Apparatus and methods for replacing a cardiac valve

Abstract

An apparatus and method for replacing a cardiac valve includes an expandable support member having oppositely disposed first and second ends, a main body portion extending between the ends, and a prosthetic valve within the main body portion. The main body portion has an annular shape for expanding into position in the annulus of the valve. The first and second ends include a plurality of upper and lower wing members movable from a collapsed condition into an extended condition for respectively engaging a first section of cardiac tissue surrounding the valve and for engaging a portion of the native valve leaflets to pin the leaflets back against the annulus. The second end further includes at least two strut members spaced apart from each other. A respective one of the strut members is attached to at least one commissural section of the prosthetic valve to prevent prolapse of the valve leaflets.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60 / 654,725, filed on Feb. 18, 2005, the subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to an apparatus and methods for treating a diseased cardiac valve, and is particularly directed to an apparatus and methods for the correction of mitral valve and tricuspid valve disorders via a minimally invasive or percutaneous approach. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] There are two atrio-ventricular valves in the heart; one on the left side of the heart and one on the right side of the heart. The left side atrio-ventricular valve is the mitral valve and the right side atrio-ventricular [0004] The mitral and tricuspid valves differ significantly in anatomy. While the annulus of the mitral valve is generally D-shaped, the annulus of the tricuspid valve is more circular. The effects of the valvular dysfunction vary...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] In one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for replacing a cardiac valve having at least two native valve leaflets is provided. The apparatus comprises an expandable support member having oppositely disposed first and second ends and a main body portion extending between the ends. The main body portion of the support member has an annular shape for expanding into position in the annulus of the cardiac valve. The first end comprises a plurality of upper wing members that extend from the main body portion. Each of the upper wing members is movable from a radially collapsed condition into a radially extended condition for engaging a first section of cardiac tissue surrounding one side of the cardiac valve. The second end comprises a plurality of lower wing members that extend from the main body portion. Each of the lower wing members is movable from a radially collapsed condition into a radially extended condition for engaging a portion of the native valve leaflets to pin the leaflets back against the annulus of the native cardiac valve. The second end of the support member further includes at least two strut members that are spaced apart from each other. The at least two valve leaflets are joined at at least two commissural sections that are spaced apart from each other. Each of the at least two commissural sections are attached to a respective one of the strut members to prevent prolapse of the valve leaflets. A prosthetic valve is secured within the main body portion of the support member. The prosthetic valve has at least two valve leaflets that are coaptable to permit unidirectional flow of blood.

Problems solved by technology

As a result, the heart has to work harder by pumping not only the regular volume of the blood, but also the extra volume of blood that regurgitated back into the left atrium.

The added workload creates an undue strain on the left ventricle.

This strain can eventually wear out of the heart and result in morbidity when the conditions are prolonged and severe enough.

This operation exposes the patient to many risks especially in the elderly population.

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