Method for implanting an asymmetric mitral annuloplasty band

A method of implanting an asymmetrical mitral annuloplasty band adapted for implant against a mitral valve annulus, the mitral valve being disposed between a left atrium and a left ventricle such that blood flows from the left atrium to the left ventricle, wherein looking at an inflow side thereof the annulus has a posterior aspect to which a posterior leaflet attaches and an anterior aspect to which an anterior leaflet attaches, the annulus defining a D- or kidney-shape with the anterior aspect being straighter than the more rounded posterior aspect and a minor axis intersecting and extending across the annulus between mid-points on the anterior and posterior aspects being shorter than a major axis perpendicular thereto intersecting and extending across the mitral valve annulus, and the annulus defining a saddle shape where the annulus rises up toward the left atrium at mid-points of both the anterior aspect and the posterior aspect, the method comprising:

• providing an annuloplasty band having an inner elongated discontinuous rigid or semi-rigid core surrounded by a suture-permeable interface, the core defining an asymmetric shape of the band as viewed looking at an inflow side thereof when implanted that conforms to a portion of the shape of the annulus, the asymmetric shape extending around the entire posterior aspect and including an upward bow corresponding with the rise in the posterior aspect and defining a reference point at a mid-point of the upward bow, wherein the band extends clockwise along a first span from the reference point to a first free end and extends farther counterclockwise from the reference point along a second span into the anterior aspect to a second free end, the band defining a gap between the first and second free ends, wherein the band has a partial saddle shape with a first high point at the reference point;
• anchoring an array of sutures through the annulus from the atrial side and back out of the body;
• threading free ends of each of the array of sutures through the suture-permeable interface at locations around the band corresponding to the locations at which the sutures are anchored to the annulus;
• parachuting the band down the array of sutures until the band is seated at the annulus;
• and
• tying off each suture of the array of sutures on an atrial side of the suture-permeable interface, wherein the second span of the band extends around the annulus in a clockwise direction from the reference point farther than the first span does in a counter-clockwise direction.