US20040102839A1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for improving mitral valve function
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 2003-06-26
•
Granted: —
•
Expires: 2023-06-26
Abstract
Abstract A method and apparatus for reducing mitral regurgitation. The apparatus is inserted into the coronary sinus of a patient in the vicinity of the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve, the apparatus being configured to straighten the natural curvature of at least a portion of the coronary sinus in the vicinity of the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve, whereby to move the posterior annulus anteriorly and thereby improve leaflet coaptation and reduce mitral regurgitation.
Inventors
- 👤 William Cohn
- 👤 John Liddicoat
- 👤 Steven Woolfson
- 👤 Richard Streeter
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 01:49
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61F; A61F2/00; A61F2/02; A61F2/24; A61F2/2442; A61F2/2451; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S623/00; Y10S623/902; Y10S623/904
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 36
Claim 1
Independent Claim
70 words
1 . A method for reducing mitral regurgitation comprising: inserting apparatus into the coronary sinus of a patient in the vicinity of the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve, the apparatus being configured to straighten the natural curvature of at least a portion of the coronary sinus in the vicinity of the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve, whereby to move the posterior annulus anteriorly and thereby improve leaflet coaptation.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
70 words
1 . A method for reducing mitral regurgitation comprising: inserting apparatus into the coronary sinus of a patient in the vicinity of the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve, the apparatus being configured to straighten the natural curvature of at least a portion of the coronary sinus in the vicinity of the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve, whereby to move the posterior annulus anteriorly and thereby improve leaflet coaptation.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
67 words
2 . A method for reducing mitral regurgitation comprising: inserting apparatus into the coronary sinus of a patient in the vicinity of the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve, the apparatus being configured to move at least a portion of the coronary sinus in the vicinity of the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve anteriorly, whereby to move the posterior annulus anteriorly and thereby improve leaflet coaptation.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
67 words
2 . A method for reducing mitral regurgitation comprising: inserting apparatus into the coronary sinus of a patient in the vicinity of the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve, the apparatus being configured to move at least a portion of the coronary sinus in the vicinity of the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve anteriorly, whereby to move the posterior annulus anteriorly and thereby improve leaflet coaptation.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
72 words
3 . A method for reducing mitral regurgitation comprising: inserting apparatus into the coronary sinus of a patient in the vicinity of the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve, the apparatus being configured to reduce the degree of natural curvature of at least a portion of the coronary sinus in the vicinity of the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve, whereby to move the posterior annulus anteriorly and thereby improve leaflet coaptation.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
72 words
3 . A method for reducing mitral regurgitation comprising: inserting apparatus into the coronary sinus of a patient in the vicinity of the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve, the apparatus being configured to reduce the degree of natural curvature of at least a portion of the coronary sinus in the vicinity of the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve, whereby to move the posterior annulus anteriorly and thereby improve leaflet coaptation.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
72 words
4 . A method for reducing mitral regurgitation comprising: inserting apparatus into the coronary sinus of a patient in the vicinity of the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve, the apparatus being configured to increase the natural radius of curvature of at least a portion of the coronary sinus in the vicinity of the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve, whereby to move the posterior annulus anteriorly and thereby improve leaflet coaptation.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
72 words
4 . A method for reducing mitral regurgitation comprising: inserting apparatus into the coronary sinus of a patient in the vicinity of the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve, the apparatus being configured to increase the natural radius of curvature of at least a portion of the coronary sinus in the vicinity of the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve, whereby to move the posterior annulus anteriorly and thereby improve leaflet coaptation.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
111 words
5 . A method for reducing mitral regurgitation comprising: inserting apparatus into the coronary sinus of a patient in the vicinity of the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve, the apparatus having a distal end, a proximal end and an intermediate portion, the apparatus being configured so that when the apparatus is positioned in the coronary sinus in the vicinity of the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve, the distal and proximal ends apply a posteriorly-directed force to the wall of the coronary sinus and the intermediate portion applies an anteriorly-directed force to the wall of the coronary sinus, whereby to move the posterior annulus anteriorly and thereby improve leaflet coaptation.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
