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Apparatus and method for heart valve repair

  • US 10,265,173 B2
  • Filed: 09/23/2016
  • Issued: 04/23/2019
  • Est. Priority Date: 06/21/2011
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A method of repairing a heart valve leaflet in a patient, the method comprising:

  • positioning a jaw mechanism adjacent the heart valve leaflet, the jaw mechanism including a first jaw, a second jaw, and a rivet mounted to the first jaw in a stored position, the rivet having a sharp free end;

    moving the jaw mechanism to an open position to create a receiving space between the first jaw and the second jaw;

    moving the rivet from the stored position to an application position in which the sharp free end of the rivet projects away from the first jaw toward the second jaw;

    capturing the heart valve leaflet in the receiving space;

    moving the jaw mechanism to a closed position in which the second jaw confronts the first jaw, whereby the sharp free end of the rivet pierces the heart valve leaflet at a first location and the heart valve leaflet is clamped between the first jaw and the second jaw;

    rotating the jaw mechanism so that the heart valve leaflet winds around the jaw mechanism;

    piercing the sharp free end of the rivet through the heart valve leaflet at a second location different from the first location; and

    releasing the rivet from the first jaw.

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