US 2017/0290663 A1 · MINIMALLY INVASIVE ATRIO-VENTRICULAR VALVE TREATMENT BY CHORDAE ADJUSTMENT

Abstract

Minimally invasive catheters and methods are provided for adjusting the chordae associated with an atrio-ventricular valve. The catheter is adapted to engage a selected chord and draw it into a pair of transversely spaced, receptive clamps at the distal end of the catheter in readiness to be clamped The clamps are part of a prosthetic cord assembly that includes the clamps and a cord attached to each of the clamps. The effective length of a natural chord can be increased by employing a long prosthetic cord and clamping and severing the natural chord between the clamps. The effective length of a chord can be decreased by drawing the natural chord into the distal end of the catheter to a hairpin shape and clamping the legs of the hairpin-restrained chord. The chord need not be severed when its effective length is being reduced.

Claims9

Dependent claims

A catheter for selectively adjusting the length of a chord of the chordae tendineae associated with an atrio-ventricular valve, comprising:

an elongate catheter shaft having proximal and distal ends and a longitudinally extending axis;
a pair of clamps releasably carried at the distal end of the catheter shaft, the clamps being disposed in transversely spaced relation, each clamp having distally facing portions adapted to receive a chord disposed transversely of the catheter axis, the clamps being closeable to securely grip a chord received within the clamps at spaced locations along the chord;
a chordal snare movable in an axial direction between the spaced clamps between an extended position beyond the distal end of the shaft and a retracted position within the shaft, the snare being configured to selectively engage a chord, the snare being retractable into the distal end of the catheter to draw an engaged chord into the receptive clamps;
and
a prosthetic cord segment attached to each of the clamps, the clamps being operable to close and clamp the chord at spaced locations.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Minimally invasive atrio-ventricular valve treatment by chordae adjustment

Life of this patent

Minimally invasive atrio-ventricular valve treatment by chordae adjustment

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims9