US20040148019A1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Devices and methods for heart valve treatment
Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences LLC
•
Filing: 2003-11-10
•
Granted: —
•
Expires: 2023-11-10
Abstract
Abstract Devices and methods for improving the function of a valve (e.g., mitral valve) by positioning a spacing filling device outside and adjacent the heart wall such that the device applies an inward force against the heart wall acting on the valve. A substantially equal and opposite force may be provided by securing the device to the heart wall, and/or a substantially equal and opposite outward force may be applied against anatomical structure outside the heart wall. The inward force is sufficient to change the function of the valve, and may increase coaptation of the leaflets, for example. The space filling device may be implanted by a surgical approach, a transthoracic approach, or a transluminal approach, for example. The space filling portion may be delivered utilizing a delivery catheter navigated via the selected approach, and the space filling portion may be expandable between a smaller delivery configuration and a larger deployed configuration.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert Vidlund
- 👤 Cyril Schweich
- 👤 Todd Mortier
- 👤 Richard Schroeder
- 👤 Craig Ekvall
- 👤 Jason Kalgreen
- 👤 Edward Matthees
- 👤 David Kusz
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 05:09
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61F; A61F2/00; A61F2/02; A61F2/24; A61F2/2478; A61F2/2481; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/00234; A61B17/04; A61B17/12; A61B17/132; A61B17/1322; A61B17/1325; A61B17/32; A61B17/3205; A61B17/32053; A61B2017/00238; A61B2017/00243; A61B17/0401; A61B2017/0404; A61B2017/0412; A61B2017/0464; A61B2017/0496; A61B17/30; A61B2017/306; A61B2017/308; A61F2/2442; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S623/00; Y10S623/902; Y10S623/904
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 134
Claim 1
Independent Claim
60 words
1 . A method for improving heart valve function, the method comprising: providing a device comprising at least one expandable protrusion; and positioning the expandable protrusion in contact with an external surface of the heart wall such that the protrusion exerts an inward force against the heart wall proximate a valve, wherein the force is sufficient to alter valve function.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
60 words
1 . A method for improving heart valve function, the method comprising: providing a device comprising at least one expandable protrusion; and positioning the expandable protrusion in contact with an external surface of the heart wall such that the protrusion exerts an inward force against the heart wall proximate a valve, wherein the force is sufficient to alter valve function.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
37 words
2 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising positioning the device such that the device exerts a force substantially opposite to the inward force as a result of securing the device to the heart wall.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
34 words
3 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising positioning the device such that the device exerts a force substantially opposite to the inward force on anatomical structure external to the heart wall.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
4 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the inward force is sufficient to draw leaflets of the valve together.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
41 words
5 . The method of claim 4 , wherein the valve leaflets define a line of coaptation and positioning the expandable protrusion includes positioning the expandable protrusion such that the inward force is exerted substantially orthogonal to the line of coaptation.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
6 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the valve is a mitral valve.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
7 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising adjusting a position of the device while observing the valve function.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
20 words
8 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the inward force is exerted on an annulus of the valve.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
21 words
9 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the inward force is sufficient to reposition papillary muscles of the valve.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
19 words
10 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising positioning the device outside the epicardium of the heart.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
22 words
11 . The method of claim 10 , further comprising positioning the device between the epicardium and the pericardium of the heart.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
16 words
12 . The method of claim 11 , further comprising attaching the device to the epicardium.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
17 words
13 . The method of claim 12 , further comprising maintaining the device free of the pericardium.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
20 words
14 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising delivering the device to the heart via a surgical approach.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
20 words
15 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising delivering the device to the heart via a subthoracic approach.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
16 words
16 . The method of claim 15 , wherein the subthoracic approach includes a subxiphoid approach.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
16 words
17 . The method of claim 15 , wherein the subthoracic approach includes a posterior approach.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
17 words
18 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising delivering the device via a transluminal approach.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
30 words
19 . The method of claim 18 , wherein the transluminal approach is via the superior or inferior vena cava, the right atrium, the coronary sinus, and a cardiac vein.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
38 words
20 . The method of claim 18 , wherein the transluminal approach is via the superior or inferior vena cava, into the right atrium or right atrial appendage, through the right atrial wall and into the pericardial space.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
30 words
21 . The method of claim 18 , wherein the transluminal approach is via the aorta, into the left ventricle, through the left ventricular wall, and into the pericardial space.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
17 words
22 . The method of claim 18 , wherein the transluminal approach is via the azygos vein.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
