Mitral valve leaflet clip

Abstract

A fixation device for engaging heart valve leaflets includes a central member having a first end, an opposing second end and a length extending therebetween, first and second arms each having a first free end and an opposing second end, the second end of each arm extending from the second end of the central member, the first and second arms being biased to a first position adjacent the central member and movable to a second position spaced apart from the central member, and an actuator configured to move the first and second arms from the first position to the second position.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates to medical devices, and more particularly to devices for heart valve repair and methods for using such medical devices. [Background technology]

[0002] A wide variety of medical devices have been developed for medical applications, including, for example, medical devices utilized to repair heart valves. These medical devices may be used to treat heart valves and venous valves and are manufactured and used according to any one of a variety of different methods. Each of the known medical devices and methods has certain advantages and disadvantages. There is a continuing need to provide alternative medical devices and alternative methods for manufacturing and using medical devices. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0003] The present disclosure provides design, materials, manufacturing methods, and use alternatives for medical devices. An exemplary fixation device for engaging heart valve leaflets includes a central member having a first end, an opposite second end, and a length extending therebetween, first and second arms each having a first free end and an opposite second end, the second end of each arm extending from the second end of the central member, the first and second arms being biased to a first position adjacent the central member and movable to a second position spaced apart from the central member, and an actuator configured to move the first and second arms from the first position to the second position.

[0004] Alternatively or additionally to the above embodiments, the central member and the first and second arms are of monolithic construction. Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, the central member includes a plurality of radially extending protrusions.

[0005] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, when in the first position, at least a first portion of each of the first and second arms is in contact with the protrusion. Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, the first end of the central member includes a connecting element configured to be removably connected to the catheter shaft.

[0006] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, the connecting element includes threads. Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, the first and second arms are independently actuatable.

[0007] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, the actuator may be removable. Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, the actuator includes a first wire removably connected to the first arm and a second wire removably connected to the second arm.

[0008] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, the first arm has an opening configured to receive a loop of a first wire, and the second arm has an opening configured to receive a loop of a second wire.

[0009] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, the opposing free ends of each wire extend through a lumen within the central member, and a pulling force applied to the free ends moves the first and second arms from a biased first position to a second position, and releasing the pulling force allows the first and second arms to return to the first position.

[0010] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, each wire is slidably positioned within the central member such that a pulling force on a single free end of each wire detaches the wire from the first and second arms and the central member.

[0011] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, the actuator includes first forward and rearward rods detachably connected to a first arm via a first wire, and second forward and rearward rods detachably connected to a second arm via a second wire.

[0012] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, the central member includes a front retention member configured to receive the front rod in sliding engagement, and a rear retention member configured to receive the rear rod in sliding engagement.

[0013] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above-described embodiments, the opposing free ends of the first wire extend through lumens in the first front and rear rods, and the opposing free ends of the second wire extend through lumens in the second front and rear rods.

[0014] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, a pulling force applied to opposing free ends of a first wire moves a first arm from a biased first position to a second position, a pulling force applied to opposing free ends of a second wire moves a second arm from a biased first position to a second position, and releasing the pulling force allows the first or second arm to return to the first position, wherein the first and second arms are configured to be actuated together or independently.

[0015] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, a first wire is slidably disposed within the first front rod and the first rear rod, and a second wire is slidably disposed within the second front rod and the second rear rod, whereby a pulling force on the single free ends of the first wire and the second wire detaches the wire from the front and rear rods and arms to which it is connected.

[0016] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, a first wire is removably connected to the first front rod and the first rear rod, a second wire is removably connected to the second front rod and the second rear rod, and pushing the first front rod and the first rear rod downward moves the first arm from the first position to the second position, and pushing the second front rod and the second rear rod moves the second arm from the first position to the second position.

[0017] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, the releasably coupled engagement between the first wire and the first anterior rod and the first posterior rod, and the releasably coupled engagement between the second wire and the second anterior rod and the second posterior rod, allows the first wire and the second wire to be uncoupled from the first and second anterior and posterior rods and pulled proximally.

[0018] Another exemplary fixation device for engaging heart valve leaflets includes a central member having a first end, an opposing second end, and a length extending therebetween; first and second arms extending from the second end of the central member, the arms being biased to a first position adjacent the central member and movable to a second position spaced apart from the central member; and a removable actuator configured to move the first and second arms from the first position to the second position, the actuator configured to independently actuate the first and second arms.

