US20050055089A1
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Devices, systems, and methods for reshaping a heart valve annulus
Assignee: Venture Lending and Leasing IV Inc
•
Filing: 2004-07-19
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Granted: —
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Expires: 2024-07-19
Abstract
Abstract Implants or systems of implants apply a selected force vector or a selected combination of force vectors within or across the left atrium, which allow mitral valve leaflets to better coapt. The implants or systems of implants make possible rapid deployment, facile endovascular delivery, and full intra-atrial retrievability. The implants or systems of implants also make use of strong fluoroscopic landmarks.
Inventors
- 👤 John Macoviak
- 👤 Robert Chang
- 👤 David Rahdert
- 👤 Timothy Machold
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 01:52
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61F; A61F2/00; A61F2/02; A61F2/24; A61F2/2442; A61F2/2445; A61F2/2451; A61F2/2466; A61F2/2478; A61F2/2487; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/04; A61B17/0469; A61B2017/00831; A61B2017/00876; A61F2210/00; A61F2210/009; A61F2250/00; A61F2250/0004; A61F2250/0012; A61F2250/0058; A61F2250/0096; A61F2250/0098; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S623/00; Y10S623/902; Y10S623/904
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 141
Claim 1
Independent Claim
158 words
1 . An implant system to treat a mitral heart valve comprising a posterior anchor structure sized and configured to extend within the great cardiac vein adjacent a posterior annulus of the mitral valve, at least one implant sized and configured to extend across a left atrium including a posterior anchoring region sized and configured to extend from the left atrium into the great cardiac vein and couple to the posterior anchor structure within the great cardiac vein, an anterior anchoring region sized and configured to extend from the left atrium through an interatrial septum and into a right atrium, and a bridging region between the posterior and anterior anchoring regions sized and configured to span the left atrium in a posterior-to-anterior direction, and an anterior anchor structure sized and configured to couple to the anterior anchoring region in or near the right atrium to hold in tension the bridging element between the posterior and anterior anchoring regions.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
158 words
1 . An implant system to treat a mitral heart valve comprising a posterior anchor structure sized and configured to extend within the great cardiac vein adjacent a posterior annulus of the mitral valve, at least one implant sized and configured to extend across a left atrium including a posterior anchoring region sized and configured to extend from the left atrium into the great cardiac vein and couple to the posterior anchor structure within the great cardiac vein, an anterior anchoring region sized and configured to extend from the left atrium through an interatrial septum and into a right atrium, and a bridging region between the posterior and anterior anchoring regions sized and configured to span the left atrium in a posterior-to-anterior direction, and an anterior anchor structure sized and configured to couple to the anterior anchoring region in or near the right atrium to hold in tension the bridging element between the posterior and anterior anchoring regions.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
2 . An implant system according to claim 1 wherein the posterior anchor structure comprises a structure separate from the implant to which the posterior anchoring region is joined.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
3 . An implant system according to claim 1 wherein the posterior anchor structure comprises a structure integrally joined to the posterior anchoring region.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
4 . An implant system according to claim 1 wherein the posterior anchor structure comprises a stent-like structure.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
5 . An implant system according to claim 1 wherein the posterior anchor structure comprises, at least in part, a radiopaque structure.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
32 words
6 . An implant system according to claim 1 wherein the posterior anchor structure comprises a structure having, when deployed, an outside diameter of between about 0.5 mm and about 30 mm.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
32 words
7 . An implant system according to claim 1 wherein the posterior anchor structure comprises a structure having, when deployed, an outside diameter of between about 10 mm and about 20 mm.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
20 words
8 . An implant system according to claim 1 wherein the posterior anchor structure includes a magnetic or ferromagnetic material.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
31 words
9 . An implant system according to claim 1 wherein the posterior anchor structure includes at least one anchoring site sized and configured to accommodate attachment of the posterior anchoring region.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
22 words
10 . An implant system according to claim 9 wherein the at least one anchoring site includes a magnetic or ferromagnetic material.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
62 words
11 . An implant system according to claim 1 wherein the posterior anchor structure includes at least one anchoring site sized and configured to accommodate attachment of the posterior anchoring region, and a region extending either medially from the anchoring site, or laterally from the anchoring site, or both medially or laterally from the anchoring site, to consolidate the great cardiac vein.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
33 words
12 . An implant system according to claim 1 wherein the posterior anchor structure comprises a rigid material, or a semi-rigid material, or a flexible material, or a porous material, or combinations thereof.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
27 words
13 . An implant system according to claim 1 wherein the posterior anchor structure includes one or more components to engage tissue within the great cardiac vein.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
33 words
14 . An implant system according to claim 1 wherein the posterior anchoring region includes means for mechanically engaging at least a portion of the posterior anchoring structure within the great cardiac vein.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
34 words
