Annuloplasty ring for receiving replacement valve

Abstract

To provide treatment for heart valve regurgitation, including mitral valve disease and tricuspid valve disease.SOLUTION: An annuloplasty ring includes elastic features that make the ring optimal for receiving a subsequent prosthetic valve via "Valve In Ring". The elastic features provide a squeezing force on the native valve annulus, which ensures coaptation of the native valve leaflets and also prevents paravalvular leakage around a subsequently placed prosthetic valve. In one embodiment, an annuloplasty ring comprises an elongate core having a shape configured to establish an optimal perimeter for a human blood valve when implanted in a circulatory system, and includes at least one elastic feature allowing the core to be stretched from a resting state to a stretched state, where the core is biased toward the resting state.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] (Related Applications) This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 172,722, entitled "Annuloplasty Ring for Receiving a Replacement Valve," filed June 8, 2015, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 241,664, entitled "Annuloplasty Ring for Receiving a Replacement Valve," filed October 14, 2015, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

[0002] FIELD OF THEINVENTION The present invention relates to treatments for heart valve regurgitation, including mitral and tricuspid valve disease, and may also be applicable to aortic and pulmonary valve disease. [Background technology]

[0003] BACKGROUND OF THEINVENTION Valvuloplasty rings for the treatment of heart valve disorders and various methods of implanting such rings have been known for several years and represent a significant advance in the treatment of heart disease. The valvuloplasty rings are sutured, clipped, or otherwise secured to the patient's valve annulus, and are used to enlarge or reduce the diameter of a diseased heart valve, thereby allowing the leaflets to establish or re-establish coaptation, thereby reducing or eliminating regurgitation through the valve.

[0004] However, it has been observed that in some patients, although the ring adequately treats the diseased valve, the valve condition continues to deteriorate, thus necessitating valve replacement. Historically, such valve replacement requires another open heart surgery, including first removing the valvuloplasty ring and then implanting a new valve. Although this multi-step process has proven useful and has saved and prolonged the lives of many patients, the removal and implantation process is time-consuming and difficult for the surgeon, and potentially very dangerous for the patient. For example, when the condition of the valve and surrounding tissue is particularly diseased, removal of the ring can often make it very difficult to find suitable tissue to securely attach the new replacement valve.

[0005] The need for ring removal in open heart surgery arises from the rigid and / or inelastic, non-compliant nature of existing rings. Rings can also constrict the valve ostium, making it impossible for a properly sized prosthetic valve to be placed inside the ring. Rings can also distort the prosthetic valve, causing regurgitation leakage within the prosthetic valve. The shape and size of the ring may not correspond well to the prosthetic valve, leading to regurgitation leakage between the ring and the prosthetic valve, called paravalvular regurgitation. Most rings are roughly D-shaped, and almost all prosthetic valve replacements are round, and therefore these spatial relationships make practical application of placing a valve inside the ring very difficult.

[0006] As a result, there is a clear need for an valvuloplasty ring that provides both the initial successful treatment of a diseased valve (e.g., treating valvular regurgitation) and then a platform for receiving a replacement valve at a later date, should the patient's valve continue to deteriorate and require replacement. Such an valvuloplasty ring would not require resection in such circumstances, but rather would provide properties that would allow for the placement and fixation of a prosthetic heart valve within the previously implanted valvuloplasty ring. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] (Summary of the invention) The present invention is directed to meeting the aforementioned need for an valvuloplasty ring that provides both initial successful treatment of a diseased valve and a platform for receiving a replacement valve, also referred to herein as a "valve-in-ring" or "VIR" procedure. The present invention accomplishes this by providing an valvuloplasty ring that stretches and deforms around a prosthetic valve and then, once released, squeezes the prosthetic valve like a rubber band.

[0008] More specifically, the ring of the present invention has an elongated core with a shape configured to establish an optimal circumference for a human blood valve when implanted in the circulatory system, and includes at least one elastic feature that allows the core to be stretched from a resting state to a stretched state, toward which the core is biased. The ring is implanted in a resting state designed to optimize the performance of the patient's own valve, and the elastic nature of the ring also allows the ring to stretch in response to changes in blood pressure and flow. This allows the ring to more closely mimic native valve behavior and prevent undesirable tissue stresses from concentrating in the area surrounding the ring fixation mechanism, such as sutures and the like. The stretching property of the ring allows the ring to be stretched during the valve-in-ring implantation procedure to apply a compressive force to the native annulus that promotes long-term adhesion of the annulus to the prosthetic valve.

