Methods and devices for improving mitral valve function

Abstract

Devices and related methods for treating heart conditions, including, for example, dilatation, valve incompetencies, including mitral valve leakage, and other heart failure conditions, may operate to assist in the apposition of heart valve leaflets to improve valve function. A method for improving the function of a valve of a heart includes placing an elongate member transverse a heart chamber so that each end of the elongate member extends through a wall of the heart, and placing first and second anchoring members external the chamber. The first and second anchoring members are attached to first and second ends of the elongate member to fix the elongate member in a position across the chamber so as to reposition papillary muscles within the chamber. A method of treating the valve may include real-time monitoring the valve function and adjusting the device based on data obtained during the real-time monitoring.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.