US20030130731A1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Devices and methods for heart valve treatment
Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences LLC
•
Filing: 2002-01-09
•
Granted: —
•
Expires: 2022-01-09
Abstract
Abstract Devices and methods for treating heart valves include members that assist the valve in closing during at least a portion of the cardiac cycle. Such devices include members configured to alter the shape of a valve annulus, reposition at least one papillary muscle, and/or plug an orifice of the valve so as to provide a coaptation surface for the valve leaflets.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert Vidlund
- 👤 Jason Kalgreen
- 👤 Todd Mortier
- 👤 Cyril Schweich
- 👤 Richard Schroeder
- 👤 David Kusz
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 07:58
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61F; A61F2/00; A61F2/02; A61F2/24; A61F2/2442; A61F2/2451; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/00234; A61B17/04; A61B17/0401; A61F2/2454; A61F2/246; A61F2/2478; A61F2/2487; A61B17/0487; A61B2017/00238; A61B2017/00243; A61B2017/0417; A61B2017/0464; A61B2017/0496; A61B17/06; A61B2017/06052; A61F2/2445; A61F2/2481
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 137
Claim 1
Independent Claim
88 words
1 . A method for treating a heart valve, comprising: providing a device having an arcuate portion and at least one elongate portion configured to extend from the arcuate portion; encircling at least a portion of an annulus of a heart valve with the arcuate portion; adjusting a size of at least one of the arcuate portion and the elongate portion so as to alter a shape of the portion of the annulus; and securing the at least one elongate portion to an exterior surface of the heart.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
88 words
1 . A method for treating a heart valve, comprising: providing a device having an arcuate portion and at least one elongate portion configured to extend from the arcuate portion; encircling at least a portion of an annulus of a heart valve with the arcuate portion; adjusting a size of at least one of the arcuate portion and the elongate portion so as to alter a shape of the portion of the annulus; and securing the at least one elongate portion to an exterior surface of the heart.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
42 words
2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein providing the arcuate portion and the at least one elongate portion includes providing an elongate member and forming a loop in the elongate member such that the elongate portion extends from the loop.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
30 words
3 . The method of claim 2 , further comprising adjusting the size of the loop so as to alter the shape of at least the portion of the annulus.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
36 words
4 . The method of claim 3 , further comprising an adjusting mechanism configured to slide along the elongate portion, wherein adjusting the size of the loop includes sliding the adjusting mechanism along the elongate portion.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
5 . The method of claim 3 , further comprising extending the elongate portion from the arcuate portion through the heart wall.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
30 words
6 . The method of claim 5 , wherein securing the elongate portion includes engaging an anchor assembly with the elongate portion adjacent the exterior surface of the heart wall.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
48 words
7 . The method of claim 6 , wherein engaging the anchor assembly includes slidably engaging the anchor assembly with the elongate portion, and wherein the adjusting includes sliding the anchor assembly along the elongate portion to adjust the respective dimensions of the elongate portion and the loop.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
22 words
8 . The method of claim 7 , further comprising compressing the exterior surface of the heart wall via the anchor assembly.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
24 words
9 . The method of claim 1 , wherein providing the device includes providing a plurality of elongate portions extending from the arcuate portion.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
27 words
10 . The method of claim 2 , wherein providing the device includes providing a tubular member disposed on at least a portion of the arcuate portion.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
37 words
11 . The method of claim 10 , wherein the heart valve is a mitral valve and encircling at least the portion of the annulus includes positioning the tubular member adjacent a posterior aspect of the annulus.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
19 words
12 . The method of claim 11 , wherein the tubular member is made of a substantially rigid material.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
92 words
13 . A method of treating a heart valve, comprising: providing a device having an arcuate portion and at least one elongate member configured to extend from the arcuate portion; placing the arcuate portion proximate an annulus of a heart valve; extending the at least one elongate member from the arcuate portion; and securing the at least one elongate member to an exterior surface of the heart, wherein the at least one elongate member extends from the arcuate portion to the heart wall in substantially the same plane as the arcuate portion.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
92 words