[0009] The compressive properties of the elastic ring make it stretchable and deformable, and therefore uniquely suited to receive an artificial valve, such as an implantable transcatheter valve (TCV), a "sutureless valve," or other prosthesis. Due to the compressive effect of the elastic material, the ring acts like a gasket or rubber band around the artificial valve. The compression forces the ring to fit tightly around the valve, thereby preventing paravalvular leakage.

[0010] One aspect of the invention provides annuloplasty rings with shapes that are either completely or partially circular or "D" shaped, which may also have a three-dimensional appearance referred to as a saddle shape. Circular shapes are typically used in conjunction with anatomical circular valves, such as the aortic valve, while "D" shaped valves are typically used in conjunction with anatomical "D" shaped or kidney bean shaped valves, such as the mitral valve. The tricuspid valve has a unique oval variation of the saddle shape.

[0011] In another aspect of the invention, the elastic feature comprises at least one tapered section of the elongated core. The tapered section may have a cross-section that is shaped to provide optimal elastic performance characteristics. Non-limiting examples include circular, square, rectangular, and coil shapes.

[0012] In yet another aspect of the invention, the at least one elastic feature takes the form of an accordion-like section, which may be short relative to the length of the core, or which may extend substantially the length of the core.

[0013] In yet another aspect of the invention, the annuloplasty ring may include an inner wire extending through the elongated core. The inner wire may be included to increase the stiffness of the ring. Elasticity may be maintained by interrupting the inner wire within the area of ​​the at least one elastic feature. Alternatively, the inner wire may include an area of ​​reduced diameter located within the location of the at least one elastic feature.

[0014] The present invention also includes a method of treating or replacing a diseased heart valve. First, a valvuloplasty procedure is performed by placing the valvuloplasty ring of the present invention around the regurgitant valve. The valvuloplasty ring re-establishes coaptation of the native valve leaflets. If it is determined that the native valve leaflets or surrounding structures are later diseased and the diseased valve needs to be replaced, the method involves placing a prosthetic valve within the installed valvuloplasty ring using a transcatheter valve, a sutureless valve, or through open heart surgery. This is done without removing the ring and with or without removing the native heart valve. The prosthetic valve may be sutured or otherwise attached directly to the ring. The ring thus provides an ideally shaped platform for receiving the prosthetic heart valve.

[0015] The present invention provides rings that can be secured to the valve annulus via open surgery or percutaneously. Percutaneous approaches for implanting annuloplasty rings are currently under development. A percutaneous approach developed by Valtech Cardio (Or Yehuda, Israel) and called Cardioband provides one example and is incorporated herein by reference. Further information is provided at http: / / www.valtechcardio.com. Device and method embodiments are described in "Annuloplasty Ring Implantation," filed May 7, 2009, and incorporated herein by reference. No. 8,715,342 to Zipory et al., entitled "With Intra-Ring Anchoring." However, the Cardioband is not elastic and is not designed to receive a prosthetic heart valve. The elastic nature of the ring and particularly the imperfect embodiment make it particularly suitable for transcatheter delivery and subsequent reception of a prosthetic valve.

[0016] Another example, developed by Edwards Lifesciences Corp. (Irvine California), is described in U.S. Patent No. 8,287,591, entitled "Transformable Annuloplasty Ring Configured to Receive a Percutaneous Prosthetic Heart Valve Implantation," by Keidar et al., filed September 19, 2008, and incorporated herein by reference. However, this device requires a balloon to expand the device in order to receive the prosthetic valve.