16 words
23 . The method of claim 18 , wherein the transluminal approach is via the esophagus.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
24 words
24 . The method of claim 2 , wherein the force exerted substantially opposite the inward force is substantially equal to the inward force.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
24 words
25 . The method of claim 3 , wherein the force exerted substantially opposite the inward force is substantially equal to the inward force.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
18 words
26 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the inward force is exerted throughout the cardiac cycle.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
80 words
27 . A method for improving heart valve function, the method comprising: providing a device having at least one protrusion; and positioning the device relative to the heart such that the at least one protrusion is in contact with an external surface of a heart wall and exerts an inward force against the heart wall proximate the valve and such that the device exerts a force substantially opposite to the inward force against an anatomical structure outside the heart wall.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
80 words
27 . A method for improving heart valve function, the method comprising: providing a device having at least one protrusion; and positioning the device relative to the heart such that the at least one protrusion is in contact with an external surface of a heart wall and exerts an inward force against the heart wall proximate the valve and such that the device exerts a force substantially opposite to the inward force against an anatomical structure outside the heart wall.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
23 words
28 . The method of claim 27 , wherein the at least one protrusion exerts an inward force sufficient to alter valve function.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
21 words
29 . The method of claim 27 , wherein the inward force is sufficient to draw leaflets of the valve together.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
39 words
30 . The method of claim 29 , wherein the valve leaflets define a line of coaptation and positioning the protrusion includes positioning the protrusion such that the inward force is exerted substantially orthogonal to the line of coaptation.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
15 words
31 . The method of claim 27 , wherein the valve is a mitral valve.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
21 words
32 . The method of claim 27 , further comprising adjusting a position of the device while observing the valve function.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
20 words
33 . The method of claim 27 , wherein the inward force is exerted on an annulus of the valve.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
21 words
34 . The method of claim 27 , wherein the inward force is sufficient to reposition papillary muscles of the valve.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
19 words
35 . The method of claim 27 , further comprising positioning the device outside the epicardium of the heart.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
22 words
36 . The method of claim 35 , further comprising positioning the device between the epicardium and the pericardium of the heart.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
16 words
37 . The method of claim 36 , further comprising attaching the device to the epicardium.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
17 words
38 . The method of claim 37 , further comprising maintaining the device free of the pericardium.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
20 words
39 . The method of claim 27 , further comprising delivering the device to the heart via a surgical approach.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
20 words
40 . The method of claim 27 , further comprising delivering the device to the heart via a subthoracic approach.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
16 words
41 . The method of claim 40 , wherein the subthoracic approach includes a subxiphoid approach.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
16 words
42 . The method of claim 40 , wherein the subthoracic approach includes a posterior approach.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
17 words
43 . The method of claim 27 , further comprising delivering the device via a transluminal approach.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
30 words
44 . The method of claim 43 , wherein the transluminal approach is via the superior or inferior vena cava, the right atrium, the coronary sinus, and a cardiac vein.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
38 words
45 . The method of claim 43 , wherein the transluminal approach is via the superior or inferior vena cava, into the right atrium or right atrial appendage, through the right atrial wall and into the pericardial space.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
30 words
46 . The method of claim 43 , wherein the transluminal approach is via the aorta, into the left ventricle, through the left ventricular wall, and into the pericardial space.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
17 words
47 . The method of claim 43 , wherein the transluminal approach is via the azygos vein.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
16 words
48 . The method of claim 43 , wherein the transluminal approach is via the esophagus.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
24 words
49 . The method of claim 27 , wherein the force exerted substantially opposite the inward force is substantially equal to the inward force.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
18 words
50 . The method of claim 27 , wherein the inward force is exerted throughout the cardiac cycle.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
96 words
51 . A device for improving heart valve function, the device comprising: a first anchoring member; a second anchoring member; a flexible member configured to connect the first and second anchoring member, the flexible member being further configured to be positioned adjacent an external surface of a heart wall; and at least one protrusion configured to be positioned in contact with an external surface of the heart wall such that the at least one protrusion exerts an inward force against the heart wall proximate a valve, wherein the inward force is sufficient to alter valve function.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
96 words
51 . A device for improving heart valve function, the device comprising: a first anchoring member; a second anchoring member; a flexible member configured to connect the first and second anchoring member, the flexible member being further configured to be positioned adjacent an external surface of a heart wall; and at least one protrusion configured to be positioned in contact with an external surface of the heart wall such that the at least one protrusion exerts an inward force against the heart wall proximate a valve, wherein the inward force is sufficient to alter valve function.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
