Devices and methods for enlarging valve annulus for induced ventricular growth in single ventricle patients

A device for inducing ventricular growth in a single ventricle patient, comprising:

• a plurality of anchors spaced apart from one another in an annular configuration, each anchor comprising a passage therethrough;
• a plurality of springs with respective springs coupled to adjacent anchors around a perimeter of the annular configuration to bias the anchors to expand radially outwardly;
• and
• one or more sutures extending through the passages around the perimeter between the anchors to limit radial expansion of the anchors.

A system for inducing ventricular growth in a single ventricle patient, comprising:

• i) an implantable device comprising:
• a plurality of anchors spaced apart from one another in an annular configuration, each anchor comprising a passage therethrough;
• a plurality of springs with respective springs coupled to adjacent anchors around a perimeter of the annular configuration to bias the anchors to expand radially outwardly;
• and
• one or more sutures extending through the passages around the perimeter between the anchors to limit radial expansion of the anchors;
• and
• ii) a cutting instrument comprising a distal end sized for introduction into the patient's heart to cur the one or more sutures to release one or more of the springs.