[0017] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the methods and ring embodiments of the present invention are novel and advantageous for several reasons, some of which include being designed for VIR procedures, providing optimal performance characteristics such as flexibility, deformability, radiopacity, and elimination of a prior balloon procedure. Additionally, the ring embodiments of the present invention, while novel, offer a familiar appearance designed to optimize ease of use for an easy learning curve for the implanting surgeon. The ring design is also relatively easy to manufacture. The present invention provides, for example, the following: (Item 1) 1. An annuloplasty ring comprising an elongated core having a shape configured to establish an optimal circumference for a human blood valve when implanted within a circulatory system, the annuloplasty ring including at least one elastic feature that enables the core to be stretched from a rest state to an extended state, the core being biased toward the rest state. (Item 2) 2. The annuloplasty ring of claim 1, wherein the shape comprises an incomplete circle. (Item 3) 2. The annuloplasty ring of claim 1, wherein the shape comprises a perfect circle. (Item 4) 2. The annuloplasty ring of item 1, wherein the shape comprises an incomplete "D" shape that mimics a healthy mitral valve circumference. (Item 5) 2. The annuloplasty ring of item 1, wherein the shape comprises an incomplete "D" shape that mimics a healthy mitral valve circumference. (Item 6) 2. The annuloplasty ring of claim 1, wherein the at least one elastic feature comprises at least one tapered section of the elongated core. (Item 7) 7. The annuloplasty ring of claim 6, wherein the at least one tapered section has a cross-section selected from the group consisting of circular, square, rectangular, and coiled. (Item 8) 2. The annuloplasty ring of claim 1, wherein the at least one elastic feature comprises at least one accordion-like section of the elongated core. (Item 9) 9. The annuloplasty ring of claim 8, wherein the accordion section extends along substantially the entirety of the elongate core. (Item 10) 2. The annuloplasty ring of item 1, further comprising an inner wire extending through the elongate core. (Item 11) Item 11. The annuloplasty ring of item 10, wherein the inner wire is interrupted at the location of the at least one elastic feature. (Item 12) Item 11. The annuloplasty ring of item 10, wherein the inner wire has an area of ​​reduced diameter at the location of the at least one elastic feature. (Item 13) 1. A method of replacing a heart valve having an valvuloplasty ring installed therein, the method comprising installing a prosthetic heart valve within the valvuloplasty ring while elastically stretching the ring. (Item 14) 14. The method of claim 13, wherein placing the prosthetic heart valve in the annuloplasty ring comprises attaching the prosthetic heart valve to the annuloplasty ring. (Item 15) 1. A method of treating a diseased heart valve, comprising: implanting an annuloplasty ring around a diseased heart valve to coapt leaflets of the diseased heart valve, the annuloplasty ring including at least one elastic feature that allows the ring to be stretched from a rest state to an extended state, the ring being biased toward the rest state; periodically monitoring the valve over an extended period of time; and placing an artificial valve within the ring if the native valve relapses. A method comprising: (Item 16) Item 16. The method of item 15, wherein the at least one elastic feature comprises at least one tapered section of the elongated core. (Item 17) Item 17. The method of item 16, wherein the at least one tapered section has a cross-section selected from the group consisting of circular, square, rectangular, and coiled. (Item 18) Item 16. The method of item 15, wherein the at least one elastic feature comprises at least one accordion-like section of the elongate core. (Item 19) 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the accordion section extends along substantially the entirety of the elongate core. (Item 20) Item 16. The method of item 15, further comprising an inner wire extending through the elongate core. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] These and other aspects, features, and advantages enabled by embodiments of the present invention will be apparent and elucidated from the following description of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view of an embodiment of a ring of the present invention.

[0020] [Diagram 2]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a ring of the present invention deployed at a target valve site.

[0021] [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a plan view of an embodiment of a ring of the present invention.

[0022] [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a plan view of an embodiment of a ring of the present invention.

[0023] [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a plan view of an embodiment of a ring of the present invention showing various examples of cross-sectional shapes of the elastic features of the ring.

[0024] [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a plan view of an embodiment of a ring of the present invention.

[0025] [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a plan view of an embodiment of a ring of the present invention.

[0026] [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a top view of an embodiment of a ring of the present invention after a VIR procedure has been performed.

[0027] [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a top view of an embodiment of a ring of the present invention having a cover after a VIR procedure has been performed.

[0028] [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a ring of the present invention implanted within the annulus of a tricuspid valve.

[0029] [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a plan view of an embodiment of a ring of the present invention after a VIR procedure has been performed.

[0030] [Figure 12]FIG. 12 is a plan view of an embodiment of a ring of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0031] (Description of the embodiments of the invention) Next, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. The terms used in the detailed description of the embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings are not intended to be limiting of the present invention. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements.