15 . An implant system according to claim 1 wherein the posterior anchoring region includes a hook-like structure for engaging at least a portion of the posterior anchoring structure within the great cardiac vein.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
34 words
16 . An implant system according to claim 1 wherein the posterior anchoring region includes a cross-bar structure for engaging at least a portion of the posterior anchoring structure within the great cardiac vein.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
33 words
17 . An implant system according to claim 1 wherein the posterior anchoring region includes a grasper for engaging at least a portion of the posterior anchoring structure within the great cardiac vein.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
35 words
18 . An implant system according to claim 1 wherein the posterior anchoring region includes a cross-bar structure integrally joined to the posterior anchoring region of the implant for deployment within the great cardiac vein.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
20 words
19 . An implant system according to claim 1 wherein the posterior anchoring region includes a magnetic or ferromagnetic material.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
53 words
20 . An implant system according to claim 19 wherein the posterior anchor structure includes at least one anchoring site sized and configured to accommodate attachment of the posterior anchoring region, the at least one anchoring site including a material magnetically attracted to the magnetic or ferromagnetic material on the posterior anchoring region.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
24 words
21 . An implant system according to claim 1 wherein the anterior anchoring structure is sized and configured for attachment on the interatrial septum.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
34 words
22 . An implant system according to claim 1 wherein the anterior anchoring structure is sized and configured for attachment on the interatrial septum in a region at or near of the fossa ovalis.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
25 words
23 . An implant system according to claim 1 wherein the anterior anchoring structure is sized and configured for attachment within the superior vena cava.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
28 words
24 . An implant system according to claim 1 wherein the anterior anchoring structure comprises a stent-like structure sized and configured for attachment within the superior vena cava.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
48 words
25 . An implant system according to claim 1 wherein the anterior anchoring structure is sized and configured for attachment within the superior vena cava, and further including a pass-through element on the interatrial septum through which the anterior anchoring region extends without anchoring to the interatrial septum.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
25 words
26 . An implant system according to claim 1 wherein the anterior anchoring structure is sized and configured for attachment within the inferior vena cava.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
28 words
27 . An implant system according to claim 1 wherein the anterior anchoring structure comprises a stent-like structure sized and configured for attachment within the inferior vena cava.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
48 words
28 . An implant system according to claim 1 wherein the anterior anchoring structure is sized and configured for attachment within the inferior vena cava, and further including a pass-through element on the interatrial septum through which the anterior anchoring region extends without anchoring to the interatrial septum.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
30 words
29 . An implant system according to claim 1 wherein the anterior anchoring structure is sized and configured for attachment within the superior vena cava and the inferior vena cava.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
33 words
30 . An implant system according to claim 1 wherein the anterior anchoring structure comprises a stent-like structure sized and configured for attachment within the superior vena cava and the inferior vena cava.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
53 words
31 . An implant system according to claim 1 wherein the anterior anchoring structure is sized and configured for attachment within the inferior vena cava and the superior vena cava, and further including a pass-through element on the interatrial septum through which the anterior anchoring region extends without anchoring to the interatrial septum.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
33 words
32 . An implant system according to claim 1 wherein the anterior anchoring structure is sized and configured for attachment within the inferior vena cava, the superior vena cava, and the interatrial septum.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
32 words
33 . An implant system according to claim 1 wherein the bridging region is sized and configured to extend in a posterior-to-anterior direction within the left atrium in a generally straight path.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
41 words
34 . An implant system according to claim 1 wherein the bridging region is sized and configured to extend in a posterior-to-anterior direction within the left atrium in a medially or laterally curved path toward a trigone of the mitral valve.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
38 words
35 . An implant system according to claim 1 wherein the bridging region is sized and configured to extend in a posterior-to-anterior direction within the left atrium in a superior path toward the dome of the left atrium.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
35 words
36 . An implant system according to claim 1 wherein the bridging region is sized and configured to extend in a posterior-to-anterior direction within the left atrium in an inferiorly path toward the mitral valve.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
24 words
37 . An implant system according to claim 1 wherein the bridging region comprises an elastic structure, or an inelastic structure, or combinations thereof.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
17 words
38 . An implant system according to claim 1 wherein the bridging region comprises a wire-form structure.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
16 words
39 . An implant system according to claim 1 wherein the bridging region comprises a suture.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
20 words