[0019] The above summary of some embodiments, aspects, and / or examples is not intended to describe each embodiment or every implementation of the present disclosure. The following figures and detailed description more particularly exemplify these embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is a partial cutaway view of an exemplary heart with a "normal" atrial valve. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a partial cutaway view of an exemplary heart having an "abnormal" atrial valve. [Figure 3] 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary heart valve fixation device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a front view of the exemplary fixation device of FIG. 3 in a closed position. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a front view of the exemplary fixation device of FIG. 3 in an open position. [Figure 6] 4 is a partial cutaway view of the exemplary fixation device of FIG. 3 implanted in a heart valve. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a partial top view of the heart valve of FIG. 6 with a fixation device. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of another exemplary heart valve fixation device. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a front view of the exemplary fixation device of FIG. 8 in a closed position. [Figure 10] FIG. 9 is a front view of the exemplary fixation device of FIG. 8 in an open position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] The present disclosure may be more fully understood from the following detailed description of various embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: While aspects of the present disclosure are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, details of which have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit aspects of the present disclosure to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the invention covers all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0022] For the following defined terms, these definitions shall be applied, unless a different definition is given in the claims or elsewhere in this specification. All numerical values ​​are assumed to be modified herein by the term "about," whether explicitly stated or not. The term "about" in the context of numerical values ​​generally refers to a range of numbers that one of ordinary skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited value (e.g., having the same function or result). In many cases, the term "about" may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure. Other uses of the term "about" (e.g., in contexts other than numerical values) can be assumed to have their ordinary and customary definition as understood from and consistent with the context of this specification, unless otherwise specified.

[0023] The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers within that range, inclusive of the endpoints (e.g., 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, and 5). Although several suitable dimensions, ranges and / or values ​​for various components, features and / or specifications are disclosed, one of ordinary skill in the art drawn to this disclosure will understand that the desired dimensions, ranges and / or values ​​may deviate from those expressly disclosed.

[0024] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term "or" is generally used in its sense to include "and / or" unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. For ease of understanding, it should be noted that certain features of the present disclosure may be described in the singular even though those features may be multiple or repeated within the disclosed embodiment(s). Each instance of a feature may include and / or be encompassed by the singular disclosure(s) unless expressly stated otherwise. For purposes of simplicity and clarity, not all elements of the present disclosure are necessarily shown in every figure or discussed in detail below. However, it will be understood that the following description may apply equally to any and / or all of two or more components unless expressly stated otherwise. Moreover, for clarity, not every instance of some elements or features is shown in every figure.

[0025] Relative terms such as "proximal," "distal," "advance," "retract," and variations thereof may generally be considered with respect to the positioning, orientation, and / or movement of various elements relative to a user / operator / manipulator of a device, with "proximal" and "retract" indicating or referring to being closer to or toward the user, and "distal" and "advance" indicating or referring to being farther from or away from the user. In some cases, the terms "proximal" and "distal" may be assigned arbitrarily to facilitate understanding of the present disclosure, and such instances will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Other relative terms such as "upstream," "downstream," "inflow," and "outflow" refer to the direction of fluid flow within a lumen of a body lumen, blood vessel, etc., or within a device.

[0026] The term "extent" may be understood to mean the maximum measure of a stated or specified dimension, unless the range or dimension in question is preceded by or specified as "minimum," which may be understood to mean the minimum measure of the stated or specified dimension. For example, an "outer extent" may be understood to mean the maximum outer dimension, a "radial extent" may be understood to mean the maximum radial dimension, a "longitudinal extent" may be understood to mean the maximum longitudinal dimension, and so on. Each instance of "extent" may be different (e.g., axially, longitudinally, laterally, radially, circumferentially, etc.) and will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the context of the particular usage. In general, an "extent" may be considered the largest possible dimension measured according to the intended application, and a "minimum extent" may be considered the smallest possible dimension measured according to the intended application. In some cases, an "extent" may generally be measured orthogonally in a plane and / or cross-section, but may also be measured differently, including but not limited to, angularly, radially, circumferentially (e.g., along an arc), etc., as will become apparent from the particular context.

[0027] The terms "monolithic" and "unitary" shall generally refer to an element or elements made from or consisting of a single structure or basic unit / element. Monolithic and / or unitary elements shall exclude structures and / or features made by assembling or otherwise joining multiple individual elements.

[0028] It should be noted that references herein to "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "other embodiments," etc., indicate that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but that all embodiments may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it would be within the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art to effect the particular feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments, unless clearly stated to the contrary, whether explicitly described or not. That is, it is contemplated that various individual elements described below, even if not explicitly shown in specific combinations, can be combined or arranged with one another to form other or additional embodiments, or to complement and / or enhance the described embodiment(s), as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0029] For clarity, certain distinguishing numerical nomenclature (e.g., first, second, third, fourth, etc.) may be used throughout the description and / or claims to name and / or distinguish various description and / or claim features. It should be understood that the numerical nomenclature is not intended to be limiting and is merely exemplary. In some embodiments, variations and departures from previously used numerical nomenclature may be made for brevity and clarity. That is, a feature identified as a "first" element may later be referred to as a "second" element, a "third" element, etc., or may be omitted entirely, and / or a different feature may be referred to as the "first" element. The meaning and / or name in each instance will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0030] The following description should be read with reference to the drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, in which similar elements in different drawings are numbered the same. The detailed description and drawings are intended to illustrate, but not limit, the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the various elements described and / or shown can be arranged in various combinations and configurations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The detailed description and drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. However, for clarity and ease of understanding, not all features and / or elements may be shown in every drawing, but the feature(s) and / or element(s) can be understood to be present regardless unless otherwise specified.