[0032] Turning now to the figures, and referring initially to FIG. 1, an embodiment 10 of the annuloplasty ring of the present invention is shown. The ring 10 generally includes an elongated core 12 extending between a first end 14 and a second end 16. Although only shown in FIG. 8, all of the ring embodiments described herein may be covered with materials common in the art, such as double velour fabric or other Dacron fabric. Such fabrics aid in anchoring by receiving sutures and also providing a medium to encourage tissue ingrowth. Additionally, depending on the performance of the selected core material, the need for a cover may be eliminated.

[0033] The core 12 has a shape that is configured to establish an optimal circumference for a human blood valve when implanted within the circulatory system. For example, the ring 10 shown in Figure 1 has a "D" shape and a three-dimensional saddle shape, corresponding to the mitral valve of the heart.

[0034] The various ring embodiments described herein all include elastic features that give the ring elastic compliance from a resting state to an extended state. Like a rubber band, the ring is implanted in its resting state, but is flexible, allowing normal extension and function of the valve. When the ring is in an extended state, a squeezing force is applied to the force or object, such as blood pressure, that is applied to the device in the extended state. The squeezing properties of the elastic ring make it stretchable and deformable, and therefore uniquely suitable for receiving an artificial valve, such as an implantable transcatheter valve (TCV) or other prosthesis. Due to the squeezing effect of the elastic material, the ring and the annular tissue to which it is fixed act as a gasket or rubber band around the artificial valve. The squeezing forces the ring and tissue tightly around the valve, thereby preventing paravalvular leakage and reducing the risk that the valve may migrate, migrate, or become embolized.

[0035] 1, the ring 10 includes at least one elastic feature 20 that allows the core to be stretched from a rest state to an extended state. In this embodiment 10, the elastic feature 20 takes the form of a tapered section having a smaller cross-section than the remainder of the core 12.

[0036] As an example, the ring 10 shown in FIG. 1 has two tapered sections 20. The number and location of the tapered sections 20 can vary according to the intended implantation location and orientation of the ring 10. For example, FIG. 2 shows a ring embodiment 30 having an oval shape and conforming to the tricuspid valve. Round native valves such as the aortic valve or pulmonary valve may also be treated with the ring. The ring 30 has a core 32 extending between ends 34 and 36 and including a single tapered section 40 between the ends 34 and 36. The tapered section 40 is aligned with the commissures of the tricuspid valve. The ends 34 and 36 are also shown to be tapered.

[0037] Those skilled in the art will also understand that annuloplasty rings are sized to conform to the native valve, but once installed, they also exert a force on the tissue, given the elastic nature of the tissue. Thus, when a valve is described herein as being sized and shaped to fit the native valve, it should be understood that the native annulus will also conform to some degree to the ring. The latter conformation is necessary to re-establish leaflet coaptation. Thus, the ring is not shaped to precisely fit the diseased valve. Rather, the ring is sized and shaped to reshape the native annulus into a desired configuration, once implanted.

[0038] In order to impart the desired force to the target tissue, the elongate core of the various embodiments described herein is flexible and resilient. The core may be made of any suitable material, including silicone, medical grade rubber, e ptfe, Goretex (R) , or others. Alternatively, other materials may be used that are coated with a silicone layer. In some cases, additional stiffness may be desired in addition to the capabilities of the selected core material. Additional stiffness may be provided by utilizing a wire core. For example, FIG. 3 shows a ring embodiment 50 having a core 52 that extends in a "D" shape between a first end 54 and a second end 56 and includes two tapered sections 60. An inner wire 62 extends through the core 52 to provide additional stiffness. The inner wire 62 may be constructed from a biocompatible material, including, but not limited to, Nitinol or alloys, stainless steel, cobalt chrome, titanium, nickel, or others. As seen in FIG. 3, the inner wire 62 is configured so as not to interfere with the resilience provided by the tapered section 60. The inner wire 62 is interrupted to form three sections of wire, 64, 66, and 68. The three sections 64 , 66 and 68 are interrupted or spaced apart in the tapered section 60 .

[0039] Alternatively, if more stiffness is required in the tapered section, an embodiment of an inner wire 70 such as that shown in Figure 4 may be provided. Figure 4 shows a ring 50 such as that shown in Figure 3, where the interrupted inner wire 62 has been replaced with an uninterrupted inner wire 70. However, the inner wire 70 has a region of reduced diameter 72 corresponding to the tapered section 60. The region of reduced diameter 72 results in the formation of three sections 74, 76, and 78 of relatively increased diameter. These sections 74, 76, and 78 are therefore located within the more rigid regions of the core 52 between the tapered sections 60.

[0040] The inner wire 62 may also add radiopacity to the ring. Marker bands or coatings may also be incorporated into the silicone or fabric if additional radiopacity is desired.

[0041] In addition to the use or absence of an inner wire, the elastic properties of the tapered section may be controlled by the use of various cross-sectional shapes in the tapered section. For example, FIG. 5 shows the ring 50 of FIG. 3, as previously described. Also shown are various cross-sectional shapes taken along section line AA extending through the tapered section 60. Example AA shows a circular cross-section, Example AB shows a square cross-section, Example AC shows a rectangular cross-section, and Example AD shows a spiral or coil-shaped cross-section. Each shape exhibits different flexibility and stretch properties, and the examples provided should be considered as non-limiting.

[0042] The elastic properties of the ring may be further varied by employing other embodiments of elastic features. For example, referring now to FIG. 6, an embodiment 80 of a ring of the present invention is shown. The ring 80 generally includes an elongated core 82 extending between a first end 84 and a second end 86. The core 82 has a "D" shape that corresponds to the mitral valve of the heart, but may also be shaped to fit other valves, such as oval or round valves, such as the tricuspid valve.

[0043] The ring 80 includes at least one elastic feature 90 that allows the core to be stretched from a resting state to an extended state. In this embodiment 80, the at least one elastic feature 90 takes the form of an accordion-like section 90 in the otherwise cylindrical core 82. The at least one accordion-like section 90 in FIG. 6 is shown, by way of example, as two spaced apart accordion-like sections 90, which may or may not be positioned to coincide with the commissures of the target heart valve.

[0044] Alternatively, to provide different elastic properties, an embodiment 100 shown in Figure 7 is provided that includes an elongated core 102 that generally extends between a first end 104 and a second end 106. The core 102 has a "D" shape that corresponds to the mitral valve of the heart, but may also be shaped to fit other valves, such as a round valve or an oval such as the tricuspid valve.

[0045] The ring 100 includes elastic features 110 that allow the core to be stretched from a resting state to an extended state. In this embodiment 100, at least one elastic feature 110 takes the form of an accordion-like section 110 that extends along substantially the entire extent between the first end 104 and the second end 106. It should be understood that various features illustrated in the embodiments herein may be employed by other embodiments, even if not all variations are shown in the figures. For example, embodiments incorporating accordion-like elastic features may be used in conjunction with an inner wire if increased stiffness is desired.

[0046] Further variation in performance characteristics may be provided by embodiments of the invention that comprise complete rings. All of the previously described embodiments have comprised incomplete rings, including an elongated core with a first end and a second end, and extending between the two ends. It should be noted that these incomplete cores may be used with a fabric cover that is either incomplete to match the core, or complete, thereby spanning the gap between the first and second ends of the core with fabric. In this case, it may be desirable to sew only the area of ​​the ring that includes the core. This embodiment can be seen in FIG. 8, which shows an embodiment 200 of a round incomplete ring having an elongated core 202 that extends between a first end 204 and a second end 206. The core 202 includes at least one elastic feature 210 in a tapered shape. The ring 200 also includes a fabric cover 220, shown in phantom to reveal the details of the core 202. Sutures 222 are used to secure the ring 200 to the valve annulus, and a prosthetic valve V is placed within the ring 200 via a VIR procedure. The sutures 222 extend through the fabric 220 and the core 202, but are not contained within the gap 224 between the first end 204 and the second end 206.

[0047] FIG. 9 shows the embodiment 200 of FIG. 8 with a fabric cover 220 covering the core (not shown). The ring 200 has a valve V embedded therein. The sutures 222 extend around the circumference of the ring 200, except for the gap area 224 where the core of the ring 220 is incomplete. The embodiment of FIG. 9 is round like the aortic valve. FIG. 10 shows a similar embodiment 201, including the fabric cover 220, the sutures 222, and the gap area 224. The embodiment 201 differs from 200 only in that it has an oval shape suitable for the tricuspid valve. The embodiment of 201 is shown to be embedded in the annulus of the tricuspid valve. A prosthetic valve is not embedded in the ring 201, but may be embedded in the future if desired.