111 words
5 . A method for reducing mitral regurgitation comprising: inserting apparatus into the coronary sinus of a patient in the vicinity of the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve, the apparatus having a distal end, a proximal end and an intermediate portion, the apparatus being configured so that when the apparatus is positioned in the coronary sinus in the vicinity of the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve, the distal and proximal ends apply a posteriorly-directed force to the wall of the coronary sinus and the intermediate portion applies an anteriorly-directed force to the wall of the coronary sinus, whereby to move the posterior annulus anteriorly and thereby improve leaflet coaptation.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
118 words
6 . A method for reducing mitral regurgitation comprising: inserting a substantially straight elongated body into the coronary sinus of a patient in the vicinity of the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve, the length of the substantially straight elongated body being sized relative to the natural curvature of the coronary sinus in the vicinity of the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve so that when the substantially straight elongated body is positioned in the coronary sinus, it causes at least a portion of the coronary sinus to assume a substantially straight configuration adjacent to the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve, whereby to increase the radius of curvature of the mitral annulus and thereby improve leaflet coaptation.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
118 words
6 . A method for reducing mitral regurgitation comprising: inserting a substantially straight elongated body into the coronary sinus of a patient in the vicinity of the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve, the length of the substantially straight elongated body being sized relative to the natural curvature of the coronary sinus in the vicinity of the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve so that when the substantially straight elongated body is positioned in the coronary sinus, it causes at least a portion of the coronary sinus to assume a substantially straight configuration adjacent to the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve, whereby to increase the radius of curvature of the mitral annulus and thereby improve leaflet coaptation.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
110 words
7 . A method for reducing mitral regurgitation comprising: inserting a substantially rigid elongated body into the coronary sinus of a patient in the vicinity of the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve, the substantially rigid elongated body being configured relative to the natural curvature of the coronary sinus in the vicinity of the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve so that when the substantially rigid elongated body is positioned in the coronary sinus, it causes at least a portion of the coronary sinus to assume a different configuration adjacent to the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve, whereby to move the posterior annulus anteriorly and thereby improve leaflet coaptation.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
110 words
7 . A method for reducing mitral regurgitation comprising: inserting a substantially rigid elongated body into the coronary sinus of a patient in the vicinity of the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve, the substantially rigid elongated body being configured relative to the natural curvature of the coronary sinus in the vicinity of the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve so that when the substantially rigid elongated body is positioned in the coronary sinus, it causes at least a portion of the coronary sinus to assume a different configuration adjacent to the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve, whereby to move the posterior annulus anteriorly and thereby improve leaflet coaptation.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
124 words
8 . A method for reducing mitral regurgitation comprising: inserting a substantially straight, substantially rigid elongated body into the coronary sinus of a patient in the vicinity of the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve, the length of the substantially straight, substantially rigid elongated body being sized relative to the natural curvature of the coronary sinus in the vicinity of the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve so that when the substantially straight, substantially rigid elongated body is positioned in the coronary sinus, it causes at least a portion of the coronary sinus to assume a substantially straight configuration adjacent to the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve, whereby to increase the radius of curvature of the mitral annulus and thereby improve leaflet coaptation.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
124 words
8 . A method for reducing mitral regurgitation comprising: inserting a substantially straight, substantially rigid elongated body into the coronary sinus of a patient in the vicinity of the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve, the length of the substantially straight, substantially rigid elongated body being sized relative to the natural curvature of the coronary sinus in the vicinity of the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve so that when the substantially straight, substantially rigid elongated body is positioned in the coronary sinus, it causes at least a portion of the coronary sinus to assume a substantially straight configuration adjacent to the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve, whereby to increase the radius of curvature of the mitral annulus and thereby improve leaflet coaptation.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