[0031] Diseases and / or medical conditions affecting the cardiovascular system are prevalent worldwide. The heart of some mammals (e.g., humans) includes four heart valves, namely, the tricuspid valve 12, the pulmonary valve 14, the aortic valve 16, and the mitral valve 18, as seen in the exemplary heart 10 shown in FIG. 1 . The purpose of the heart valves is to control blood flow from the inferior vena cava 24 and / or the superior vena cava 26 into the heart 10, through the heart 10, and out of the heart 10 into major blood vessels connected to the heart 10, such as the aorta 20 and the pulmonary artery 22. Each heart valve may have multiple leaflets configured to transition between an open configuration that allows fluid flow through the heart valve in an antegrade direction and a closed configuration in which the free edges of the leaflets cooperate to substantially prevent fluid flow through the heart valve in a retrograde direction. The heart 10 may also include a left atrium 30, a left ventricle 40, a right atrium 50, and a right ventricle 60. The left ventricle 40 may include a first papillary muscle 42 attached to and / or extending from the wall of the left ventricle 40, a second papillary muscle 44 attached to and / or extending from the wall of the left ventricle 40, and a plurality of cordae 46 connecting the first papillary muscle 42 and the second papillary muscle 44 to the leaflets 19 of the mitral valve 18. In a normally functioning heart valve, when the heart valve is open (e.g., during diastole), blood can pass or flow downstream through the heart valve (e.g., from the atrium to the ventricle, from the ventricle to the artery, etc.), and when the heart valve is closed (e.g., during systole), blood is prevented from passing or flowing backward upstream through the heart valve (e.g., from the ventricle to the atrium, etc.).

[0032] Approximately 1.6 to 2.8 million people in the United States have atrioventricular heart valve dysfunction, which interferes with cardiac output and reduces quality of life and life expectancy. As heart disease progresses, the chordae tendineae connecting the papillary muscles to the valve leaflets begin to stretch and rupture. In some cases, when regurgitation (e.g., mitral regurgitation) occurs, the heart valve (e.g., mitral valve 18) fails to open and / or close properly, allowing blood to pass or flow backward through the heart valve upstream (e.g., from the ventricle to the atrium, etc.). In some cases, a defective heart valve may have valve leaflets 19 that do not close or are unable to close completely, as seen in Figure 2.

[0033] Regurgitation prevents the proper supply of blood delivered through the cardiovascular system. Traditional open-heart surgery solutions involve replacing stretched and ruptured chordae by sewing expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) sutures to the papillae and valve leaflets to mimic the natural chordae. However, open-heart surgery carries significant morbidity, risk of complications, and disability during recovery. A minimally invasive solution is transcatheter prosthetic valve replacement, but it requires lifelong treatment with anticoagulants.

[0034] Disclosed herein are apparatus, medical devices, and / or methods that can be used to diagnose, treat, and / or repair portions of the cardiovascular system. The disclosed mitral regurgitation treatment method(s) and associated medical device(s) can be performed / used percutaneously via minimally invasive endovascular techniques or alternatively using open-heart surgery. The devices and methods disclosed herein may also provide several additional desirable features and / or benefits, as described in more detail below. For purposes of this disclosure, the following discussion is directed to repair of the mitral valve 18 and is so described for brevity. However, this is not intended to be limiting, and one skilled in the art will recognize that the following discussion may also be applied to the aortic valve or another heart valve with no or minimal changes to the structure and / or scope of the present disclosure.

[0035] As described in more detail below, FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary edge-to-edge fixation device 100 in the form of a leaflet clip configured for minimally invasive implantation in a beating heart to repair mitral valve regurgitation. Specifically, FIG. 3 illustrates a wire-actuated fixation device 100 including a central member 110, first and second arms 120, and first and second actuators. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the actuators are first and second wires 130. In other examples, the actuators may be braided sutures or cables. The central member 110 may have a first end 112 and a second end 114. The first end 112 may include a connecting element 113 for releasably engaging a catheter 140. In some embodiments, the connecting element 113 may include threads that match threads on the distal end of the delivery catheter 140. The first and second arms 120 may extend from the second end 114 of the central member 110 and may have a free end 121. The central member 110 may include a surface texture configured to retain the leaflets when the fixation device 100 is engaged with the opposing leaflets. In some examples, the surface texture includes a plurality of radially extending protrusions 116. The protrusions 116 may be sharpened. In other examples, the surface of the central member 110 may be roughened or textured.

[0036] In some examples, the central member 110 and the first and second arms 120 are formed as a monolithic structure. In other examples, the first and second arms 120 may be formed separately and attached to the central member 110. The arms 120 may be made from a material that is more flexible than the central member 110.

[0037] 3 and 4, first and second wires 130 may extend through a lumen that extends the entire length of central member 110. A first end of each wire 130 may exit the lumen at second end 114 of central member 110 and then travel along a groove or channel 126 in each arm 120. Wires 130 may be threaded through openings 128 in arms 120 to form loops 132, then travel back along channels 126 and lumens through catheter 140, with the free end of each wire 130 located proximal to catheter 140.

