Methods for improving heart valve function

A method of deploying a blood-flow controlling device for treating a mitral or tricuspid valve in need thereof, the method comprising:

• providing a blood-flow controlling device having:
• a blood-flow blocking portion slidable over a flexible, elongate body portion, the blood-flow blocking portion comprising an elongate structure with a substantially cylindrical portion, a portion of the blood-flow blocking portion configured to be disposed between leaflets of a native mitral or tricuspid valve and the blood-flow blocking portion being fillable with blood, and
• an anchor disposed on a distal end of the elongate body portion, the anchor engageable with heart tissue at or adjacent a heart apex, the anchor comprising a tubular body and a plurality of pointed, elongated prongs emanating from a distal end of the tubular body, the plurality of elongated prongs self-expandable from a compressed configuration, in which the plurality of elongated prongs extend distally, and an expanded configuration, in which the plurality of elongated prongs are deflected radially outward relative to a center of the tubular body;
• providing an anchor delivery catheter for delivering the anchor having a distal end sheath that maintains the plurality of elongated prongs in the compressed configuration;
• advancing the anchor delivery catheter through the mitral or tricuspid valve and into an adjacent ventricle;
• deploying the anchor in ventricular tissue by expelling the anchor from the distal end sheath;
• sliding the blood-flow blocking portion relative to the elongate body portion and positioning the blood-flow blocking portion between the leaflets of the mitral or tricuspid valve;
• providing a locking catheter slidable along the elongate body portion,
• locking the blood-flow blocking portion to the elongate body portion with the locking catheter, preventing sliding therebetween.