Method and apparatus for circulatory valve repair
AssigneeThe Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York
InventorsMehmet C. Oz, Gerald M. Lemole, Alan Lotvin, Juan P. Umana, William Allen, Howard P. Levin
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An apparatus for the repair of a cardiovascular valve has leaflets comprising a grasper capable of grabbing and co-apting the leaflets of the valve. In a preferred embodiment the grasper has jaws that grasp and immobilize the leaflets, and then a fastener is inserted to co-apt the leaflets. The apparatus is particularly useful for repairing mitral valves to cure mitral regurgitation.
Claims11
A method for approximating and fastening cardiac valve leaflets, said method comprising capturing the valve leaflets between two clipping elements, wherein the valve leaflets are fastened together, wherein one of said clipping elements has a longer surface in contact with the leaflets than does the other clipping element, and wherein the clipping elements are deployed on the leaflets and left in place after deployment.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.