40 . An implant system according to claim 1 wherein the bridging region is collapsible for placement within a catheter.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
21 words
41 . An implant system according to claim 1 wherein the posterior anchor structure is collapsible for placement within a catheter.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
34 words
42 . An implant system according to claim 1 wherein more than one implant comprising an anterior anchoring region, and anterior anchoring region, and a bridging region as defined in claim 1 is included.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
34 words
43 . A method of treating a mitral heart valve annulus comprising providing an implant system as defined in claim 1 , installing the posterior anchor structure, the implant, and the anterior anchor structure.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
42 words
44 . A method according to claim 43 wherein the installing step includes installing the posterior anchor structure within the great cardiac vein and coupling the posterior anchoring region of the implant to the posterior anchor structure within the great cardiac vein.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
31 words
45 . A method according to claim 44 wherein the step of installing the posterior anchor structure includes deploying the posterior anchor structure from the right atrium through the coronary sinus.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
40 words
46 . A method according to claim 43 wherein the step of installing the posterior anchor structure includes installing the posterior anchor structure within the great cardiac vein prior to installing the implant to induce fibrosis before installing the implant.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
35 words
47 . A method according to claim 43 wherein the step of installing the posterior anchor structure includes deploying the posterior anchor structure from the left atrium through a wall of the great cardiac vein.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
42 words
48 . A method according to claim 43 wherein the step of installing the implant includes extending the bridging region in a posterior-to-anterior direction across the left atrium and extending the anterior anchoring region across the interatrial septum into the right atrium
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
29 words
49 . A method according to claim 43 wherein the step of installing the implant includes placing the bridging region in tension between the posterior and anterior anchoring regions.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
30 words
50 . A method according to claim 49 wherein the step of installing the implant includes coupling the anterior anchor structure to the anterior anchoring region to hold the tension.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
27 words
51 . A method according to claim 43 wherein the step of installing the anterior anchor structure comprises placing the anterior anchor structure on the interatrial septum.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
21 words
52 . A method according to claim 51 wherein the anterior anchor structure is placed at or near a fossa ovalis.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
28 words
53 . A method according to claim 43 wherein the step of installing the anterior anchor structure comprises placing the anterior anchor structure in the superior vena cava.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
28 words
54 . A method according to claim 43 wherein the step of installing the anterior anchor structure comprises placing the anterior anchor structure in the inferior vena cava.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
33 words
55 . A method according to claim 43 wherein the step of installing the anterior anchor structure comprises placing an anterior anchor structure in the inferior vena cava and the superior vena cava.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
38 words
56 . A method according to claim 43 wherein the step of installing the anterior anchor structure comprises placing an anterior anchor structure in the inferior vena cava, in the superior vena cava, and on the interatrial septum.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
33 words
57 . A method according to claim 43 wherein the step of installing at least one of the posterior anchor structure, the implant, and the anterior anchor structure comprises use of a catheter.$$
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
204 words
58 . An implant system to treat a mitral heart valve comprising a tissue consolidating component sized and configured to extend within the great cardiac vein and to consolidate the great cardiac vein into a unified physical structure adjacent a length comprising at least a portion of a posterior annulus of the mitral valve, at least one implant sized and configured to extend across a left atrium including a posterior anchoring region sized and configured to extend from the left atrium into the great cardiac vein and couple to the tissue consolidating component within the great cardiac vein, an anterior anchoring region sized and configured to extend from the left atrium through an interatrial septum and into a right atrium, and a bridging region between the posterior and anterior anchoring regions sized and configured to span the left atrium in a posterior-to-anterior direction, the bridging region being configured to apply a force vector upon the tissue consolidating component when placed into tension between the posterior and anterior anchoring regions, and an anterior anchor structure sized and configured to couple to the anterior anchoring region in or near the right atrium to hold in tension the bridging element between the posterior and anterior anchoring regions.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
204 words
58 . An implant system to treat a mitral heart valve comprising a tissue consolidating component sized and configured to extend within the great cardiac vein and to consolidate the great cardiac vein into a unified physical structure adjacent a length comprising at least a portion of a posterior annulus of the mitral valve, at least one implant sized and configured to extend across a left atrium including a posterior anchoring region sized and configured to extend from the left atrium into the great cardiac vein and couple to the tissue consolidating component within the great cardiac vein, an anterior anchoring region sized and configured to extend from the left atrium through an interatrial septum and into a right atrium, and a bridging region between the posterior and anterior anchoring regions sized and configured to span the left atrium in a posterior-to-anterior direction, the bridging region being configured to apply a force vector upon the tissue consolidating component when placed into tension between the posterior and anterior anchoring regions, and an anterior anchor structure sized and configured to couple to the anterior anchoring region in or near the right atrium to hold in tension the bridging element between the posterior and anterior anchoring regions.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