[0038] At least a portion of each arm 120 is flexible and can be configured to move between a first, closed position, as shown in FIG. 4, and a second, fully open position, as shown in FIG. 5. In the first position, at least a first portion 122 of each arm 120 is closely adjacent to the protrusion 116. In some examples, the first portion 122 of each arm 120 can be in direct contact with the protrusion 116. The free end of the protrusion 116 can be blunt, tapered, or sharpened to help secure the fixation device 100 to the valve leaflets 19. Each arm 120 can have the same flexibility along its entire length. In other examples, the first portion 122 of each arm 120 can be rigid and the second portion 124 of each arm 120 can be flexible, allowing the arms 120 to be moved to the second position. The arms 120 may be biased to a first position, in which they are substantially parallel to the central member 110 at a 0-degree angular position relative to the longitudinal axis of the central member 110. The arms 120 may be actuated by pulling the ends of the wires 130. When the loops 132 engage the openings 128 of the arms 120, an upward pulling force on the ends of the wires 130, indicated by arrows 134, is converted into a downward force, indicated by arrows 136. Continued upward pulling on the wires 130 will cause the arms 120 to move from 0 degrees to a 180-degree position, which is the second fully open position shown in FIG. 5 . The arms 120 may be moved to any angular position between 0 degrees and 180 degrees. The arms 120 may be actuated simultaneously by simultaneously pulling all four free ends of the two wires 130. Each arm 120 may also be actuated separately by pulling the two free ends of the wires 130 connected to that arm.

[0039] The fixation device 100 attached to the catheter 140 may be inserted into the heart through the vascular system while in the first position. This provides the advantage of allowing the wire 130 to be in a relaxed state during delivery. In another example, the fixation device 100 may be delivered while in the second position, with the wire 130 held under tension to keep the arms 120 in the second position, as shown in FIG. 5 . Once positioned within the valve to be treated, the fixation device 100 may be secured to both valve leaflets 19 simultaneously by simultaneously actuating both arms 120, or the leaflets 19 may be secured one by one by sequentially actuating the arms 120. Securing the leaflets one by one may be easier, especially when the heart is beating and the leaflets are moving. The flexibility of the fixation device 100 to be secured to the valve leaflets simultaneously or one by one provides the advantage of allowing the operator to select the implantation process desired for a particular patient's valve anatomy.

[0040] Once the fixation device 100 in a first position is positioned within the valve, the wire 130 on the first arm 120 can be pulled to open the arm 120 to an angle of at least 45 degrees relative to the central member 110. Depending on the position of the leaflet to be fixed, the arm 120 may open to a greater angle, such as 90 degrees, or up to 180 degrees in a fully open position. Once the first leaflet 19 is positioned adjacent to the central member 110, the end of the first wire 130 connected to the first arm 120 is released, allowing the first arm 120 to return to its first position, capturing the first leaflet 19 between the first portion 122 of the arm 120 and the central member 110. The wire 130 connected to the second arm 120 can then be pulled to open the second arm 120 to at least 45 degrees, or up to 90-180 degrees. The fixation device 100 can then be moved so that the second leaflet 19 is adjacent to the central member 110. The wire 130 connected to the second arm 120 is then released, allowing the second arm to return to its first position, capturing the second leaflet 19 between the first portion 122 of the second arm 120 and the central member 110. If ultrasound imaging indicates that the position of the fixation device 100 needs to be adjusted, the wire 130 can be pulled to open one or both of the arms 120, thereby releasing and readjusting the leaflets 19. When the fixation device 100 is to be removed, the wire 130 can be pulled to move both arms 120 to a second position, as shown in FIG. 5, releasing both leaflets 19 for removal of the fixation device 100. When the fixation device 100 is in the desired position and both leaflets 19 are secured by the two arms 120, one end of each wire 130 can be pulled to remove the wire from the fixation device 100 and through the catheter 140. The catheter 140 can then be removed by loosening the threaded connection 113. The resulting implanted fixation device 100 is shown in Figure 6. The opening to the lumen at the first end 112 of the central member 110 that previously held the wire 130 may be filled with a plug to avoid providing another conduit for blood flow through the device.The fixation device 100 may be a permanent implant and may include a tissue ingrowth promoting material, such as a polyester mesh, that covers the central member 110 and the arms 120. In some embodiments, the mesh may include a tissue ingrowth promoting substance.

[0041] The arms 120 of the fixation device 100 are biased to a first, closed position with sufficient force so that a first portion 122 of each arm 120 holds a leaflet 19 securely between the arm 120 and the central member 110 when the valve opens and closes as the heart beats, as shown in Figure 6. The fixation device 100 may be positioned in a central region of each leaflet 19 so that when the valve 18 opens, the portion of the leaflet 19 not held by the fixation device 100 opens to allow blood to pass through, as shown in Figure 7.