34 words
52 . The device of claim 51 , wherein the device is configured such that the device exerts a force substantially opposite to the inward force by securing the device to the heart wall.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
33 words
53 . The device of claim 51 , wherein the device is configured such that the device exerts a force substantially opposite to the inward force against anatomical structure outside the heart wall.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
13 words
54 . The device of claim 51 , wherein the protrusion is expandable.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
13 words
55 . The device of claim 54 , wherein the protrusion is inflatable.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
14 words
56 . The device of claim 55 , wherein the protrusion includes a balloon.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
14 words
57 . The device of claim 54 , wherein the protrusion defines an interior.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
19 words
58 . The device of claim 57 , further comprising a coil disposed in the interior of the protrusion.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
19 words
59 . The device of claim 57 , further comprising a foam disposed in the interior of the protrusion.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
19 words
60 . The device of claim 57 , further comprising a sponge disposed in the interior of the protrusion.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
19 words
61 . The device of claim 57 , further comprising a liquid disposed in the interior of the protrusion.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
15 words
62 . The device of claim 61 , wherein the liquid is a curable liquid.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
21 words
63 . The device of claim 57 , further comprising a mechanical reinforcement member disposed in the interior of the protrusion.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
20 words
64 . The device of claim 57 , further comprising means for selectively adding or removing material from the interior.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
14 words
65 . The device of claim 64 , wherein the means is transdermally accessible.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
19 words
66 . The device of claim 51 , wherein the at least one protrusion comprises a plurality of protrusions.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
17 words
67 . The device of claim 66 , wherein the plurality of protrusions form an integral structure.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
18 words
68 . The device of claim 66 , wherein the plurality of protrusions are separate from each other.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
32 words
69 . The device of claim 66 , wherein the plurality of protrusions are arranged so as to avoid cardiac veins and coronary arteries when positioned in contact with the heart wall.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
19 words
70 . The device of claim 51 , wherein the at least one protrusion protrudes from the flexible member.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
28 words
71 . The device of claim 51 , wherein the at least one protrusion is expandable between a relatively small delivery configuration and a relatively large deployed configuration.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
23 words
72 . The device of claim 51 , wherein the device is configured to be delivered to the heart via a delivery catheter.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
21 words
73 . The device of claim 72 , wherein the device is configured to be releasably connected to the delivery catheter.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
29 words
74 . The device of claim 51 , wherein the at least one protrusion is configured to exert an inward force sufficient to draw leaflets of the valve together.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
21 words
75 . The device of claim 51 , wherein the anchoring members are configured to secure the device to the heart.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
24 words
76 . The device of claim 52 , wherein the force exerted substantially opposite the inward force is substantially equal to the inward force.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
24 words
77 . The device of claim 53 , wherein the force exerted substantially opposite the inward force is substantially equal to the inward force.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
102 words
78 . A method for improving heart valve function, the method comprising: providing a device comprising a first anchoring member, a second anchoring member, a flexible member connecting the first and second anchoring member, and at least one protrusion between the first and second anchor; positioning the flexible member adjacent an external surface of a heart wall; and positioning the at least one protrusion in contact with an external surface of the heart wall such that the at least one protrusion exerts an inward force against the heart wall proximate a valve, wherein the inward force is sufficient to alter valve function.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
102 words
78 . A method for improving heart valve function, the method comprising: providing a device comprising a first anchoring member, a second anchoring member, a flexible member connecting the first and second anchoring member, and at least one protrusion between the first and second anchor; positioning the flexible member adjacent an external surface of a heart wall; and positioning the at least one protrusion in contact with an external surface of the heart wall such that the at least one protrusion exerts an inward force against the heart wall proximate a valve, wherein the inward force is sufficient to alter valve function.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
37 words
79 . The method of claim 78 , further comprising positioning the device such that the device exerts a force substantially opposite to the inward force as a result of securing the device to the heart wall.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
34 words
80 . The method of claim 78 , further comprising positioning the device such that the device exerts a force substantially opposite to the inward force on anatomical structure external to the heart wall.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
21 words
81 . The method of claim 78 , wherein the inward force is sufficient to draw leaflets of the valve together.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
39 words