13 . A method of treating a heart valve, comprising: providing a device having an arcuate portion and at least one elongate member configured to extend from the arcuate portion; placing the arcuate portion proximate an annulus of a heart valve; extending the at least one elongate member from the arcuate portion; and securing the at least one elongate member to an exterior surface of the heart, wherein the at least one elongate member extends from the arcuate portion to the heart wall in substantially the same plane as the arcuate portion.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
21 words
14 . The method of claim 13 , further comprising connecting the at least one elongate member to the arcuate portion.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
19 words
15 . The method of claim 13 , wherein the at least one elongate member includes a tension member.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
33 words
16 . The method of claim 15 , further comprising extending the at least one elongate member from the arcuate portion through a heart wall surrounding a heart chamber associated with the valve.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
39 words
17 . The method of claim 16 , further comprising adjusting a length of the elongate member between the arcuate portion and the heart wall so as to alter the shape of at least the portion of the annulus.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
32 words
18 . The method of claim 16 , wherein securing the at least one elongate member comprises engaging an anchor assembly with the at least one elongate member exterior to the heart.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
40 words
19 . The method of claim 18 , further comprising sliding the anchor assembly along a length of the at least one elongate member and adjusting the length of the elongate member between the arcuate portion and the heart wall.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
28 words
20 . The method of claim 13 , further comprising a plurality of elongate members extending from the arcuate portion at differing angular positions along the arcuate portion.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
41 words
21 . The method of claim 20 , wherein securing the at least one elongate member includes securing each of the plurality of elongate members to an exterior surface of the heart wall at differing angular positions along the heart wall.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
30 words
22 . The method of claim 21 , wherein adjusting the size includes adjusting a length of each of the elongate members between the arcuate portion and the heart wall.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
92 words
23 . A device for treating a heart valve, the device comprising: an arcuate portion configured to at least partly encircle an annulus of the heart valve; and at least one elongate portion extending from the arcuate portion and configured to be secured to an exterior surface of a heart wall surrounding a heart chamber associated with the valve, wherein at least one of the arcuate portion and the elongate portion is configured to be adjusted in size so as to alter a shape of at least a portion of the annulus.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
92 words
23 . A device for treating a heart valve, the device comprising: an arcuate portion configured to at least partly encircle an annulus of the heart valve; and at least one elongate portion extending from the arcuate portion and configured to be secured to an exterior surface of a heart wall surrounding a heart chamber associated with the valve, wherein at least one of the arcuate portion and the elongate portion is configured to be adjusted in size so as to alter a shape of at least a portion of the annulus.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
25 words
24 . The device of claim 23 , wherein the arcuate portion and the at least one elongate portion are made as a single piece.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
29 words
25 . The device of claim 24 , wherein the arcuate portion and the elongate portion are formed by an elongate member having a portion formed into a loop.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
18 words
26 . The device of claim 25 , wherein the loop is configured to be adjusted in size.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
32 words
27 . The device of claim 26 , further comprising an adjusting mechanism configured to slide along the elongate portion to adjust the respective sizes of the loop and the elongate portion.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
20 words
28 . The device of claim 25 , wherein the elongate portion is configured to extend through the heart wall.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
28 words
29 . The device of claim 28 , further comprising an anchor assembly configured to engage with the elongate portion at the exterior surface of the heart wall.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
19 words
30 . The device of claim 29 , wherein the anchor assembly is slidably engageable with the elongate portion.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
23 words
31 . The device of claim 29 , wherein the anchor assembly is configured to compress the external surface of the heart wall.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
20 words
32 . The device of claim 23 , further comprising a plurality of elongate portions extending from the arcuate portion.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
23 words
33 . The device of claim 23 , further comprising a tubular member disposed on at least a portion of the arcuate portion.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
33 words
34 . The device of claim 33 , wherein the heart valve is a mitral valve and the tubular member is configured to be positioned adjacent a posterior aspect of the valve annulus.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
19 words