199 words
59 . An implant system to treat a mitral heart valve comprising bonding means for conjoining the great cardiac vein to the left ventricle in a tissue region between the great cardiac vein and the left ventricle, at least one implant sized and configured to extend across a left atrium including a posterior anchoring region sized and configured to extend from the left atrium into the great cardiac vein and couple an anchor within the great cardiac vein, an anterior anchoring region sized and configured to extend from the left atrium through an interatrial septum and into a right atrium, and a bridging region between the posterior and anterior anchoring regions sized and configured to span the left atrium in a posterior-to-anterior direction, the bridging region being configured to apply a force vector upon the great cardiac vein when placed into tension between the posterior and anterior anchoring regions, and an anterior anchor structure sized and configured to couple to the anterior anchoring region in or near the right atrium to hold in tension the bridging element between the posterior and anterior anchoring regions, whereby the force vector is distributed by the conjoined tissue region to the left ventricle.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
199 words
59 . An implant system to treat a mitral heart valve comprising bonding means for conjoining the great cardiac vein to the left ventricle in a tissue region between the great cardiac vein and the left ventricle, at least one implant sized and configured to extend across a left atrium including a posterior anchoring region sized and configured to extend from the left atrium into the great cardiac vein and couple an anchor within the great cardiac vein, an anterior anchoring region sized and configured to extend from the left atrium through an interatrial septum and into a right atrium, and a bridging region between the posterior and anterior anchoring regions sized and configured to span the left atrium in a posterior-to-anterior direction, the bridging region being configured to apply a force vector upon the great cardiac vein when placed into tension between the posterior and anterior anchoring regions, and an anterior anchor structure sized and configured to couple to the anterior anchoring region in or near the right atrium to hold in tension the bridging element between the posterior and anterior anchoring regions, whereby the force vector is distributed by the conjoined tissue region to the left ventricle.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
249 words
60 . An implant system to treat a mitral heart valve comprising a tissue consolidating component sized and configured to extend within the great cardiac vein and to consolidate the great cardiac vein into a unified physical structure along a length comprising at least a portion of a posterior annulus of the mitral valve, bonding means for conjoining the great cardiac vein to the left ventricle in a tissue region between the great cardiac vein and the left ventricle, at least one implant sized and configured to extend across a left atrium including a posterior anchoring region sized and configured to extend from the left atrium into the great cardiac vein and couple to the tissue consolidating component within the great cardiac vein, an anterior anchoring region sized and configured to extend from the left atrium through an interatrial septum and into a right atrium, and a bridging region between the posterior and anterior anchoring regions sized and configured to span the left atrium in a posterior-to-anterior direction, the bridging region being configured to apply a force vector upon the tissue consolidating component when placed into tension between the posterior and anterior anchoring regions, and an anterior anchor structure sized and configured to couple to the anterior anchoring region in or near the right atrium to hold in tension the bridging element between the posterior and anterior anchoring regions, whereby the force vector is distributed by the tissue consolidating component and the conjoined tissue region to the left ventricle.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
249 words
60 . An implant system to treat a mitral heart valve comprising a tissue consolidating component sized and configured to extend within the great cardiac vein and to consolidate the great cardiac vein into a unified physical structure along a length comprising at least a portion of a posterior annulus of the mitral valve, bonding means for conjoining the great cardiac vein to the left ventricle in a tissue region between the great cardiac vein and the left ventricle, at least one implant sized and configured to extend across a left atrium including a posterior anchoring region sized and configured to extend from the left atrium into the great cardiac vein and couple to the tissue consolidating component within the great cardiac vein, an anterior anchoring region sized and configured to extend from the left atrium through an interatrial septum and into a right atrium, and a bridging region between the posterior and anterior anchoring regions sized and configured to span the left atrium in a posterior-to-anterior direction, the bridging region being configured to apply a force vector upon the tissue consolidating component when placed into tension between the posterior and anterior anchoring regions, and an anterior anchor structure sized and configured to couple to the anterior anchoring region in or near the right atrium to hold in tension the bridging element between the posterior and anterior anchoring regions, whereby the force vector is distributed by the tissue consolidating component and the conjoined tissue region to the left ventricle.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
26 words
61 . An implant system according to claim 58 or 59 or 60 wherein the force vector includes a horizontal component to exert an inward force.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
27 words
62 . An implant system according to claim 58 or 59 or 60 wherein the force vector includes a vertical component to exert an upward lifting force.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
30 words