[0042] In another embodiment, the edge-to-edge fixation device 200 can include a push rod 250 combined with a cable or wire 230 to actuate the arms 220, as shown in FIGS. 8-10. Specifically, FIG. 8 illustrates a rod-actuated fixation device 200 including a central member 210, first and second arms 220, and first and second actuators. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the actuators include multiple rods 250a, 250b, 250c, and 250d (collectively 250) slidably connected to the central member 210 and first and second cables or wires 230. The central member 210 can have connecting elements for releasably engaging a catheter, such as the threaded engagement described above with reference to the fixation device 100. The central member 210 can have rod retainers 215 on both the front and rear surfaces, through which the rods 250 can slide. In some embodiments, the front and rear rods may be combined into a single rod having two lumens, one for receiving a front portion of the cable or wire and the other for receiving a rear portion of the cable or wire (not shown). The rods may be disposed through lumens in the central member 210.

[0043] Each of the first and second arms 220 may extend from the second end 214 of the central member 210 and may have a free end 221. The central member 210 may include a surface texture configured to retain the leaflets when the fixation device 200 is engaged with the opposing leaflets. In some examples, the surface texture includes a plurality of radially extending protrusions 216. The protrusions 216 may be blunt, tapered, or pointed. In other examples, the surface of the central member 210 may be roughened or textured.

[0044] In some examples, the central member 210 and the first and second arms 220 are formed as a monolithic structure. In other examples, the first and second arms 220 may be formed separately and attached to the central member 210. The arms 220 may be made from a material that is more flexible than the central member 210.

[0045] In the examples shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, each arm 220 has a forward rod 250a, 250c and a rearward rod 250b, 250d slidably associated therewith. In some examples, each rod 250 has a lumen, and a first wire 230 extends through one forward rod 250a, 250c, through an opening 228 in the arm 220, forming a loop 232, and through one rearward rod 250b, 250d. The wires 230 may extend through a delivery catheter (not shown) such that the free end of each wire 230 is located outside the body proximal to the catheter. The arms 220 may have the same flexibility profile as the arms 120 described above and are configured to move between a first closed position, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, and a second fully open position, as shown in FIG. 10. In the first position, at least a first portion 222 of each of the arms 220 closely abuts the protrusion 216. In some examples, the first portion 222 of each arm 220 may be in direct contact with the protrusion 216. Each arm 220 may have the same flexibility along its entire length. In other examples, the first portion 222 of each arm 220 may be rigid and the second portion 224 of each arm 220 may be flexible, allowing the arms 220 to move to the second position. The arms 220 are biased to the first position.

[0046] In some examples, wire 230 may be removably coupled to rod 250, and arm 220 may be actuated to the second position by pushing rod 250 downward, which translates into a downward force from wire loop 232, pulling arm 220 down to the second position. Wire 230 may be removably coupled to the proximal end of rod 250, such that once fixation device 200 is in place, wire 230 can be easily separated and removed from rod 250. After wire 230 is removed from rod 250, the rod can be withdrawn proximally from rod retainer 215.

[0047] In another example, wire 230 may be slid through rod 250, and arm 220 may be actuated to the second position by pulling on the end of wire 230 while rod 250 is held in place. When loop 232 engages opening 228 in arm 220, an upward pulling force on the end of wire 230 is converted into a downward force.

[0048] In a further example, wire 230 may be replaced by a rigid linkage connected by a pivot connection to the bottom end of rod 250 and arm 220 at opening 228 shown in Figure 9. The pivot connection of the rigid linkage to arm 220 at opening 228 may be removable, allowing for removal of the rigid linkage and associated rod 250. In other examples, the connection may be permanent, with the lower portion of rod 250 and linkage being a permanent part of fixation device 200 and only the upper portion of rod 250 being removable at a quick connect connection on top of central member 210.

[0049] In any of the above configurations, the arms 220 move through a range of positions to the second, fully open position, as shown in Figure 10. The arms 220 can be actuated together by pulling on all four free ends of the two wires 230 and / or rods 250. Each arm 220 can also be actuated separately by pulling on two free ends of the wires 230 and / or rods 250 connected to that arm.

[0050] In some examples, the rod 250 and wire 230 can be removed from the fixation device 200 after implantation. The wire 230 may be removed by pulling on one end and threading the wire through the rod. The rod 250 can be pulled upward and out of the rod retainer 215. In some examples, the portion of the rod 250 in contact with the central member 210 may be fixed to the central member 210, or the rod 250 may have a quick connect connection, such as a threaded connection, at the top end of the central member 210. The upper portion of the rod 250 may be removed by unscrewing it, leaving the lower portion of the rod 250 connected to the central member 210.

[0051] The fixation device 200 may be inserted into the heart through the vascular system at either the first or second location, or any location therebetween, in the same manner as described above with reference to the fixation device 100. Once positioned within the valve to be treated, the fixation device 200 may be secured to both leaflets 19 simultaneously, or the leaflets 19 may be secured one at a time. Securing the leaflets one at a time may be easier, especially when the heart is beating and the leaflets are moving. The flexibility of the fixation device 200 to be secured to the leaflets simultaneously or one at a time provides the advantage of allowing the operator to select the implantation process desired for a particular patient.

