Device and method for improving the function of a heart valve
First Claim
1. A method for improving the function of a heart valve comprising:
- obtaining a support member, wherein the support member is comprised of a first segment and a second segment;
inserting said first segment to abut a superior or inferior side of the valve and to substantially conform along a first course of said first segment to a shape of at least part of an annulus of the valve and inserting said second segment to abut an opposite inferior or superior side of the valve and to substantially conform along a first course of said second segment to a shape of at least part of the valve annulus at said opposite side;
fixating a position of the support member relative to the valve;
changing the shape of the support member into an altered course of reduced diameter by expanding a cross-section of the support member such that a length of the support member is shortened so as to remodel the heart valve;
wherein said fixating step is performed prior to said changing step.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A device for improving the function of a heart valve comprises: a support member formed from a shape memory material, and a restraining member providing a restraining action on a course of the support member. The support member may abut one side of the valve conforming to the shape of the valve annulus upon said shape memory material assuming an activated shape while the restraining member restrains the course of the support member. The restraining action is removable for allowing the support member to assume a desired, altered course. The restraining member may be biodegradable to be degraded within a patient or may be detachable from the support member to be withdrawn. The support member according to another embodiment presents a shape change in that an increased cross-section is associated with a shortened length of the support member. The support member according to yet another embodiment has a first and a second activated shape.
84 Citations
13 Claims
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1. A method for improving the function of a heart valve comprising:
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obtaining a support member, wherein the support member is comprised of a first segment and a second segment; inserting said first segment to abut a superior or inferior side of the valve and to substantially conform along a first course of said first segment to a shape of at least part of an annulus of the valve and inserting said second segment to abut an opposite inferior or superior side of the valve and to substantially conform along a first course of said second segment to a shape of at least part of the valve annulus at said opposite side; fixating a position of the support member relative to the valve; changing the shape of the support member into an altered course of reduced diameter by expanding a cross-section of the support member such that a length of the support member is shortened so as to remodel the heart valve; wherein said fixating step is performed prior to said changing step. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method for improving the function of a heart valve comprising:
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obtaining a support member, inserting said support member to abut one side of the valve and to substantially conform along a first course of said support member to a shape of at least part of an annulus of the valve, fixating a position of the support member relative to the valve, changing the shape of the support member into an altered course of reduced diameter so as to remodel the heart valve by expanding a cross-section of the support member such that a length of the support member is shortened; wherein said fixating step is performed prior to said changing step; wherein the support member is arranged to assume a reduced radius of curvature in said altered course.
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Specification