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AssigneeEdwards Lifesciences Corporation
InventorsWilliam J. Allen, Alan B. Bachman, Scott Reed, Leland R. Adams, Robert R. Steckel
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The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for the stabilization and fastening of two pieces of tissue. A single device may be used to both stabilize and fasten the two pieces of tissue, or a separate stabilizing device may be used in conjunction with a fastening device. The stabilizing device may comprise a probe with vacuum ports and/or mechanical clamps disposed at the distal end to approximate the two pieces of tissue. After the pieces of tissue are stabilized, they are fastened together using sutures or clips. One exemplary embodiment of a suture-based fastener comprises a toggle and suture arrangement deployed by a needle, wherein the needle enters the front side of the tissue and exits the blind side. In a second exemplary embodiment, the suture-based fastener comprises a needle connected to a suture. The needle enters the blind side of the tissue and exits the front side. The suture is then tied in a knot to secure the pieces of tissue. One example of a clip-based fastener comprises a spring-loaded clip having two arms with tapered distal ends and barbs. The probe includes a deployment mechanism which causes the clip to pierce and lockingly secure the two pieces of tissue.
A method of connecting suture to a heart valve having at least two leaflets, the method using one or more catheters, each catheter having a releasable capturing apparatus configured to releasably capture one or more heart valve leaflets, each catheter further having a suture deploying apparatus configured to deploy one or more sutures through one or more heart valve leaflets, the method comprising;
A method of connecting suture to a heart valve having at least two leaflets using a catheter having a releasable capturing apparatus configured to releasably capture one or more heart valve leaflets, the catheter further having a suture deploying apparatus configured to deploy one or more sutures through one or more heart valve leaflets, the method comprising;
A method of connecting suture to a heart valve having at least two leaflets using a catheter having a releasable capturing apparatus configured to releasably capture one or more heart valve leaflets, the catheter further having a suture deploying apparatus configured to deploy one or more sutures through one or more heart valve leaflets, the method comprising;
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.