35 . The device of claim 34 , wherein the tubular member is made of a substantially rigid material.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
75 words
36 . A device for treating a heart valve, the device comprising: an arcuate portion configured to be positioned proximate an annulus of the heart valve; and at least one elongate member extending from the arcuate portion and configured to be secured to an exterior surface of the heart wall, wherein the at least one elongate member extends from the arcuate portion to the heart wall in substantially the same plane as the arcuate portion.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
75 words
36 . A device for treating a heart valve, the device comprising: an arcuate portion configured to be positioned proximate an annulus of the heart valve; and at least one elongate member extending from the arcuate portion and configured to be secured to an exterior surface of the heart wall, wherein the at least one elongate member extends from the arcuate portion to the heart wall in substantially the same plane as the arcuate portion.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
23 words
37 . The device of claim 36 , wherein the at least one elongate member is configured to connect to the arcuate portion.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
19 words
38 . The device of claim 36 , wherein the at least one elongate member includes a tension member.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
34 words
39 . The device of claim 36 , wherein the at least one elongate member is configured to extend from the arcuate portion through the heart wall surrounding the chamber associated with the valve.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
28 words
40 . The device of claim 36 , wherein a length of the elongate member between the arcuate portion and the heart wall is configured to be adjusted.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
37 words
41 . The device of claim 36 , further comprising an anchor assembly configured to engage the at least one elongate member exterior to the heart to secure the device in place with respect to the heart.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
24 words
42 . The device of claim 41 , wherein the anchor assembly is slidable along a length of the at least one elongate member.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
28 words
43 . The device of claim 36 , further comprising a plurality of elongate members extending from the arcuate portion at differing angular positions along the arcuate portion.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
35 words
44 . The device of claim 43 , wherein each of the elongate members is configured to be secured to an exterior surface of the heart wall at differing angular positions along the heart wall.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
29 words
45 . The device of claim 43 , wherein each of the elongate members is configured to have an adjustable length between the arcuate portion and the heart wall.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
15 words
46 . The device of claim 36 , wherein the arcuate portion is substantially ring-shaped.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
90 words
47 . A device for treating a heart valve, the device comprising: at least one substantially elongate member configured to be implanted in a lumen of a coronary vessel so as to encircle at least a portion of an annulus of the heart valve and alter a shape of at least the portion of the annulus; and a shape change element associated with the elongate member and configured to impart a local shape change to a portion of the valve annulus at a location corresponding to the shape change element.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
90 words
47 . A device for treating a heart valve, the device comprising: at least one substantially elongate member configured to be implanted in a lumen of a coronary vessel so as to encircle at least a portion of an annulus of the heart valve and alter a shape of at least the portion of the annulus; and a shape change element associated with the elongate member and configured to impart a local shape change to a portion of the valve annulus at a location corresponding to the shape change element.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
37 words
48 . The device of claim 47 , wherein the heart valve is a mitral valve and at least a portion of the elongate member is configured to be positioned adjacent a posterior aspect of the valve.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
30 words
49 . The device of claim 47 , further comprising at least one anchoring member configured to secure the elongate member in place within the lumen of the coronary vessel.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
41 words
50 . The device of claim 49 , further comprising a plurality of anchoring members disposed along a length of the elongate member and configured to engage with a wall of the coronary vessel to secure the elongate member in place.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
21 words
51 . The device of claim 49 , further comprising an anchoring member provided at each end of the elongate member.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
35 words
52 . The device of claim 51 , wherein the anchoring members provided at each end of the elongate member are configured to engage a heart wall surrounding a heart chamber associated with the valve.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
25 words
53 . The device of claim 47 , wherein the elongate member is configured to be friction fit within the lumen of the coronary sinus.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
14 words
54 . The device of claim 47 , wherein the elongate member is heat-shrinkable.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
25 words
55 . The device of claim 47 , wherein the shape change element includes a retractable wire disposed along a length of the elongate member.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
23 words
56 . The device of claim 55 , wherein the wire is configured to form a bulge extending outward from the elongate member.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
24 words
57 . The device of claim 47 , wherein the shape change element includes an annular shape change element disposed on the elongate member.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
20 words
58 . The device of claim 56 , wherein the shape change element is slidably disposed on the elongate member.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
109 words
59 . A device for treating a heart valve, the device comprising: at least one substantially elongate member comprising a plurality of rotatable elements, the elongate member being configured to be implanted in a lumen of a coronary vessel so as to encircle at least a portion of an annulus of the heart valve and alter a shape of at least the portion of the valve annulus, wherein a shape of at least a portion of the elongate member is configured to be adjustable so as to impart a local shape change to a portion of the valve annulus at a location corresponding to at least the adjustable portion.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
109 words
59 . A device for treating a heart valve, the device comprising: at least one substantially elongate member comprising a plurality of rotatable elements, the elongate member being configured to be implanted in a lumen of a coronary vessel so as to encircle at least a portion of an annulus of the heart valve and alter a shape of at least the portion of the valve annulus, wherein a shape of at least a portion of the elongate member is configured to be adjustable so as to impart a local shape change to a portion of the valve annulus at a location corresponding to at least the adjustable portion.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
24 words
60 . The device of claim 59 , wherein the rotatable elements are configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the elongate member.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
15 words
61 . The device of claim 59 , wherein the rotatable elements are independently rotatable.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
33 words
62 . The device of claim 59 , wherein the rotatable elements are configured such that rotation of the rotatable elements alters the shape of at least the portion of the elongate member.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
111 words
63 . A method for treating a heart valve, comprising: providing at least one substantially elongate member; extending at least a portion of the elongate member within a heart wall surrounding a chamber of the heart associated with the heart valve so as to encircle at least a portion of the heart chamber; securing the elongate member in place with respect to the heart; and compressing at least a portion of a heart wall surrounding at least the portion of the heart chamber so as to move leaflets of the valve toward each other so as to assist the valve in closing during at least a portion of the cardiac cycle.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
111 words
63 . A method for treating a heart valve, comprising: providing at least one substantially elongate member; extending at least a portion of the elongate member within a heart wall surrounding a chamber of the heart associated with the heart valve so as to encircle at least a portion of the heart chamber; securing the elongate member in place with respect to the heart; and compressing at least a portion of a heart wall surrounding at least the portion of the heart chamber so as to move leaflets of the valve toward each other so as to assist the valve in closing during at least a portion of the cardiac cycle.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
25 words
64 . The method of claim 63 , wherein the compressing includes compressing a portion of the heart wall proximate an annulus of the valve.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
29 words
65 . The method of claim 63 , wherein the compressing includes compressing a portion of the heart wall proximate at least one papillary muscle associated with the valve.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
34 words
66 . The method of claim 63 , further comprising engaging a pad with the at least one elongate member and compressing a portion of the heart wall proximate a location of the pad.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
28 words
67 . The method of claim 63 , wherein moving the leaflets of the valve includes changing a shape of at least a portion of the valve annulus.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
29 words
68 . The method of claim 63 , wherein moving the leaflets of the valve includes repositioning at least one papillary muscle to which at least one leaflet connects.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
18 words
69 . The method of claim 63 , wherein the elongate member is made of a biocompatible material.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
24 words
70 . The method of claim 63 , wherein providing the at least one elongate member includes providing at least one curved elongate member.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
109 words
71 . A method for treating a heart valve, comprising: providing at least one substantially elongate member; extending at least a portion of the elongate member within a lumen of a coronary sinus so as to encircle at least a portion of a heart chamber; securing the elongate member in place with respect to the heart via at least one securement mechanism; and compressing at least a portion of a heart wall surrounding at least the portion of the heart chamber so as to move leaflets of the valve toward each other so as to assist the valve in closing during at least a portion of the cardiac cycle.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
109 words
71 . A method for treating a heart valve, comprising: providing at least one substantially elongate member; extending at least a portion of the elongate member within a lumen of a coronary sinus so as to encircle at least a portion of a heart chamber; securing the elongate member in place with respect to the heart via at least one securement mechanism; and compressing at least a portion of a heart wall surrounding at least the portion of the heart chamber so as to move leaflets of the valve toward each other so as to assist the valve in closing during at least a portion of the cardiac cycle.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
20 words
72 . The method of claim 71 , further comprising delivering the elongate member endovascularly to the coronary sinus lumen.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
41 words
73 . The method of claim 71 , wherein extending at least the portion of the elongate member includes extending at least the portion of the elongate member within the coronary sinus lumen adjacent a posterior aspect of a mitral valve.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
15 words
74 . The method of claim 71 , wherein the valve is a mitral valve.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
151 words
75 . A device for treating a heart valve, the device comprising: an elongate member having first and second oppositely disposed ends, the elongate member being relatively rigid; a first anchoring member configured to be attached to the first end of the elongate member; a second anchoring member configured to be attached to the second end of the elongate member, wherein the first anchoring member is configured to engage a first exterior surface of a wall of the heart and the second anchoring member is configured to engage a second exterior surface of the wall of the heart to maintain a position of the elongate member transverse a heart chamber associated with the valve and substantially along a line of coaptation of the valve, and wherein a length of the elongate member is such that the elongate member is capable of maintaining a substantially normal distance between trigones of the valve.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
151 words
75 . A device for treating a heart valve, the device comprising: an elongate member having first and second oppositely disposed ends, the elongate member being relatively rigid; a first anchoring member configured to be attached to the first end of the elongate member; a second anchoring member configured to be attached to the second end of the elongate member, wherein the first anchoring member is configured to engage a first exterior surface of a wall of the heart and the second anchoring member is configured to engage a second exterior surface of the wall of the heart to maintain a position of the elongate member transverse a heart chamber associated with the valve and substantially along a line of coaptation of the valve, and wherein a length of the elongate member is such that the elongate member is capable of maintaining a substantially normal distance between trigones of the valve.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
17 words
76 . The device of claim 75 , wherein the length of the elongate member is adjustable.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
16 words
77 . The device of claim 75 , wherein the elongate member is a telescoping member.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
15 words
78 . The device of claim 75 , wherein the elongate member is a bar.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
24 words
79 . The device of claim 75 , wherein the elongate member is made of a material chosen from biocompatible metals and biocompatible polymers.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
47 words
80 . The device of claim 75 , wherein the elongate member includes a first elongate member and the device further comprises a second elongate member having a first end portion configured to be connected to the first elongate member and a second opposite free end portion.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
46 words
81 . The device of claim 80 , wherein the second elongate member is configured to extend substantially perpendicular to the first elongate member and is configured to be secured to a third exterior surface of the heart wall surrounding the chamber associate with the valve.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
28 words
82 . The device of claim 81 , further comprising a third anchoring member configured to be attached to the free end portion of the second elongate member.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
41 words
83 . The device of claim 81 , wherein the third anchoring member is configured to secure the second elongate member to the third exterior surface of the heart wall to thereby alter a shape of an annulus of the valve.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
17 words
84 . The device of claim 80 , wherein the second elongate member is a tension member.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
16 words
85 . The device of claim 80 , wherein the second elongate member is relatively flexible.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
110 words
