Method and system for treatment of regurgitating heart valves
OwnerDaniel H. Drakeinventor
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Abstract
A system and process for correction of regurgitation of heart valves. With mitral valves in particular, the anterior leaflet is advanced through use of a D-plasty patch and a narrow annuloplasty ring which compresses the lateral dimension of the valve. Other specifically configured annuloplasty rings can also be utilized. The sizes of the patch and ring are selected to provide a sufficient advancement of the leaflet to restore the surface of coaptation.
Claims19
A method for treatment of regurgitating heart valves, said method comprising the steps of
- evaluating a patient and determining the repair necessary to prevent regurgitation;
- selecting a plasty patch and annuloplasty ring requisite for the repair;
- making an incision in the heart valve leaflet for placement of the plasty patch;
- securing the plasty patch in said incision to advance the leaflet toward coaptation;
- and
- securing an annuloplasty ring around the heart valve to laterally compress the heart valve and to support the leaflet advancement toward coaptation;
- said annuloplasty ring being a closed structure having two side segments, a top segment and a bottom segment, wherein the top and bottom segments are curved substantially parallel to each other.
An annuloplasty ring for use in the treatment of regurgitating heart valves, said ring having a closed configuration with two side segments, an upper segment and a lower segment, and wherein said upper segment is curved inwardly.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.