63 . An implant system according to claim 58 or 59 or 60 wherein the force vector includes horizontal and vertical components to exert both inward and upward lifting forces.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
25 words
64 . An implant system according to claim 58 or 59 or 60 wherein the force vector is greater than about forty-five degrees from horizontal.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
28 words
65 . An implant system according to claim 58 or 59 or 60 wherein the force vector is equal to or less than about forty-five degrees from horizontal.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
23 words
66 . An implant system according to claim 59 or 60 wherein the bonding means includes a fastener attached in the tissue region.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
30 words
67 . An implant system according to claim 59 or 60 wherein the bonding means includes drugs, and/or irritative agents, and/or heat, and/or chemical agents applied to the tissue region.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
23 words
68 . An implant system according to claim 59 or 60 wherein the bonding means includes tissue fibrosis induced in the tissue region.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
24 words
69 . An implant system according to claim 59 or 60 wherein the bonding means includes an array of magnets and/or soft ferromagnetic material.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
20 words
70 . An implant system according to claim 58 or 60 wherein the tissue consolidating component comprises a stent-like structure.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
37 words
71 . An implant system according to claim 58 or 60 wherein the tissue consolidating component includes a cross-bar structure integrally joined to the posterior anchoring region of the implant for deployment within the great cardiac vein.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
24 words
72 . An implant system according to claim 58 or 60 wherein the tissue consolidating component comprises, at least in part, a radiopaque structure.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
34 words
73 . An implant system according to claim 58 or 60 wherein the tissue consolidating component comprises a structure having an outside diameter, when deployed, of between about 0.5 mm and about 30 mm.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
34 words
74 . An implant system according to claim 58 or 60 wherein the tissue consolidating component comprises a structure having an outside diameter, when deployed, of between about 10 mm and about 20 mm.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
22 words
75 . An implant system according to claim 58 or 60 wherein the tissue consolidating component includes a magnetic or ferromagnetic material.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
35 words
76 . An implant system according to claim 58 or 60 wherein the tissue consolidating element comprises a rigid material, or a semi-rigid material, or a flexible material, or a porous material, or combinations thereof.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
29 words
77 . An implant system according to claim 58 or 60 wherein the tissue consolidating component includes one or more components to engage tissue within the great cardiac vein.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
34 words
78 . An implant system according to claim 58 or 60 wherein the posterior anchor structure includes means for engaging at least a portion of the tissue consolidating element within the great cardiac vein.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
24 words
79 . An implant system according to claim 58 or 60 wherein the posterior anchoring region is integrally connected to the tissue consolidating element.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
36 words
80 . An implant system according to claim 58 or 60 wherein the posterior anchoring region includes a hook-like structure for engaging at least a portion of the tissue consolidating component within the great cardiac vein.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
36 words
81 . An implant system according to claim 58 or 60 wherein the posterior anchoring region includes a cross-bar structure for engaging at least a portion of the tissue consolidating element within the great cardiac vein.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
35 words
82 . An implant system according to claim 58 or 60 wherein the posterior anchoring region includes a grasper for engaging at least a portion of the tissue consolidating component within the great cardiac vein.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
22 words
83 . An implant system according to claim 58 or 60 wherein the posterior anchoring region includes a magnetic or ferromagnetic material.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
53 words
84 . An implant system according to claim 83 wherein the tissue consolidating component includes at least one anchoring site sized and configured to accommodate attachment of the posterior anchoring region, the at least one anchoring site including a material magnetically attracted to the magnetic or ferromagnetic material on the posterior anchoring region.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
28 words
85 . An implant system according to claim 58 or 59 or 60 wherein the anterior anchoring structure is sized and configured for attachment on the interatrial septum.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
34 words
86 . An implant system according to claim 85 wherein the anterior anchoring structure is sized and configured for attachment on the interatrial septum in a region at or near of a fossa ovalis.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
29 words
87 . An implant system according to claim 58 or 59 or 60 wherein the anterior anchoring structure is sized and configured for attachment within the superior vena cava.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
29 words
88 . An implant system according to claim 58 or 59 or 60 wherein the anterior anchoring structure is sized and configured for attachment within the inferior vena cava.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
34 words
89 . An implant system according to claim 58 or 59 or 60 wherein the anterior anchoring structure is sized and configured for attachment within the superior vena cava and the inferior vena cava.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
39 words
90 . An implant system according to claim 58 or 59 or 60 wherein the anterior anchoring structure is sized and configured for attachment within the superior vena cava, within the inferior vena cava, and on the interatrial septum.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
28 words