82 . The method of claim 81 , wherein the valve leaflets define a line of coaptation and positioning the protrusion includes positioning the protrusion such that the inward force is exerted substantially orthogonal to the line of coaptation.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
15 words
83 . The method of claim 78 , wherein the valve is a mitral valve.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
21 words
84 . The method of claim 78 , further comprising adjusting a position of the device while observing the valve function.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
20 words
85 . The method of claim 78 , wherein the inward force is exerted on an annulus of the valve.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
21 words
86 . The method of claim 78 , wherein the inward force is sufficient to reposition papillary muscles of the valve.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
19 words
87 . The method of claim 78 , further comprising positioning the device outside the epicardium of the heart.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
22 words
88 . The method of claim 87 , further comprising positioning the device between the epicardium and the pericardium of the heart.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
16 words
89 . The method of claim 88 , further comprising attaching the device to the epicardium.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
17 words
90 . The method of claim 89 , further comprising maintaining the device free of the pericardium.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
20 words
91 . The method of claim 78 , further comprising delivering the device to the heart via a surgical approach.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
20 words
92 . The method of claim 78 , further comprising delivering the device to the heart via a subthoracic approach.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
16 words
93 . The method of claim 92 , wherein the subthoracic approach includes a subxiphoid approach.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
16 words
94 . The method of claim 92 , wherein the subthoracic approach includes a posterior approach.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
17 words
95 . The method of claim 78 , further comprising delivering the device via a transluminal approach.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
30 words
96 . The method of claim 95 , wherein the transluminal approach is via the superior or inferior vena cava, the right atrium, the coronary sinus, and a cardiac vein.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
38 words
97 . The method of claim 95 , wherein the transluminal approach is via the superior or inferior vena cava, into the right atrium or right atrial appendage, through the right atrial wall and into the pericardial space.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
30 words
98 . The method of claim 95 , wherein the transluminal approach is via the aorta, into the left ventricle, through the left ventricular wall, and into the pericardial space.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
17 words
99 . The method of claim 95 , wherein the transluminal approach is via the azygos vein.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
16 words
100 . The method of claim 95 , wherein the transluminal approach is via the esophagus.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
24 words
101 . The method of claim 79 , wherein the force exerted substantially opposite the inward force is substantially equal to the inward force.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
24 words
102 . The method of claim 80 , wherein the force exerted substantially opposite the inward force is substantially equal to the inward force.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
18 words
103 . The method of claim 78 , wherein the inward force is exerted throughout the cardiac cycle.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
66 words
104 . A device for improving heart valve function, the device comprising: at least one protrusion configured to be placed in contact with an external surface of a heart wall and to exert an inward force against the heart wall proximate the valve, wherein the device is configured to exert a force substantially opposite to the inward force against an anatomical structure outside the heart wall.
Claim 109
Dependent Claim
66 words
104 . A device for improving heart valve function, the device comprising: at least one protrusion configured to be placed in contact with an external surface of a heart wall and to exert an inward force against the heart wall proximate the valve, wherein the device is configured to exert a force substantially opposite to the inward force against an anatomical structure outside the heart wall.
Claim 110
Dependent Claim
26 words
105 . The device of claim 104 , wherein the at least one protrusion is configured to exert an inward force sufficient to alter valve function.
Claim 111
Dependent Claim
21 words
106 . The device of claim 104 , wherein the inward force is sufficient to draw leaflets of the valve together.
Claim 112
Dependent Claim
24 words
107 . The device of claim 104 , wherein the force exerted substantially opposite the inward force is substantially equal to the inward force.
Claim 113
Dependent Claim
66 words
108 . A device for improving heart valve function, the device comprising: a substantially elongate member having a first end and a second end; an anchoring member associated with each of the first end and the second end and configured to secure the device relative to the heart, wherein each of the anchoring members includes a vacuum chamber, and a piercing member configured to pierce tissue.
Claim 114
Dependent Claim
66 words
108 . A device for improving heart valve function, the device comprising: a substantially elongate member having a first end and a second end; an anchoring member associated with each of the first end and the second end and configured to secure the device relative to the heart, wherein each of the anchoring members includes a vacuum chamber, and a piercing member configured to pierce tissue.
Claim 115
Dependent Claim
15 words
109 . The device of claim 108 , wherein the piercing member includes a pin.
Claim 116
Dependent Claim
15 words
110 . The device of claim 108 , wherein the piercing member is remotely actuatable.
Claim 117
Dependent Claim
40 words
111 . The device of claim 108 , further comprising a protrusion disposed between the anchoring members and configured to be disposed adjacent an external surface of a heart wall when the device is secured with respect to the heart.
Claim 118
Dependent Claim
32 words
112 . The device of claim 111 , wherein the protrusion is configured to exert an inward force on the heart wall when the device is secured with respect to the heart.
Claim 119
Dependent Claim
37 words
113 . The device of claim 112 , wherein the protrusion is configured to exert an inward force on the heart wall proximate a valve, the inward force being sufficient to alter a function of the valve.
