Mitral valve inversion prostheses

Abstract

Systems, devices and methods for resizing a valve annulus are described. An implant is delivered proximate a mitral valve, the implant comprising a tubular body and a plurality of piercing helical anchors, the tubular body comprising an proximal diameter and a distal diameter. Tissue proximate the mitral valve is engaged by rotating the plurality of anchors with corresponding rotational drivers. The tubular body may be transitioned from a first structural configuration having the proximal diameter smaller than the distal diameter to a second structural configuration having the proximal diameter larger than the distal diameter.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a Continuation-in-Part Application of U.S. application Ser. No. 14 / 427,909, filed on Mar. 12, 2015, which is a U.S. National Phase Application of PCT International Application Number PCT / US2013 / 059751, filed on Sep. 13, 2013, designating the United States of America and published in the English language, which is an International Application of and claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 700,989, filed on Sep. 14, 2012. Each of the above-referenced applications are hereby expressly incorporated by reference in their entireties for all purposes and form a part of this specification. Any and all priority claims identified in the Application Data Sheet, or any correction thereto, are hereby incorporated by reference under 37 C.F.R. §1.57.BACKGROUND[0002]A. Field[0003]This disclosure relates generally to cardiac treatment devices and techniques, and in particular, to methods and devices for re...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes an implant and method for reshaping a heart valve annulus, such as the mitral valve, to treat heart valve disease. The implant is a tubular body with a proximal and distal diameter that can be transitioned from a smaller to larger size by applying an expansive force. The implant also includes a plurality of piercing members that are rotatable and can be engaged with tissue near the heart valve to anchor the implant. The method involves positioning the implant at a location near the heart valve and engaging the piercing members with the tissue to secure the implant. The implant can then be transitioned from a first to a second structural configuration to reshape the heart valve annulus. The technical effects of the invention include improved heart valve function, reduced regurgitation, and improved delivery and placement of the implant.

Problems solved by technology

Among the problems that can develop or occur with respect to the mitral valve is mitral valve regurgitation (MR), in which the mitral valve leaflets become unable to close properly, thus causing leakage of the mitral valve.

Severe mitral regurgitation is a serious problem that, if left untreated, can adversely affect cardiac function and thus compromise a patient's quality of life and life span.

The most prevalent and widely accepted current technique to correct mitral regurgitation is to repair the mitral valve via open-heart surgery while a patient's heart is stopped and the patient is on cardiopulmonary bypass, a highly invasive procedure that has inherent risks.

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