91 . An implant system according to claim 58 or 59 or 60 wherein the bridging region comprises an elastic structure, or an inelastic structure, or combinations thereof.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
21 words
92 . An implant system according to claim 58 or 59 or 60 wherein the bridging region comprises a wire-form structure.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
23 words
93 . An implant system according to claim 58 or 59 or 60 wherein the implant is collapsible for placement within a catheter.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
23 words
94 . An implant system according to claim 58 or 60 wherein the tissue consolidating component is collapsible for placement within a catheter.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
111 words
95 . A method of treating a mitral heart valve comprising consolidating the great cardiac vein into a unified physical structure adjacent a length comprising at least a portion of a posterior annulus of the mitral valve, coupling a posterior region of an implant to the consolidated great cardiac vein, extending the implant across the left atrium and through an interatrial septum and into a right atrium, tensioning the implant to distribute a force vector to atrial tissue adjacent the posterior mitral valve annulus through the consolidated great cardiac vein, and anchoring an anterior region of the implant to tissue in or near the right atrium to maintain the force vector.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
111 words
95 . A method of treating a mitral heart valve comprising consolidating the great cardiac vein into a unified physical structure adjacent a length comprising at least a portion of a posterior annulus of the mitral valve, coupling a posterior region of an implant to the consolidated great cardiac vein, extending the implant across the left atrium and through an interatrial septum and into a right atrium, tensioning the implant to distribute a force vector to atrial tissue adjacent the posterior mitral valve annulus through the consolidated great cardiac vein, and anchoring an anterior region of the implant to tissue in or near the right atrium to maintain the force vector.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
120 words
96 . A method of treating a mitral heart valve comprising conjoining the great cardiac vein to a left ventricle in a tissue region between the great cardiac vein and the left ventricle, coupling a posterior region of an implant to an anchor in the great cardiac vein, extending the implant across the left atrium and through an interatrial septum and into a right atrium, tensioning the implant to distribute a force vector to the left ventricle through the conjoined region of tissue, and anchoring an anterior region of the implant to tissue in or near the right atrium to maintain the force vector, whereby the force vector is distributed by the the conjoined tissue region to the left ventricle.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
120 words
96 . A method of treating a mitral heart valve comprising conjoining the great cardiac vein to a left ventricle in a tissue region between the great cardiac vein and the left ventricle, coupling a posterior region of an implant to an anchor in the great cardiac vein, extending the implant across the left atrium and through an interatrial septum and into a right atrium, tensioning the implant to distribute a force vector to the left ventricle through the conjoined region of tissue, and anchoring an anterior region of the implant to tissue in or near the right atrium to maintain the force vector, whereby the force vector is distributed by the the conjoined tissue region to the left ventricle.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
156 words
97 . A method of treating a mitral heart valve comprising consolidating the great cardiac vein into a unified physical structure adjacent a length comprising at least a portion of a posterior annulus of the mitral valve, conjoining the consolidated great cardiac vein to a left ventricle in a tissue region between the great cardiac vein and the left ventricle, coupling a posterior region of an implant to the consolidated great cardiac vein, extending the implant across the left atrium and through an interatrial septum and into a right atrium, tensioning the implant to distribute a force vector to the left ventricle through the consolidated great cardiac vein and conjoined region of tissue, and anchoring an anterior region of the implant to tissue in or near the right atrium to maintain the upward force vector, whereby the force vector is distributed by the consolidating great cardiac vein and the conjoined tissue region to the left ventricle.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
156 words
97 . A method of treating a mitral heart valve comprising consolidating the great cardiac vein into a unified physical structure adjacent a length comprising at least a portion of a posterior annulus of the mitral valve, conjoining the consolidated great cardiac vein to a left ventricle in a tissue region between the great cardiac vein and the left ventricle, coupling a posterior region of an implant to the consolidated great cardiac vein, extending the implant across the left atrium and through an interatrial septum and into a right atrium, tensioning the implant to distribute a force vector to the left ventricle through the consolidated great cardiac vein and conjoined region of tissue, and anchoring an anterior region of the implant to tissue in or near the right atrium to maintain the upward force vector, whereby the force vector is distributed by the consolidating great cardiac vein and the conjoined tissue region to the left ventricle.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
25 words
98 . A method according to claim 95 or 96 or 97 wherein the force vector includes a horizontal component to exert an inward force.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
26 words
99 . A method according to claim 95 or 96 or 97 wherein the force vector includes a vertical component to exert an upward lifting force.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
29 words
100 . A method according to claim 95 or 96 or 97 wherein the force vector includes horizontal and vertical components to exert both inward and upward lifting forces.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
24 words
101 . A method according to claim 95 or 96 or 97 wherein the force vector is greater than about forty-five degrees from horizontal.
Claim 109
Dependent Claim
27 words
102 . A method according to claim 95 or 96 or 97 wherein the force vector is equal to or less than about forty-five degrees from horizontal.
