Heart support to prevent ventricular remodeling
AssigneeConverge Medical, Inc.
InventorsJames G. Whayne, Deborah Tolomeo, Russell A. Houser, Sidney D. Fleischman
Life of this patent
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Abstract
This is a support device that prevents, reduces, and delays remodeling of diseased cardiac tissue, and also decreases the impact of such remodeling on collateral tissue is disclosed. The invention further reinforces abnormal tissue regions to prevent over-expansion of the tissue due to increased afterload and excessive wall tension. As a result, the support device prevents phenomenon such as systolic stretch from occurring and propagating. The support structure maintains and restores diastolic compliance, wall motion, and ejection fraction to preserve heart functionality. As such, the support device prevents and treats cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure.
Claims57
An apparatus for treating a heart, at least a portion of which comprises a region of less viable or non-viable heart tissue, said apparatus comprising:
- at least one peripheral links disposable on at least one region of viable heart tissue;
- and
- a plurality of support links disposable on the region of less viable or non-viable heart tissue, each said support link being configured for attachment to either a said at least one peripheral link or another of said support links, wherein at least one of said support links is further configured for attachment to the region of less viable or non-viable heart tissue;
- wherein said at least one peripheral link is configured to move coincident with the contraction and dilation of the region of viable heart tissue and wherein said support links are configured to cause a corresponding movement of the region of less viable or non-viable heart tissue in response to said movement of said peripheral links.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.