Claim 120
Dependent Claim
13 words
114 . The device of claim 111 , wherein the protrusion is expandable.
Claim 121
Dependent Claim
13 words
115 . The device of claim 114 , wherein the protrusion is inflatable.
Claim 122
Dependent Claim
33 words
116 . The device of claim 104 , wherein the elongate member is configured to be positioned adjacent the external surface of the heart when the device is secured relative to the heart.
Claim 123
Dependent Claim
28 words
117 . The device of claim 104 , wherein the vacuum chambers are configured to be selectively placed in fluid communication with vacuum tubes of a delivery catheter.
Claim 124
Dependent Claim
18 words
118 . The device of claim 104 , wherein the piercing members are configured to be remotely actuatable.
Claim 125
Dependent Claim
28 words
119 . The device of claim 118 , wherein the piercing members are configured to be releasably connectable to push-pull wires of a delivery catheter for remote actuation.
Claim 126
Dependent Claim
96 words
120 . A catheter for transthoracic delivery of an implant to the heart, the catheter comprising: an elongate shaft having a proximal end and a distal end; a vacuum lumen extending through the elongate shaft; a suction cup disposed proximate the distal end, the suction cup defining an interior configured to be in fluid communication with the vacuum lumen; a guide wire tube extending through the suction cup and configured to slidably receive a first guide wire; and a second guide wire extending alongside the elongate shaft and having an end connected to the suction cup.
Claim 127
Dependent Claim
96 words
120 . A catheter for transthoracic delivery of an implant to the heart, the catheter comprising: an elongate shaft having a proximal end and a distal end; a vacuum lumen extending through the elongate shaft; a suction cup disposed proximate the distal end, the suction cup defining an interior configured to be in fluid communication with the vacuum lumen; a guide wire tube extending through the suction cup and configured to slidably receive a first guide wire; and a second guide wire extending alongside the elongate shaft and having an end connected to the suction cup.
Claim 128
Dependent Claim
110 words
121 . A delivery catheter comprising: an inflation tube defining an inflation lumen configured to be placed in fluid communication with an inflation source at a proximal end and with an inflatable structure at a distal end; first and second vacuum tubes disposed on opposite sides of the inflation tube, each vacuum tube defining a vacuum lumen configured to be placed in fluid communication with a vacuum source at a proximal end and with a vacuum chamber at a distal end; and a wire extending through each vacuum tube, each wire being configured to be selectively advanced or retracted through the vacuum tube so as to actuate an actuatable member.
Claim 129
Dependent Claim
110 words
121 . A delivery catheter comprising: an inflation tube defining an inflation lumen configured to be placed in fluid communication with an inflation source at a proximal end and with an inflatable structure at a distal end; first and second vacuum tubes disposed on opposite sides of the inflation tube, each vacuum tube defining a vacuum lumen configured to be placed in fluid communication with a vacuum source at a proximal end and with a vacuum chamber at a distal end; and a wire extending through each vacuum tube, each wire being configured to be selectively advanced or retracted through the vacuum tube so as to actuate an actuatable member.
Claim 130
Dependent Claim
56 words
122 . A device for improving heart valve function, the device comprising: means for exerting an inward force on an external surface of a heart wall proximate a valve, the inward force being sufficient to alter valve function; and means for exerting a force substantially opposite the inward force on anatomical structure outside the heart wall.
Claim 131
Dependent Claim
56 words
122 . A device for improving heart valve function, the device comprising: means for exerting an inward force on an external surface of a heart wall proximate a valve, the inward force being sufficient to alter valve function; and means for exerting a force substantially opposite the inward force on anatomical structure outside the heart wall.
Claim 132
Dependent Claim
33 words
123 . The device of claim 122 , wherein the means for exerting a force substantially opposite the inward force includes a means for exerting a force substantially equal to the inward force.
Claim 133
Dependent Claim
74 words
124 . A device for improving heart valve function, the device comprising: a substantially elongate member having a first end and a second end and configured to be positioned external to a heart chamber; and an anchoring member associated with each of the first end and the second end and configured to secure the device relative to the heart, wherein the anchoring members are configured to be remotely securable to a wall of heart.
Claim 134
Dependent Claim
74 words
124 . A device for improving heart valve function, the device comprising: a substantially elongate member having a first end and a second end and configured to be positioned external to a heart chamber; and an anchoring member associated with each of the first end and the second end and configured to secure the device relative to the heart, wherein the anchoring members are configured to be remotely securable to a wall of heart.
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