95 words
9 . An apparatus for reducing mitral regurgitation comprising: a body having a distal end, a proximal end and an intermediate portion, the body being configured so that when the body is positioned in the coronary sinus in the vicinity of the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve, the distal and proximal ends apply a posteriorly-directed force to the wall of the coronary sinus, and the intermediate portion applies an anteriorly-directed force to the wall of the coronary sinus, whereby to move the posterior annulus of the mitral valve anteriorly and thereby improve leaflet coaptation.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
95 words
9 . An apparatus for reducing mitral regurgitation comprising: a body having a distal end, a proximal end and an intermediate portion, the body being configured so that when the body is positioned in the coronary sinus in the vicinity of the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve, the distal and proximal ends apply a posteriorly-directed force to the wall of the coronary sinus, and the intermediate portion applies an anteriorly-directed force to the wall of the coronary sinus, whereby to move the posterior annulus of the mitral valve anteriorly and thereby improve leaflet coaptation.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
126 words
10 . An apparatus for reducing mitral regurgitation comprising: a substantially straight elongated body adapted to be inserted into the coronary sinus of a patient in the vicinity of the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve, the length of the substantially straight elongated body being sized relative to the natural curvature of the coronary sinus in the vicinity of the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve so that when the substantially straight elongated body is positioned in the coronary sinus, it causes at least a portion of the coronary sinus to assume a substantially straight configuration adjacent to the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve, whereby to increase the radius of curvature of the mitral annulus, moving the posterior annulus anteriorly, and thereby improve leaflet coaptation.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
126 words
10 . An apparatus for reducing mitral regurgitation comprising: a substantially straight elongated body adapted to be inserted into the coronary sinus of a patient in the vicinity of the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve, the length of the substantially straight elongated body being sized relative to the natural curvature of the coronary sinus in the vicinity of the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve so that when the substantially straight elongated body is positioned in the coronary sinus, it causes at least a portion of the coronary sinus to assume a substantially straight configuration adjacent to the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve, whereby to increase the radius of curvature of the mitral annulus, moving the posterior annulus anteriorly, and thereby improve leaflet coaptation.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
117 words
11 . An apparatus for reducing mitral regurgitation comprising: a substantially rigid elongated body adapted to be inserted into the coronary sinus of a patient in the vicinity of the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve, the length of the straight, substantially rigid elongated body being sized relative to the natural curvature of the coronary sinus in the vicinity of the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve so that when the substantially rigid elongated body is positioned in the coronary sinus, it causes at least a portion of the coronary sinus to assume a different configuration adjacent to the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve, whereby to move the posterior annulus anteriorly and thereby improve leaflet coaptation.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
117 words
11 . An apparatus for reducing mitral regurgitation comprising: a substantially rigid elongated body adapted to be inserted into the coronary sinus of a patient in the vicinity of the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve, the length of the straight, substantially rigid elongated body being sized relative to the natural curvature of the coronary sinus in the vicinity of the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve so that when the substantially rigid elongated body is positioned in the coronary sinus, it causes at least a portion of the coronary sinus to assume a different configuration adjacent to the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve, whereby to move the posterior annulus anteriorly and thereby improve leaflet coaptation.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
131 words
12 . An apparatus for reducing mitral regurgitation comprising: a substantially straight, substantially rigid elongated body adapted to be inserted into the coronary sinus of a patient in the vicinity of the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve, the length of the straight, substantially rigid elongated body being sized relative to the natural curvature of the coronary sinus in the vicinity of the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve so that when the substantially straight, substantially rigid elongated body is positioned in the coronary sinus, it causes at least a portion of the coronary sinus to assume a substantially straight configuration adjacent to the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve, whereby to increase the radius of curvature of the mitral annulus, moving the mitral annulus anteriorly, and thereby improve leaflet coaptation.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
131 words