[0048] 11, a ring embodiment 120 is shown having a complete shape that generally forms a circle to correspond to a valve such as the mitral valve. The elastic feature 130 is shown as a tapered section as previously described. Because the ring 120 is complete, three tapered sections 130 are optionally provided to provide a uniform elastic feature. The elastic feature 130 is placed in the center of the leaflets in FIG. 8, rather than at the commissure points as shown in some of the previously described embodiments. The ring 120 optionally includes markers 126 so that the elastic feature 130 of the ring 120 can be easily visualized and correctly placed.

[0049] FIG. 11 is also shown to include a prosthetic valve V installed within a ring 120. It should be understood that all of the ring embodiments described herein are designed to provide an optimal mounting platform for the prosthetic valve, even after the ring has been implanted and, if necessary, used in situ for extended periods of time. Additionally, the embodiment 120 shown in FIG. 11 is shown, by way of example, as sutured into place within a patient. It is believed that the full ring of FIG. 11 may be more suitable for surgical implantation instead of percutaneous implantation.

[0050] The embodiment 140 of Figure 12 demonstrates a complete ring 140 in a "D" shape. The ring 140 has a core 142 and one or more elastic features 144 that comprise accordion-like sections spaced around the circumference of the ring 140, in this case three accordion-like sections. The number and length of the accordion-like sections may vary, as previously discussed. The entire D-ring may be a continuous accordion-like section.

[0051] Although the present invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments and applications, those skilled in the art may, in light of the present teachings, generate additional embodiments and modifications without departing from the spirit or beyond the scope of the claimed invention. It is therefore to be understood that the drawings and descriptions herein are provided by way of example to facilitate understanding of the invention and should not be construed as limiting its scope.

Claims

1. 1. An annuloplasty ring comprising an elongated core having a shape configured to establish an optimal circumference for a human blood valve when implanted within a circulatory system, the annuloplasty ring including at least one elastic feature that enables the core to be stretched from a rest state to an extended state, the core being biased toward the rest state.

2. The annuloplasty ring of claim 1 , wherein the shape comprises a partial circle.

3. The annuloplasty ring of claim 1 , wherein the shape comprises a perfect circle.

4. The annuloplasty ring of claim 1 , wherein the shape comprises an incomplete "D" shape that mimics a healthy mitral valve circumference.

5. The annuloplasty ring of claim 1 , wherein the shape comprises an incomplete "D" shape that mimics a healthy mitral valve circumference.

6. The annuloplasty ring of claim 1 , wherein the at least one resilient feature comprises at least one tapered section of the elongated core.

7. The annuloplasty ring of claim 6 , wherein the at least one tapered section comprises a cross-section selected from the group consisting of a circle, a square, a rectangle, and a coil shape.

8. The annuloplasty ring of claim 1 , wherein the at least one resilient feature comprises at least one accordion-like section of the elongated core.

9. The annuloplasty ring of claim 8 , wherein the accordion section extends substantially entirely along the elongate core.

10. The annulloplasty ring of claim 1 , further comprising an inner wire extending through the elongate core.

11. The annuloplasty ring of claim 10, wherein the inner wire is interrupted at the location of the at least one elastic feature.

12. The annuloplasty ring of claim 10, wherein the inner wire has an area of ​​reduced diameter at the location of the at least one elastic feature.

13. 1. A method of replacing a heart valve having an valvuloplasty ring installed therein, the method comprising installing a prosthetic heart valve within the valvuloplasty ring while elastically stretching the ring.

14. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein placing a prosthetic heart valve within the annuloplasty ring comprises attaching the prosthetic heart valve to the annuloplasty ring.

15. 1. A method of treating a diseased heart valve, comprising: implanting an annuloplasty ring about a diseased heart valve to coapt leaflets of the diseased heart valve, the annuloplasty ring including at least one elastic feature that allows the ring to be stretched from a rest state to an extended state, the ring being biased toward the rest state; periodically monitoring the valve over an extended period of time; and placing an artificial valve within the ring if the native valve relapses. A method comprising:

16. The method of claim 15 , wherein the at least one resilient feature comprises at least one tapered section of the elongated core.

17. The method of claim 16 , wherein the at least one tapered section has a cross-section selected from the group consisting of: circular, square, rectangular, and coiled.

18. The method of claim 15 , wherein the at least one elastic feature comprises at least one accordion-like section of the elongated core.

19. The method of claim 18 , wherein the accordion-like section extends along substantially the entirety of the elongate core.

20. The method of claim 15 , further comprising an inner wire extending through the elongate core.

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