Annuloplasty Device Having a Helical Anchor and Methods for its Use

Abstract

A system for modifying a heart valve annulus includes a helically helical anchored annuloplasty device delivered to the annulus via an elongated delivery member. The helical anchors of the devices disclosed herein are rotated into the valve annulus along an anchor guide by using a driver that is movably disposed in the delivery member. A tether is disposed within an inner channel of the helical anchor and a locking device is used to secure the annuloplasty device after the valve annulus has been modified. The annuloplasty device can be delivered to the annulus using, traditional surgical approach or a minimally invasive or catheter based methods.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 791,553, filed Apr. 12, 2006 and titled “Annuloplasty Device Having Helical anchors”; U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 791,340, filed Apr. 12, 2006 and titled “Minimally Invasive Procedure for Implanting an Annuloplasty Device”; and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 793,879, filed Apr. 21, 2006 and titled “Annuloplasty Device Having Helical anchors”, of which the entire contents of each are incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF INVENTION [0002] This invention relates generally to the treatment of heart valves and particularly to systems, devices and methods for treating valvular regurgitation by increasing leaflet coaption. BACKGROUND [0003] The heart is a four-chambered pump that moves blood efficiently through the vascular system. Blood enters the heart through the vena cava and flows into the right atrium. From the right atrium, blood flows through...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention provides a system for modifying a heart valve annulus by delivering an anchor guide and a helical anchor to the valve through a delivery member, and using a driver to thread the helical anchor through the annulus along the anchor guide. The system also includes a locking device to secure the tether. The invention allows for the permanent or temporary modification of the heart valve annulus, providing a minimally invasive method for treating heart valve disease.

Problems solved by technology

This results in reduced ejection volume from the left ventricle, causing the left ventricle to compensate with a larger stroke volume.

However, the increased workload eventually results in dilation and hypertrophy of the left ventricle, further enlarging and distorting the shape of the mitral valve.

If left untreated, the condition may result in cardiac insufficiency, ventricular failure, and ultimately death.

Rigid annuloplasty rings have the disadvantage of causing the mitral valve annulus to be rigid and unable to flex in response to the contractions of the ventricle, thus inhibiting the normal, three-dimensional movement of the mitral valve that is required for it to function optimally.

This eventually leads to scar tissue formation and loss of flexibility and function of the mitral valve.

Similarly, combination rings must generally be sutured in place and also cause scar tissue formation and loss of mitral valve flexibility and function.

One drawback to open heart surgical techniques requires heart bypass procedures to accomplish the replacement and / or repair of the valve.

Another drawback is that the open-heart procedures require that the patient undergo general anesthesia for a prolonged periods of time.

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