Device and method of treating heart valve malfunction

Abstract

An assembly and method for treating heart valve malfunction typically including treating of mitral regurgitation wherein an instrument assembly includes an elongated chord movably disposed within an introductory sheath and including an anchor secured to a distal end thereof. An attendant method includes concurrently introducing the sheath and the chord into the heart chamber through an exterior wall and penetrating and passing the sheath and the chord through the anterior mitral valve leaflet. The sheath and the chord are then extended transversely across the heart chamber and the distal end of the chord is anchored to an opposing portion of the heart wall. The sheath is then withdrawn back along the length of the anchored chord and through the anterior mitral valve leaflet and a securing member connects the proximal end of the chord to the valve leaflet. The chord is secured between the valve leaflet and the opposing heart wall under sufficient tension to maintain an intended positioning of the valve leaflet to overcome mitral regurgitation.

Description

CLAIM OF PRIORITY[0001]The present application is based on and a claim of priority is made under 35 U.S.C. Section 119(e) to a provisional patent application that is currently pending in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, namely, that having Ser. No. 61 / 729,152 and a filing date of Nov. 21, 2012, and which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention is directed to an instrument assembly and method of use and application in the treatment of heart valve malfunction. In more specific terms the instrument assembly is specifically adapted to treat mitral regurgitation by means of a direct entry of the instrument through the atrial wall rather than through the vascular system, in order to apply sufficient tension to a prolapsing leaflet, including the anterior leaflet and / or the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve, in order to overcome mitral regurgitation.[0004]2. Description of the Related...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is an instrument assembly for treating heart conditions, particularly mitral valve prolapse. The assembly includes an introducer sheath that is inserted into the heart through the at tabs and a delivery catheter to position the sheath. The sheath is designed to be flexible enough to be manipulated through the heart. An anchor is attached to the end of a chord that is placed within the heart and secured to the ventricular wall. A gripping structure prevents the anchor from detachable from the ventricular wall. The technical effect of the invention is the simplification of the procedure for treating mitral valve prolapse and reducing the risk of complications.

Problems solved by technology

A dysfunction of any of these components of the mitral valve can cause “mitral regurgitation”.

This abnormal leaking of blood from the left ventricle, through the mitral valve and, into the left atrium when the left ventricle contracts, results in the “regurgitation” of blood back into the left atrium.

However, when the mitral valve malfunctions, due to various cardiac diseases, the leaflets are no longer coapting resulting in the mitral valve remaining partially open during ventricular contraction.

When the mitral valve does not close hermetically during the ventricular contraction, the aforementioned back flow of blood to the atrium and the pulmonary vasculature, results in a deleterious condition.

More specifically, this condition increases the work load to the heart and may lead to heart failure.

Other specific treatments associated with mitral regurgitation sometimes may include the replacement of the mitral valve, resulting in traumatic and frequently dangerous surgical procedures being performed on a patient.

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