[0052] Once the fixation device 200 in a first position is positioned within the valve, the wire 230 and / or rod 250 on the first arm 220 can be pulled to open the arm 220 to an angle of at least 45 degrees relative to the central member 210. Depending on the position of the leaflet to be fixed, the arm 220 can be opened to a greater angle, such as 90 degrees, or up to 180 degrees in a fully open position. Once the leaflet is positioned adjacent the central member 210, the end of the first wire 230 and / or rod 250 connected to the first arm 220 can be released, allowing the first arm 220 to return to the first position and capture the first leaflet between the first portion 222 of the arm 220 and the central member 210. The wire 230 and / or rod 250 connected to the second arm 220 can then be pulled to open the second arm 220 to at least 45 degrees, or up to 90-180 degrees. The fixation device 200 can then be moved so that the second leaflet 19 is adjacent the central member 210. The wire 230 and / or rod 250 connected to the second arm 220 is then released, allowing the second arm to return to its first position, capturing the second leaflet 19 between the first portion 222 of the second arm 220 and the central member 210. If ultrasound imaging indicates that the position of the fixation device 200 needs to be adjusted, one or both of the arms 220 can be opened, thereby releasing the leaflets 19 and allowing them to be readjusted. To remove the fixation device 200, the wire 230 and / or rod 250 are pulled to move the arms 220 to the second position, as shown in FIG. 10 . When the fixation device 200 is in the desired position and both leaflets 19 are secured by the two arms 220, the wire 230 and rod 250 can be removed or retained as described above. As a result, the implanted fixation device 200 is in a state in which the arms 220 are biased to the first closed position with sufficient force so that the first portion 222 of each arm 220 firmly holds the valve leaflets 19 between the arm 220 and the central member 210 as the valve opens and closes as the heart beats, as shown in FIG. 6 .The free ends of the prongs 216 may be blunt, tapered, or pointed to aid in securing the fixation device 200 to the valve leaflets 19 .

[0053] The fixation device 200 may be a permanent implant and may include a tissue growth promoting material, such as a polyester mesh, that covers the central member 210 and the arms 220. In some embodiments, the mesh may include a tissue growth promoting substance.

[0054] The various components of fixation devices 100, 200 for securing opposing heart valve leaflets (and / or other systems or components disclosed herein), as well as materials that may be used for the various elements disclosed herein, may include those commonly associated with medical devices. For simplicity, the following description will refer to fixation device 100 (and variations, systems, or components disclosed herein). However, this is not intended to limit the devices and methods described herein, as this discussion may apply to other elements, members, components, or devices disclosed herein.

[0055] In some embodiments, the embolic fixation device 100 (and its variations, systems, or components disclosed herein) may be made from metals, metal alloys, ceramics, zirconia, polymers (some examples of which are disclosed below), metal-polymer composites, combinations thereof, etc., or other suitable materials. Some examples of suitable metals and alloys include stainless steels such as 444V, 444L, and 314LV stainless steel; mild steel; nickel-titanium alloys such as linear elastic and / or superelastic nitinol; cobalt-chromium alloys; titanium and its alloys; alumina; metals with diamond-like coatings (DLC) or titanium nitride coatings; other nickel alloys such as nickel-chromium-molybdenum alloys (e.g., UNS: N06625, such as INCONEL® 625; HASTELLOY® C-22 (registered trademark)); HASTELLOY® alloys (e.g., UNS:N06022 such as HASTELLOY® C276®, UNS:N10276 such as HASTELLOY® C276®, other HASTELLOY® alloys, etc.), nickel-copper alloys (e.g., UNS:N04400 such as MONEL® 400, NICKELVAC® 400, NICORROS® 400, etc.), nickel-cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloys (e.g., UNS:R44035 such as MP35-N®), nickel-molybdenum alloys (e.g., HASTELLOY® ALLOY® B2®, UNS: N10665), other nickel-chromium alloys, other nickel-molybdenum alloys, other nickel-cobalt alloys, other nickel-iron alloys, other nickel-copper alloys, other nickel-tungsten or tungsten alloys, etc.; cobalt-chromium alloys; cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloys (e.g., UNS: R44003, such as ELGILOY®, PHYNOX®); platinum-rich stainless steel; titanium; platinum; palladium; gold; combinations thereof, etc.; or any other suitable material.

[0056] As mentioned herein, within the family of commercially available nickel-titanium or nitinol alloys, there is a category referred to as "linear elastic" or "non-superelastic," which may be chemically similar to traditional shape memory and superelastic varieties but may exhibit distinct and useful mechanical properties. Linear elastic and / or non-superelastic nitinol may be distinguished from superelastic nitinol in that linear elastic and / or non-superelastic nitinol does not exhibit a substantial "superelastic plateau" or "flag region" in its stress / strain curve as does superelastic nitinol. Instead, in linear elastic and / or non-superelastic nitinol, as recoverable strain increases, stress continues to increase substantially linearly, or somewhat, but not necessarily completely, until plastic deformation begins, or at least in a relationship that is more linear than the superelastic plateau and / or flag region that may be seen in superelastic nitinol. Therefore, for purposes of this disclosure, linear elastic and / or non-superelastic nitinol may also be referred to as "substantially" linear elastic and / or non-superelastic nitinol.

