Remediation of functional cardiac mitral valve regurgitation
AssigneeColorado State University Research Foundation
InventorsEric Monnet, E. Christopher Orton, Susan P. James, Kyle Garrett Ordway
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A dynamic device for reducing functional mitral regurgitation is described. The device is disposed externally to the heart and effectively acts as a splint for reducing further dilation of the heart in patients diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, and for reducing tethering of the papillary muscle on the mitral valve. The device does not require cardiopulmonary bypass for its installation since it is attached to the outside of the left ventricle, thereby reducing surgical risk, and is not exposed to the patient's blood once installed, thereby reducing the risk of thromboembolic disease.
Claims18
An apparatus adapted for external attachment to a left ventricle of a heart for remediating mitral valve regurgitation, which comprises in combination:
- (a) a U-shaped member having a planar portion, a first leg having at least one first hole therethrough, and a second leg parallel to the first leg having at least one second hole therethrough, the first leg having a portion thereof directed out of the planar portion at a first chosen angle and the second leg having a portion thereof directed out of the planar portion at a second chosen angle on the same side thereof as the out-of-plane portion of the first leg;
- (b) a first rod having an enlarged portion at one end thereof adapted to slidably move in one of the at least one holes through said first leg;
- (c) a second rod having an enlarged portion at one end thereof adapted to slidably move in one of the at least one second holes through said second leg;
- (d) a first spring disposed between the end of said first rod bearing the enlarged portion and said first leg, configured to spring-load said first rod;
- and
- (e) a second spring disposed between the end of said second rod bearing the enlarged portion and said second leg, configured to spring-load said second rod, wherein the enlarged portion of said first rod and the enlarged portion of said second rod provide a force against the left ventricle in an amount effective to reduce mitral valve regurgitation when said apparatus is attached to the left ventricle of a heart.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.