Sizer Device Having a Plurality of Anterior-Posterior Ratios

Abstract

Described is a device for evaluating a heart valve annulus in order to choose a particular annuloplasty device to be attached to the annulus, wherein the annuloplasty device has an inter-trigonal or inter-commissural distance and an anterior-posterior ratio, the device comprising: a valve sizing element having one of a plurality of inter-trigonal or inter-commissural distances and comprising a plurality of indicia on the valve sizing element corresponding to a plurality of anterior-posterior ratios and used to compare to the annulus in order to indicate an anterior-posterior ratio of the annulus. Adjustable devices for evaluating a plurality of anterior-posterior ratios are also described. Also, methods of sizing a patient's heart valve annulus are described.

Description

PRIORITY [0001]The present non-provisional patent application claims benefit from U.S. Provisional Patent Application having Ser. No. 61 / 062,412, filed on Jan. 25, 2008, by Ryan et al., and titled SYSTEM OF ANNULOPLASTY DEVICES WITH VARYING ANTERIOR-POSTERIOR RATIOS AND RELATED DEVICES AND METHODS, wherein the entirety of said provisional patent application is incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD [0002]The present invention relates generally to devices and methods for repair of heart valves, and more particularly to a sizer device used to size the inter-trigonal (or inter-commissural) distance and anterior-posterior (A-P) ratio of a mitral valve annulus in order to choose an appropriate annuloplasty device for repair of the mitral valve.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003]Heart valve disease is a widespread condition in which one or more of the valves of the heart fails to function properly. Various surgical techniques may be used to replace or repair a diseased or damaged...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0015]Embodiments of the present invention offer advantages. The sizer device of the present invention allows for sizing the A-P ratio of a valve annulus without having to use multiple sizer devices. A single sizer would replace multiple sizers that would normally be needed. The sizer device includes means for measuring, or evaluating the annulus with regard to, at least two different A-P ratios, but preferably at least three different A-P ratios. The sizer device therefore allows for easier and more efficient sizing of the annulus. There will be less procedural time necessary because changing out the sizers will not be necessary. Also, a lower cost may be associated with the invention since there will be smaller packaging necessary to house the sizer device rather than multiple devices.

Problems solved by technology

In either area of the heart, however, many of the defects are associated with dilation of the valve annulus.

This dilation not only prevents competence of the valve but also results in distortion of the normal shape of the valve orifice.

A significant surgical diminution of the inter-trigonal distance may cause left ventricular outflow obstruction and / or distortion of the base of the aortic valve.

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