The present invention relates to devices and methods for improving the function of a defective
heart valve, and particularly for reducing regurgitation through an atrioventricular
heart valve—i.e., the
mitral valve and the
tricuspid valve. For a tricuspid repair, the device includes an anchor deployed in the tissue of the right
ventricle, in an orifice opening to the
right atrium, or anchored to the
tricuspid valve. A flexible anchor rail connects to the anchor and a coaptation element on a
catheter rides over the anchor rail. The
catheter attaches to the proximal end of the coaptation element, and a
locking mechanism fixes the position of the coaptation element relative to the anchor rail. Finally, there is a proximal anchoring feature to fix the proximal end of the coaptation
catheter subcutaneously adjacent the subclavian
vein. The coaptation element includes an
inert covering and helps reduce regurgitation through contact with the valve leaflets.