12 . An apparatus for reducing mitral regurgitation comprising: a substantially straight, substantially rigid elongated body adapted to be inserted into the coronary sinus of a patient in the vicinity of the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve, the length of the straight, substantially rigid elongated body being sized relative to the natural curvature of the coronary sinus in the vicinity of the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve so that when the substantially straight, substantially rigid elongated body is positioned in the coronary sinus, it causes at least a portion of the coronary sinus to assume a substantially straight configuration adjacent to the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve, whereby to increase the radius of curvature of the mitral annulus, moving the mitral annulus anteriorly, and thereby improve leaflet coaptation.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
104 words
13 . A catheter comprising: a flexible elongated delivery tube having a central lumen extending from a distal end of said tube to a proximal end of said tube, the flexibility of said tube being such as to permit closure of the distal end of said tube upon encounter with an impinging body structure, whereby to inhibit flow of fluid out the distal end of said tube; and orifice means defined by said tube in a side wall thereof, said orifice means being disposed proximate but spaced from the distal end of said tube, and configured to permit egress of fluid from said tube.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
104 words
13 . A catheter comprising: a flexible elongated delivery tube having a central lumen extending from a distal end of said tube to a proximal end of said tube, the flexibility of said tube being such as to permit closure of the distal end of said tube upon encounter with an impinging body structure, whereby to inhibit flow of fluid out the distal end of said tube; and orifice means defined by said tube in a side wall thereof, said orifice means being disposed proximate but spaced from the distal end of said tube, and configured to permit egress of fluid from said tube.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
35 words
14 . The catheter in accordance with claim 13 wherein said orifice means comprises at least a selected one of holes, longitudinally-extending slits, longitudinally-extending slots, circumferentially-extending slits, circumferentially-extending slots, gills, and apertures of selected configurations.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
55 words
15 . The catheter in accordance with claim 14 and further comprising: an outer flexible elongated tube disposed around said delivery tube and spaced therefrom to define a passageway between an outer wall of said delivery tube and an inner wall of said outer tube; wherein the passageway is in communication with said orifice means.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
21 words
16 . The catheter in accordance with claim 15 wherein the passageway extends to a proximal end of said outer tube.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
17 words
17 . The catheter in accordance with claim 15 wherein the passageway is annular in widthwise configuration.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
51 words
18 . A catheter comprising: a flexible elongated delivery tube having a central lumen extending from a distal end of said tube to a proximal end of said tube; and longitudinally extending surface grooves disposed in an outer surface of said tube to permit flow of fluid longitudinally of said tube.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
51 words
18 . A catheter comprising: a flexible elongated delivery tube having a central lumen extending from a distal end of said tube to a proximal end of said tube; and longitudinally extending surface grooves disposed in an outer surface of said tube to permit flow of fluid longitudinally of said tube.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
23 words
19 . The catheter in accordance with claim 18 wherein said tube is provided with a second lumen extending alongside the central lumen.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
118 words
20 . An apparatus for reducing mitral regurgitation, the apparatus comprising: a body having a distal end, a proximal end, and an intermediate portion, the body being configured such that when the body is positioned in the coronary sinus in the vicinity of the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve, the distal and proximal ends apply a posteriorly-directed force to the wall of the coronary sinus, and the intermediate portion applies an anteriorly-directed force to the wall of the coronary sinus, whereby to move the posterior annulus of the mitral valve anteriorly and thereby improve leaflet coaption; and longitudinally extending grooves disposed in an outer surface of said body to permit flow of fluid longitudinally of said body.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
118 words
20 . An apparatus for reducing mitral regurgitation, the apparatus comprising: a body having a distal end, a proximal end, and an intermediate portion, the body being configured such that when the body is positioned in the coronary sinus in the vicinity of the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve, the distal and proximal ends apply a posteriorly-directed force to the wall of the coronary sinus, and the intermediate portion applies an anteriorly-directed force to the wall of the coronary sinus, whereby to move the posterior annulus of the mitral valve anteriorly and thereby improve leaflet coaption; and longitudinally extending grooves disposed in an outer surface of said body to permit flow of fluid longitudinally of said body.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
33 words
21 . The apparatus in accordance with claim 20 wherein said body is provided with a central lumen extending from the distal end of said body to the proximal end of said body.
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