86 . A method for treating a heart valve, the method comprising: providing a relatively rigid elongate member having first and second oppositely disposed ends; securing the first end of the elongate member to a first exterior heart wall surface; and securing the second end of the elongate member to a second exterior heart wall surface, the second exterior surface being located substantially opposite to the first exterior surface such that the elongate member extends substantially transverse a heart chamber associated with the valve and substantially along a line of coaptation of the valve; and maintaining a substantially normal distance between the trigones of the valve via the elongate member.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
110 words
86 . A method for treating a heart valve, the method comprising: providing a relatively rigid elongate member having first and second oppositely disposed ends; securing the first end of the elongate member to a first exterior heart wall surface; and securing the second end of the elongate member to a second exterior heart wall surface, the second exterior surface being located substantially opposite to the first exterior surface such that the elongate member extends substantially transverse a heart chamber associated with the valve and substantially along a line of coaptation of the valve; and maintaining a substantially normal distance between the trigones of the valve via the elongate member.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
17 words
87 . The method of claim 86 , further comprising adjusting a length of the elongate member.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
21 words
88 . The method of claim 87 , wherein adjusting the length of the elongate member includes telescoping the elongate member.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
15 words
89 . The method of claim 87 , wherein the elongate member is a bar.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
24 words
90 . The method of claim 86 , wherein the elongate member is made of a material chosen from biocompatible metals and biocompatible polymers.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
42 words
91 . The method of claim 86 , wherein the elongate member is a first elongate member and the method further comprises providing a second elongate member and connecting a first end of the second elongate member to the first elongate member.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
39 words
92 . The method of claim 91 , further comprising extending the second elongate member substantially perpendicular to the first elongate member and securing a second end of the second elongate member to a third exterior heart wall surface.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
35 words
93 . The method of claim 92 , wherein securing the second end of the second elongate member to the third exterior heart wall surface includes altering a shape of an annulus of the valve.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
17 words
94 . The method of claim 91 , wherein the second elongate member is a tension member.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
16 words
95 . The method of claim 91 , wherein the second elongate member is relatively flexible.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
58 words
96 . The method of claim 86 , further comprising providing a first anchoring member and a second anchoring member, and securing the first end of the elongate member to the first exterior surface via the first anchoring member and securing the second end of the elongate member to the second exterior surface via the second anchoring member
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
88 words
97 . A device for treating leakage of a heart valve, the device comprising: an expandable plug member having an external surface, at least a portion of the plug member being configured to be positioned proximate leaflets of the heart valve; and a securement mechanism attached to the plug member and configured to secure the plug member with respect to the heart, wherein during at least a portion of the cardiac cycle, the leaflets abut the external surface of the plug member to restrict bloodflow through the valve.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
88 words
97 . A device for treating leakage of a heart valve, the device comprising: an expandable plug member having an external surface, at least a portion of the plug member being configured to be positioned proximate leaflets of the heart valve; and a securement mechanism attached to the plug member and configured to secure the plug member with respect to the heart, wherein during at least a portion of the cardiac cycle, the leaflets abut the external surface of the plug member to restrict bloodflow through the valve.
Claim 109
Dependent Claim
14 words
98 . The device of claim 97 , wherein the plug member is inflatable.
Claim 110
Dependent Claim
14 words
99 . The device of claim 97 , wherein the plug member is foldable.
Claim 111
Dependent Claim
28 words
100 . The device of claim 97 , wherein the securement mechanism includes at least one elongate member configured to suspend the plug member between the valve leaflets.
Claim 112
Dependent Claim
34 words
101 . The device of claim 100 wherein the securement mechanism further comprises at least one anchoring member configured to secure the elongate member to a heart wall surrounding a chamber containing the valve.
Claim 113
Dependent Claim
19 words
102 . The device of claim 101 , wherein the elongate member is in the form of a tether.
Claim 114
Dependent Claim
26 words
103 . The device of claim 97 , wherein at least a portion of the plug member is configured to be positioned between the valve leaflets.
Claim 115
Dependent Claim
29 words
104 . The device of claim 97 , wherein at least a portion of the plug member is configured to be positioned below free ends of the valve leaflets.
Claim 116
Dependent Claim
32 words
105 . The device of claim 97 , wherein at least a portion of the plug member is configured to be positioned approximately at a level of an annulus of the valve.
