Leaflet reinforcement for regurgitant valves
AssigneeHLT, Inc.
InventorsRobert F. Wilson, David J. McKinley
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A support, and a method for attaching said support, for providing additional strength to existing regurgitant or prolapsed valve leaflets. The support restores an otherwise non-functioning, or poorly functioning, native valve to a functioning condition, obviating the need for a complete valve removal or replacement. The support may also be applied to a functioning valve leaflet as a prophylactic measure against future failure. The delivery method includes a delivery mechanism for attaching the support to the native valve leaflet.
Claims27
A method of reinforcing a native valve comprising attaching a reinforcing support to at least one valve leaflet, said support allowing a free edge of the at least one valve leaflet to form a seal with free edges of adjacent leaflets during diastole.
A device useable to attach a support to a valve leaflet comprising:
- a sheath;
- a delivery mechanism slideably disposed within the sheath, said delivery mechanism constructed and arranged to carry at least one support, whereby when said sheath is retracted to expose said delivery mechanism, said delivery mechanism is moveable such that the support is pressed against the valve leaflet.
A device useable to support a prolapsed valve leaflet, comprising:
- a support;
- an attachment mechanism, operably attached to the support member, and useable to attach the support member to a prolapsed valve leaflet.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.