Devices, systems, and methods for supporting tissue and/or structures within a hollow body organ

Abstract

Devices, systems and methods support tissue in a body organ for the purpose of restoring or maintaining native function of the organ. The devices, systems, and methods do not require invasive, open surgical approaches to be implemented, but, instead, lend themselves to catheter-based, intra-vascular and / or percutaneous techniques.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims the benefit of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 307,226, filed Nov. 29, 2002, which claims the benefit of co-pending U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60 / 333,937 filed 28 Nov. 2001. This application also claims the benefit of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 271,334, filed Oct. 15, 2002.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The features of the invention are generally applicable to devices, systems, and methods that support tissue and / or structures within a hollow body organ. In a more particular sense, the features of the invention are applicable to improving heart function by supporting tissue and related structures in the heart, e.g., for the treatment of conditions such as congestive heart failure and / or heart valve dysfunction and / or atrial fibrillation and / or septal defects. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Hollow body organs are shaped in particular native ways to perform specific native functions. W...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0017] One aspect of the invention provides systems and methods for supporting tissue within a hollow body organ. The systems and methods employ first and second implants that are coupled together. The first implant is sized and configured to penetrate a first region of tissue in the hollow body organ. The second implant is sized and configured to penetrate a second region of tissue in the hollow body organ spatially distinct from the first region. At least one tension element couples the first and second implants together, to apply tension to the first and second implants, and thereby draw tissue inward, supporting it. The supporting effect serves, e.g., to draw tissue surfaces together to reduce tissue volume within the hollow body organ, as well as resist subsequent enlargement of tissue volume. Desirably, the supporting effect does not interfere with contraction of the hollow body organ to a lesser tissue volume. However, if desired, this form of bracing can be achieved.

Problems solved by technology

When a body organ looses its native shape due to disease, injury, or simply the natural aging process, the native functions can be adversely affected.

Infection, myocardial infarction, atrial fibrillation, other diseases, or anatomic defects can adversely affect the normal synchronous pumping actions of the left and right sides of the heart and / or the operation of heart valves during the cardiac cycle.

This condition can lead to adverse consequences.

Over time, other chambers of the heart may also become weaker.

The stretching and enlargement of a heart chamber, e.g., in the left ventricle, can lead to a condition called congestive heart failure.

If not treated, congestive heart failure can lead to pulmonary embolisms, circulatory shutdown, and death.

Such dysfunctions can eventually also weaken the heart and can result in heart failure.

Anatomic defects, e.g., in the septum, can also lead to heart dysfunction.

These defects can be congenital, or they can result from disease or injury.

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