[0057] In some cases, linear elastic and / or non-superelastic nitinol can also be distinguished from superelastic nitinol in that linear elastic and / or non-superelastic nitinol can accommodate a maximum strain of about 2-5% while remaining substantially elastic (e.g., before plastic deformation), whereas superelastic nitinol can accommodate a maximum strain of about 8% before plastic deformation. Both of these materials can be distinguished from other linear elastic materials, such as stainless steel (which can also be distinguished based on its composition), which can only tolerate a strain of about 0.2-0.44 percent before plastic deformation.

[0058] In some embodiments, linear elastic and / or non-superelastic nickel-titanium alloys are alloys that do not exhibit a martensite / austenite phase change detectable by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dynamic metal thermal analysis (DMTA) analysis over a wide temperature range. For example, in some embodiments, linear elastic and / or non-superelastic nickel-titanium alloys may not exhibit a martensite / austenite phase change detectable by DSC and DMTA analysis over a range of about -60 degrees Celsius (°C) to about 120°C. Therefore, the mechanical bending properties of such materials may generally be inert to the effects of temperature over this very wide temperature range. In some embodiments, the mechanical bending properties of linear elastic and / or non-superelastic nickel-titanium alloys at ambient or room temperature are substantially the same as those at body temperature, e.g., in that they do not exhibit a superelastic plateau and / or flag region. For example, over a wide temperature range, linear elastic and / or non-superelastic nickel-titanium alloys maintain their linear elastic and / or non-superelastic characteristics and / or properties.

[0059] In some embodiments, the linear elastic and / or non-superelastic nickel-titanium alloy may range from about 50 to about 60 weight percent nickel, with the remainder essentially titanium. In some embodiments, the composition ranges from about 54 to about 57 weight percent nickel. One example of a suitable nickel-titanium alloy is FHP-NT alloy, commercially available from Furukawa Techno Materials, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. Other suitable materials include ULTANIUM™ (available from Neo-Metrics) and GUMMETAL™ (available from Toyota). In some other embodiments, a superelastic alloy, such as superelastic nitinol, can be used to achieve desired properties.

[0060] In at least some embodiments, some or all of the fixation device 100 (and its variations, systems, or components disclosed herein) may also be doped with, made from, or otherwise include a radiopaque material. A radiopaque material is understood to be a material capable of producing a relatively bright image on a fluoroscopy screen or another imaging technique during a medical procedure. This relatively bright image assists the user in determining the position of the fixation device 100 (and its variations, systems, or components disclosed herein). Some examples of radiopaque materials include, but are not limited to, gold, platinum, palladium, tantalum, tungsten alloys, polymeric materials filled with radiopaque fillers, and the like. Additionally, other radiopaque marker bands and / or coils may also be incorporated into the design of the fixation device 100 (and its variations, systems, or components disclosed herein) to achieve the same results.

[0061] In some embodiments, the fixturing device 100 (and variations, systems, or components thereof disclosed herein) and / or portions thereof may be made from or include a polymer or other suitable material. Some examples of suitable polymers include polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), polyoxymethylene (POM, e.g., DELRIN® available from DuPont), polyether block esters, polyurethanes (e.g., Polyurethane 85A), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyetheresters (e.g., ARNITEL® available from DSM Engineering Plastics), ether- or ester-based copolymers (e.g., butylene / poly(alkylene ether) phthalates and / or other polyester elastomers such as HYTREL® available from DuPont), polyamides (e.g., DURETHAN® or Elf® available from Bayer), and the like. CRISTAMID® available from Atochem), elastomeric polyamides, block polyamide / ethers, polyether block amides (PEBA, e.g., available under the trade name PEBAX®), ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), silicone, polyethylene (PE), Marlex® high density polyethylene, Marlex® low density polyethylene, linear low density polyethylene (e.g., REXELL®), polyester, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polytrimethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyimide (PI), polyetherimide (PEI), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyphenylene oxide (PPO), polyparaphenylene terephthalamide (e.g., KEVLAR®), polysulfone, nylon, nylon-12 (EMS AmericanSuitable materials include GRILAMID® (available from Grilon), perfluoro(propyl vinyl ether) (PFA), ethylene vinyl alcohol, polyolefins, polystyrene, epoxies, polyvinylidene chloride (PVdC), poly(styrene-b-isobutylene-b-styrene) (e.g., SIBS and / or SIBS 50A), polycarbonates, ionomers, polyurethane-silicone copolymers (e.g., Elast-Eon® from AorTech Biomaterials and ChronoSil® from AdvanSource Biomaterials), biocompatible polymers, and other suitable materials, as well as mixtures, combinations, copolymers, and polymer / metal composites thereof. In some embodiments, the sheath can be blended with a liquid crystal polymer (LCP). For example, the blend can contain up to about 6% LCP.

