valves share certain anatomical features despite variations in relative size. The cardiac valves are among the largest valves in the body with diameters that may exceed 30 mm, while valves of the smaller veins may have diameters no larger than a fraction of a millimeter. Regar...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009] The present invention provides systems and devices for the replacement of physiological valves. In one embodiment of the present invention, the replacement valve assemblies are adapted to fit substantially within the valve sinuses. Because the devices and procedures provided by the present invention eliminate or reduce the need for suturing, time spent in surgery is significantly decreased, and the risks associated with surgery are minimized. Further, the devices of the present invention are suitable for delivery by cannula or catheter.

[0014] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a valve assembly is provided in which the vertical components of the anchoring structure are limited to the commissural posts between sinus cavities, thereby minimizing contact between mechanical components and fluid, as well as providing flow to vessels located in the valve sinus.

[0015] In still another embodiment of the present invention, a valve is provided that firmly attaches to the valve sinus, obviating the need for suturing to secure the valve placement.

Problems solved by technology

When valves exhibit abnormal anatomy and function as a result of valve disease or injury, the unidirectional flow of the physiological fluid they are designed to regulate is disrupted, resulting in increased hydrostatic pressure.

For example, venous valvular dysfunction leads to blood flowing back and pooling in the lower legs, resulting in pain, swelling and edema, changes in skin color, and skin ulcerations that can be extremely difficult to treat.

Lymphatic valve insufficiency can result in lymphedema with tissue fibrosis and gross distention of the affected body part.

Regardless of their etiology, all valvular diseases result in either stenosis, in which the valve does not open properly, impeding fluid flow across it and causing a rise in fluid pressure, or insufficiency / regurgitation, in which the valve does not close properly and the fluid leaks back across the valve, creating backflow.

Such open heart surgery is particularly invasive and involves a lengthy and difficult recovery period.

Furthermore, while devices have been developed for the endovascular implantation of replacement valves, including collapsing, delivering, and then expanding the valve, such devices do not configure the valve in a manner that takes advantage of the natural compartments formed by the valve sinuses for optimal fluid dynamics and valve performance.

Such contact is capable of contributing undesired stress on the valve leaflet.

Moreover, such support structures are not configured to properly support a tissue valve having a scalloped inflow annulus such as that disclosed in the U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 772,526 which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

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