Claim 110
Dependent Claim
20 words
103 . A method according to claim 96 or 97 wherein conjoining includes attaching a fastener to the tissue region.
Claim 111
Dependent Claim
29 words
104 . A method according to claim 96 or 97 wherein conjoining includes the application of drugs, and/or irritative agents, and/or heat, and/or chemical agents to the tissue region.
Claim 112
Dependent Claim
20 words
105 . A method according to claim 96 or 97 wherein conjoining includes inducing tissue fibrosis in the tissue region.
Claim 113
Dependent Claim
31 words
106 . A method according to claim 96 or 97 wherein conjoining includes implanting an array of magnets and/or soft ferromagnetic material in the great cardiac vein and the tissue region.
Claim 114
Dependent Claim
31 words
107 . A method according to claim 95 or 97 wherein the step of consolidating the great cardiac vein includes installing an elongated posterior anchor structure into the great cardiac vein.
Claim 115
Dependent Claim
27 words
108 . A method according to claim 107 wherein the step of installing includes installing the elongated posterior anchor from the right atrium through the coronary sinus.
Claim 116
Dependent Claim
40 words
109 . A method according to claim 107 wherein the step of coupling the posterior region of the implant to the consolidated great cardiac vein includes coupling the posterior region to at least a portion of the elongated posterior anchor.
Claim 117
Dependent Claim
31 words
110 . A method according to claim 107 wherein the step of installing includes installing the elongated posterior anchor from the left atrium through a wall of the great cardiac vein.
Claim 118
Dependent Claim
46 words
111 . A method according to claim 107 wherein the step of installing includes installing the elongated posterior anchor within the great cardiac vein prior to the coupling step to induce fibrosis before the coupling the posterior region of the implant to the elongated posterior anchor.
Claim 119
Dependent Claim
40 words
112 . A method according to claim 95 or 96 or 97 wherein the step of anchoring an anterior region of the implant to tissue in or near the right atrium includes anchoring the anterior region on an interatrial septum.
Claim 120
Dependent Claim
31 words
113 . A method according to claim 112 wherein the step of anchoring the anterior region on an interatrial septum includes anchoring the anterior region at or near a fossa ovalis.
Claim 121
Dependent Claim
41 words
114 . A method according to claim 95 or 96 or 97 wherein the step of anchoring the anterior region of the implant to tissue in or near the right atrium includes anchoring the anterior region in the superior vena cava.
Claim 122
Dependent Claim
41 words
115 . A method according to claim 95 or 96 or 97 wherein the step of anchoring an anterior region of the implant to tissue in or near the right atrium includes anchoring the anterior region in the inferior vena cava.
Claim 123
Dependent Claim
46 words
116 . A method according to claim 95 or 96 or 97 wherein the step of anchoring an anterior region of the implant to tissue in or near the right atrium includes anchoring the anterior region in the inferior vena cava and the superior vena cava.
Claim 124
Dependent Claim
51 words
117 . A method according to claim 95 or 96 or 97 wherein the step of anchoring an anterior region of the implant to tissue in or near the right atrium includes anchoring the anterior region in the inferior vena cava, in the superior vena cava, and on the interatrial septum.
Claim 125
Dependent Claim
26 words
118 . A method according to claim 95 or 96 or 97 wherein at least one of the steps of the method comprises using a catheter.
Claim 126
Dependent Claim
112 words
119 . An implant to treat a mitral heart valve comprising an elongated structure sized and configured to be deployed as a loop including first and second end anchoring regions, each sized and configured, in use, to extend into the right atrium, and an intermediate region coupled to the first and second end anchoring regions sized and configured to extend outside the right atrium in a circumferential path within the great cardiac vein adjacent a posterior annulus of the mitral valve, and an anchor sized and configured to couple to the first and second end anchoring regions in the right atrium or a vena cava to hold the intermediate region in tension.
Claim 127
Dependent Claim
112 words
119 . An implant to treat a mitral heart valve comprising an elongated structure sized and configured to be deployed as a loop including first and second end anchoring regions, each sized and configured, in use, to extend into the right atrium, and an intermediate region coupled to the first and second end anchoring regions sized and configured to extend outside the right atrium in a circumferential path within the great cardiac vein adjacent a posterior annulus of the mitral valve, and an anchor sized and configured to couple to the first and second end anchoring regions in the right atrium or a vena cava to hold the intermediate region in tension.
Claim 128
Dependent Claim
46 words
120 . An implant according to claim 119 wherein the second end anchoring region is sized and configured to extend from the intermediate region within the great cardiac vein, across the left atrium in a posterior-to-anterior direction, and through the interatrial septum into the right atrium.