[0062] In some embodiments, fixation device 100 (and its variations, systems, or components disclosed herein) may include and / or be treated with a suitable therapeutic agent. Some examples of suitable therapeutic agents include antithrombotic agents (such as heparin, heparin derivatives, urokinase, and PPack (dextrophenylalanine proline arginine chloromethyl ketone)); antiproliferative agents (such as enoxaparin, angiopeptin, monoclonal antibodies capable of blocking smooth muscle cell proliferation, hirudin, and acetylsalicylic acid); anti-inflammatory agents (such as dexamethasone, prednisolone, corticosterone, budesonide, estrogen, sulfasalazine, and mesalamine); antineoplastic / antiproliferative / antimitotic agents (such as paclitaxel, 5-fluorouracil, cisplatin, vinblastine, vincristine, epothilones, endostatin, angiostatin, and thymidine kinase inhibitors); anesthetic agents (such as lidocaine, bupivacaine, and and ropivacaine, etc.); anticoagulants (D-Phe-Pro-Arg chloromethyl ketone, RGD peptide-containing compounds, heparin, antithrombin compounds, platelet receptor antagonists, antithrombin antibodies, antiplatelet receptor antibodies, aspirin, prostaglandin inhibitors, platelet inhibitors, and antiplatelet peptides, etc.); vascular cell growth promoters (growth factor inhibitors, growth factor receptor antagonists, transcription activators, translation promoters, etc.); vascular cell growth inhibitors (growth factor inhibitors, growth factor receptor antagonists, transcription repressors, translation repressors, replication inhibitors, inhibitory antibodies, antibodies against growth factors, bifunctional molecules consisting of a growth factor and a cytotoxin, bifunctional molecules consisting of an antibody and a cytotoxin, etc.); cholesterol-lowering agents; vasodilators; and agents that interfere with endogenous vasoactive mechanisms.

[0063] It will be understood that this disclosure is, in many respects, merely illustrative. Changes may be made in details, particularly in matters of shape, size, and arrangement of steps, without exceeding the scope of the disclosure. This may include, to the extent appropriate, the use of any of the features of one illustrative embodiment used in other embodiments. The scope of the disclosure will, of course, be defined in the language in which the appended claims are expressed.

Claims

1. 1. A fixation device for engaging a heart valve leaflet, the fixation device comprising: a central member having a first end, an opposite second end, and a length extending therebetween; a first arm and a second arm each having a first free end and an opposite second end, the second end of each arm extending from the second end of the central member, the first arm and the second arm being biased to a first position adjacent the central member and movable to a second position spaced apart from the central member; an actuator configured to move the first arm and the second arm from the first position to the second position; Equipped with A fixation device wherein the first arm includes an opening, and the actuator includes a first wire including a loop portion that loops through the opening in the first arm.

2. The fixation device of claim 1 , wherein the central member includes a plurality of radially extending projections.

3. The fixation device of claim 2 , wherein when in the first position, at least a first portion of each of the first arm and the second arm contacts the protrusion.

4. The fixation device of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first end of the central member includes a connecting element configured to be removably connected to a catheter shaft.

5. The fixation device of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first arm and the second arm are independently actuatable.

6. The fixation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the actuator is removable.

7. A fixation device as described in claim 1, wherein the first wire is removably connected to the first arm, and the actuator further includes a second wire removably connected to the second arm.

8. The fixation device of claim 7 , wherein the second arm includes an opening, and the second wire includes a loop portion that loops through the opening in the second arm.

9. A fixation device as described in claim 8, wherein the first wire has a first free end and a second free end and extends through the opening of the first arm and a lumen within the central member, the second wire has a first free end and a second free end and extends through the opening of the second arm and a lumen within the central member, a tensile force applied to the first free end and the second free end of each of the first wire and the second wire moves the corresponding first arm and the second arm from the biased first position to the second position, and releasing the tensile force allows the corresponding first arm and the second arm to return to the first position.

10. 8. The fixation device of claim 7, wherein the actuator includes first anterior and posterior rods removably connected to the first arm via the first wire and second anterior and posterior rods removably connected to the second arm via the second wire.

11. 11. The fixation device of claim 10, wherein the first wire has a first free end and a second free end and extends through a lumen in the first anterior and posterior rod, and the second wire has a first free end and a second free end and extends through a lumen in the second anterior and posterior rod.

12. 12. The fixation device of claim 11, wherein a pulling force applied to the first and second free ends of the first wire moves the first arm from the biased first position to the second position, a pulling force applied to the first and second free ends of the second wire moves the second arm from the biased first position to the second position, and releasing the pulling force allows the first or second arm to return to the first position, wherein the first and second arms are configured to be actuated together or independently.

13. 13. The fixation device of claim 12, wherein the first wire is slidably disposed within the first anterior and posterior rod and the second wire is slidably disposed within the second anterior and posterior rod such that a pulling force on a single free end of the first wire and the second wire detaches the wire from the anterior and posterior rod and arm to which it is connected.

14. 12. The fixation device of claim 11, wherein the first wire is removably coupled to the first anterior and posterior rod, the second wire is removably coupled to the second anterior and posterior rod, pushing the first anterior and posterior rod downward moves the first arm from the first position to the second position, and pushing the second anterior and posterior rod moves the second arm from the first position to the second position.

15. 15. The fixation device of claim 14, wherein the releasably coupled engagement between the first wire and the first anterior and posterior rod and the releasably coupled engagement between the second wire and the second anterior and posterior rod allows the first wire and the second wire to be uncoupled from the first anterior and posterior rod and second anterior and posterior rod and pulled proximally.

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