Claim 117
Dependent Claim
26 words
106 . The device of claim 97 , wherein the plug member is configured to expand and collapse in response to pressure changes in the heart.
Claim 118
Dependent Claim
18 words
107 . The device of claim 106 , wherein the plug member is configured to collapse during systole.
Claim 119
Dependent Claim
18 words
108 . The device of claim 106 , wherein the plug member is configured to expand during diastole.
Claim 120
Dependent Claim
22 words
109 . The device of claim 97 , wherein the plug member defines at least one passage configured to permit bloodflow therethrough.
Claim 121
Dependent Claim
72 words
110 . A device for treating leakage of a heart valve, the device comprising: a plug member having a piston-like configuration and an external surface being configured to abut free ends of leaflets of the valve to restrict bloodflow through the valve during at least the portion of the cardiac cycle; and a securement mechanism attached to the plug member and configured to secure the plug member with respect to the heart.
Claim 122
Dependent Claim
72 words
110 . A device for treating leakage of a heart valve, the device comprising: a plug member having a piston-like configuration and an external surface being configured to abut free ends of leaflets of the valve to restrict bloodflow through the valve during at least the portion of the cardiac cycle; and a securement mechanism attached to the plug member and configured to secure the plug member with respect to the heart.
Claim 123
Dependent Claim
71 words
111 . A method of preventing leakage in a heart valve comprising: providing an expandable plug member having an external surface; delivering the plug member to a heart chamber containing a valve; and positioning the plug member proximate leaflets of the valve such that the leaflets contact the external surface of the plug member during at least a portion of the cardiac cycle so as to restrict bloodflow through the valve.
Claim 124
Dependent Claim
71 words
111 . A method of preventing leakage in a heart valve comprising: providing an expandable plug member having an external surface; delivering the plug member to a heart chamber containing a valve; and positioning the plug member proximate leaflets of the valve such that the leaflets contact the external surface of the plug member during at least a portion of the cardiac cycle so as to restrict bloodflow through the valve.
Claim 125
Dependent Claim
23 words
112 . The method of claim 111 , further comprising inflating the plug member during at least a portion of the cardiac cycle.
Claim 126
Dependent Claim
23 words
113 . The method of claim 111 , further comprising expanding the plug member during at least a portion of the cardiac cycle.
Claim 127
Dependent Claim
24 words
114 . The method of claim 111 , further comprising unfolding the plug member upon delivery of the plug member to the heart chamber.
Claim 128
Dependent Claim
24 words
115 . The method of claim 111 , wherein positioning the plug member includes suspending the plug member via at least one elongate member.
Claim 129
Dependent Claim
22 words
116 . The method of claim 115 , further comprising securing the elongate member to a heart wall surrounding the heart chamber.
Claim 130
Dependent Claim
28 words
117 . The method of claim 116 , wherein securing the elongate member includes securing the elongate member via an anchoring member configured to engage the heart wall.
Claim 131
Dependent Claim
19 words
118 . The method of claim 115 , wherein the elongate member is in the form of a tether.
Claim 132
Dependent Claim
27 words
119 . The method of claim 111 , wherein positioning the plug member includes positioning at least a portion of the plug member between the valve leaflets.
Claim 133
Dependent Claim
30 words
120 . The method of claim 111 , wherein positioning the plug member includes positioning at least a portion of the plug member below free ends of the valve leaflets.
Claim 134
Dependent Claim
25 words
121 . The method of claim 111 , further comprising, in response to pressure changes in the heart, respectively expanding and collapsing the plug member.
Claim 135
Dependent Claim
16 words
122 . The method of claim 121 , further comprising collapsing the plug member during systole.
Claim 136
Dependent Claim
16 words
123 . The method of claim 121 , further comprising expanding the plug member during diastole.
Claim 137
Dependent Claim
31 words
124 . The method of claim 111 , further comprising flowing blood through at least one passage defined in the plug member during at least another portion of the cardiac cycle.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
Maintenance schedule is calculated for granted US utility patents.