Device and method for improving the function of a heart valve

A device for improving the function of a heart valve comprised of valve tissue including an annulus, leaflets and at least a first and a second commissure between adjacent leaflets,

• said device comprising an elongate part comprising a first contact point and a second contact point,
• said device having a first shape and a second shape,
• said first shape comprising a distance between the first contact point and the second contact point substantially corresponding to a distance between said first and second commissures of the heart valve
• said second shape comprising a distance between the first and the second contact points which is greater than said distance in the first shape,
• said device in said first shape being configured for insertion into the heart valve to establish a contact between the first contact point and valve tissue at the first commissure and to establish a contact between the second contact point and valve tissue at the second commissure,
• said device being movable from said first shape to said second shape after insertion into the heart valve, whereby the elongate part is less arcuate between the first contact point and the second contact point in the second shape in order to push the contact points and commissures further apart and stretch the opening of the heart valve and change the shape of the heart valve such that free edges of the leaflets are brought closer together in a remodeled shape,
• the entire length of the elongate part is configured to contact the valve tissue substantially in a plane of the annulus when the device is in the second shape, and said device, when in the second shape, extending along substantially its entire length between the first contact point and the second contact point in contact with the valve tissue throughout a cycle of heart action,
• said device comprising a portion arranged to receive a fixation device to attach the device to the valve tissue.