Claim 129
Dependent Claim
37 words
121 . An implant according to claim 119 wherein the first end anchoring region is sized and configured to extent from the intermediate region within the great cardiac vein through the coronary sinus into the right atrium.
Claim 130
Dependent Claim
100 words
122 . A method of treating a mitral heart valve comprising providing an implant as defined in claim 119 , deploying the intermediate region through the coronary sinus into the great cardiac vein while retaining the first end anchoring region within the right atrium, extending the second end anchoring region in a posterior-to-anterior direction across the left atrium and through the interatrial septum into the right atrium, applying tension to the intermediate region, and affixing the anchor to the first and second end anchoring regions in the right atrium or a vena cava to hold the intermediate region in tension.
Claim 131
Dependent Claim
79 words
123 . An implant to treat a mitral heart valve comprising an elongated structure sized and configured to be deployed in tension a circumferential path within the great cardiac vein adjacent a posterior annulus of the mitral valve, the structure including an end anchoring region sized and configured to extent from the coronary sinus into the right atrium, and an anchor sized and configured to couple to the end anchoring region on the interatrial septum in the right atrium.
Claim 132
Dependent Claim
79 words
123 . An implant to treat a mitral heart valve comprising an elongated structure sized and configured to be deployed in tension a circumferential path within the great cardiac vein adjacent a posterior annulus of the mitral valve, the structure including an end anchoring region sized and configured to extent from the coronary sinus into the right atrium, and an anchor sized and configured to couple to the end anchoring region on the interatrial septum in the right atrium.
Claim 133
Dependent Claim
29 words
124 . An implant according to claim 123 further including a structure coupled to the anchor sized and configured to rest in the right atrium against the interatrial septum.
Claim 134
Dependent Claim
20 words
125 . A method of treating a mitral heart valve comprising using the implant as defined in claim 123 .
Claim 135
Dependent Claim
108 words
126 . An implant system for use within a heart chamber comprising a first implant sized and configured to rest within the heart vessel adjacent to a heart chamber, the first implant including an anchoring site, a second implant sized and configured to be deployed, at least in part, within the heart chamber and including an anchoring region sized and configured to couple to the anchoring region of the first implant within the heart vessel, and a magnetic or ferromagnetic material associated with the anchoring site of the first implant and the anchoring region of the second region to magnetically attract the anchoring region to the anchoring site.
Claim 136
Dependent Claim
108 words
126 . An implant system for use within a heart chamber comprising a first implant sized and configured to rest within the heart vessel adjacent to a heart chamber, the first implant including an anchoring site, a second implant sized and configured to be deployed, at least in part, within the heart chamber and including an anchoring region sized and configured to couple to the anchoring region of the first implant within the heart vessel, and a magnetic or ferromagnetic material associated with the anchoring site of the first implant and the anchoring region of the second region to magnetically attract the anchoring region to the anchoring site.
Claim 137
Dependent Claim
113 words
127 . An implant system for treating a mitral heart valve comprising a first implant sized and configured to rest within the great cardiac vein adjacent a posterior annulus of the mitral valve, the first implant including an anchoring site, a second implant sized and configured to be deployed, at least in part, within the left atrium and including an anchoring region sized and configured to couple to the anchoring region of the first implant within the great cardiac vein, and a magnetic or ferromagnetic material associated with the anchoring site of the first implant and the anchoring region of the second region to magnetically attract the anchoring region to the anchoring site.
Claim 138
Dependent Claim
113 words
127 . An implant system for treating a mitral heart valve comprising a first implant sized and configured to rest within the great cardiac vein adjacent a posterior annulus of the mitral valve, the first implant including an anchoring site, a second implant sized and configured to be deployed, at least in part, within the left atrium and including an anchoring region sized and configured to couple to the anchoring region of the first implant within the great cardiac vein, and a magnetic or ferromagnetic material associated with the anchoring site of the first implant and the anchoring region of the second region to magnetically attract the anchoring region to the anchoring site.
Claim 139
Dependent Claim
56 words
128 . A method for deploying implants within a heart chamber comprising deploying a first implant within a heart vessel adjacent to a heart chamber, deploying a second implant within the heart chamber, magnetically attracting a region of the second implant within the heart chamber to a region of the first implant within the heart vessel.
Claim 140
Dependent Claim
56 words
128 . A method for deploying implants within a heart chamber comprising deploying a first implant within a heart vessel adjacent to a heart chamber, deploying a second implant within the heart chamber, magnetically attracting a region of the second implant within the heart chamber to a region of the first implant within the heart vessel.
Claim 141
Dependent Claim
31 words
129 . A method according to claim 128 further including the step of coupling the region of the second implant to the region of the first implant within the heart vessel.
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