US 2006/0149368 A1 · HEART VALVE REPAIR APPARATUS AND METHODS

Abstract

Valve repair apparatus and methods for ensuring proper coaptation and operation of the leaflets of a heart valve. Main aspects of the disclosure relate to devices including a support member configured for attachment to the heart valve annulus, a post extending from the support member away from the plane of the annulus and a connector coupled with the post and configured for attachment to at least one of the leaflets. The various embodiments may include a replacement heart valve connected with the support member for facilitating full replacement as opposed to near repair of an existing native heart valve. Various other devices include support structure and one or more posts connected to opposite sides of the support structure and extending from one side of the valve annulus to another to modify the shape of the annulus.

Claims23

Dependent claims

A device for supporting a mitral valve in a patient, the mitral valve:

including an annulus generally lying in a plane and anterior and posterior leaflets connected therewith and adapted to open and close to selectively allow and prevent blood flow, the device comprising:
support structure configured for attachment to the annulus, said support structure having opposite portions positionable on opposite anterior and posterior sides of the annulus, and
a post extending from said support structure and configured to extend away from the plane of the annulus and onto the posterior side adjacent a posterior leaflet edge, and
a connector coupled with said post and configured for attachment to the posterior leaflet edge.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Heart valve repair apparatus and methods

Life of this patent

Heart valve repair apparatus and methods

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims23