Devices, systems, and methods for reshaping a heart valve annulus

• US 20050055089A1
• Filed: 07/19/2004
• Published: 03/10/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 09/20/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: MVRx, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Ample Medical, Inc. (MVRx, Inc.)
• Inventors: Machold, Timothy R., Rahdert, David A., Chang, Robert T., Macoviak, John A.
• Granted Patent: US 8,956,407 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 623/2.370
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/0469 Suturing instruments for use in minimally invasive surgery, e.g. endoscopic surgery
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00876 magnetic
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/2442 Annuloplasty rings or inserts for correcting the valve shape; Implants for improving the function of a native heart valve
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/2445 Annuloplasty rings in direct contact with the valve annulus
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/2451 Inserts in the coronary sinus for correcting the valve shape
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/2466 Delivery devices therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/2487 Devices within the heart chamber, e.g. splints
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2210/009 magnetic
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2250/0012 for adjusting elasticity, flexibility, spring rate or mechanical tension
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2250/0098 radio-opaque, e.g. radio-opaque markers
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 623/904 Heart

Abstract

Implants or systems of implants apply a selected force vector or a selected combination of force vectors within or across the left atrium, which allow mitral valve leaflets to better coapt. The implants or systems of implants make possible rapid deployment, facile endovascular delivery, and full intra-atrial retrievability. The implants or systems of implants also make use of strong fluoroscopic landmarks.

Claims

1. An implant system to treat a mitral heart valve comprising

a posterior anchor structure sized and configured to extend within the great cardiac vein adjacent a posterior annulus of the mitral valve,

at least one implant sized and configured to extend across a left atrium including a posterior anchoring region sized and configured to extend from the left atrium into the great cardiac vein and couple to the posterior anchor structure within the great cardiac vein, an anterior anchoring region sized and configured to extend from the left atrium through an interatrial septum and into a right atrium, and a bridging region between the posterior and anterior anchoring regions sized and configured to span the left atrium in a posterior-to-anterior direction, and

an anterior anchor structure sized and configured to couple to the anterior anchoring region in or near the right atrium to hold in tension the bridging element between the posterior and anterior anchoring regions.

2. An implant system according to claim 1

wherein the posterior anchor structure comprises a structure separate from the implant to which the posterior anchoring region is joined.

3. An implant system according to claim 1

wherein the posterior anchor structure comprises a structure integrally joined to the posterior anchoring region.

4. An implant system according to claim 1

wherein the posterior anchor structure comprises a stent-like structure.

5. An implant system according to claim 1

wherein the posterior anchor structure comprises, at least in part, a radiopaque structure.

6. An implant system according to claim 1

wherein the posterior anchor structure comprises a structure having, when deployed, an outside diameter of between about 0.5 mm and about 30 mm.

7. An implant system according to claim 1

wherein the posterior anchor structure comprises a structure having, when deployed, an outside diameter of between about 10 mm and about 20 mm.

8. An implant system according to claim 1

wherein the posterior anchor structure includes a magnetic or ferromagnetic material.

9. An implant system according to claim 1 wherein the posterior anchor structure includes at least one anchoring site sized and configured to accommodate attachment of the posterior anchoring region.

10. An implant system according to claim 9

wherein the at least one anchoring site includes a magnetic or ferromagnetic material.

11. An implant system according to claim 1

wherein the posterior anchor structure includes at least one anchoring site sized and configured to accommodate attachment of the posterior anchoring region, and a region extending either medially from the anchoring site, or laterally from the anchoring site, or both medially or laterally from the anchoring site, to consolidate the great cardiac vein.

12. An implant system according to claim 1

wherein the posterior anchor structure comprises a rigid material, or a semi-rigid material, or a flexible material, or a porous material, or combinations thereof.

13. An implant system according to claim 1

wherein the posterior anchor structure includes one or more components to engage tissue within the great cardiac vein.

14. An implant system according to claim 1

wherein the posterior anchoring region includes means for mechanically engaging at least a portion of the posterior anchoring structure within the great cardiac vein.

15. An implant system according to claim 1

wherein the posterior anchoring region includes a hook-like structure for engaging at least a portion of the posterior anchoring structure within the great cardiac vein.

16. An implant system according to claim 1

wherein the posterior anchoring region includes a cross-bar structure for engaging at least a portion of the posterior anchoring structure within the great cardiac vein.

17. An implant system according to claim 1

wherein the posterior anchoring region includes a grasper for engaging at least a portion of the posterior anchoring structure within the great cardiac vein.

18. An implant system according to claim 1

wherein the posterior anchoring region includes a cross-bar structure integrally joined to the posterior anchoring region of the implant for deployment within the great cardiac vein.

19. An implant system according to claim 1

wherein the posterior anchoring region includes a magnetic or ferromagnetic material.

20. An implant system according to claim 19 wherein the posterior anchor structure includes at least one anchoring site sized and configured to accommodate attachment of the posterior anchoring region, the at least one anchoring site including a material magnetically attracted to the magnetic or ferromagnetic material on the posterior anchoring region.

21. An implant system according to claim 1

wherein the anterior anchoring structure is sized and configured for attachment on the interatrial septum.

22. An implant system according to claim 1

wherein the anterior anchoring structure is sized and configured for attachment on the interatrial septum in a region at or near of the fossa ovalis.

23. An implant system according to claim 1

wherein the anterior anchoring structure is sized and configured for attachment within the superior vena cava.

24. An implant system according to claim 1

wherein the anterior anchoring structure comprises a stent-like structure sized and configured for attachment within the superior vena cava.

25. An implant system according to claim 1

wherein the anterior anchoring structure is sized and configured for attachment within the superior vena cava, and further including a pass-through element on the interatrial septum through which the anterior anchoring region extends without anchoring to the interatrial septum.

26. An implant system according to claim 1

wherein the anterior anchoring structure is sized and configured for attachment within the inferior vena cava.

27. An implant system according to claim 1

wherein the anterior anchoring structure comprises a stent-like structure sized and configured for attachment within the inferior vena cava.

28. An implant system according to claim 1

wherein the anterior anchoring structure is sized and configured for attachment within the inferior vena cava, and further including a pass-through element on the interatrial septum through which the anterior anchoring region extends without anchoring to the interatrial septum.

29. An implant system according to claim 1

wherein the anterior anchoring structure is sized and configured for attachment within the superior vena cava and the inferior vena cava.

30. An implant system according to claim 1

wherein the anterior anchoring structure comprises a stent-like structure sized and configured for attachment within the superior vena cava and the inferior vena cava.

31. An implant system according to claim 1

wherein the anterior anchoring structure is sized and configured for attachment within the inferior vena cava and the superior vena cava, and further including a pass-through element on the interatrial septum through which the anterior anchoring region extends without anchoring to the interatrial septum.

32. An implant system according to claim 1

wherein the anterior anchoring structure is sized and configured for attachment within the inferior vena cava, the superior vena cava, and the interatrial septum.

33. An implant system according to claim 1

wherein the bridging region is sized and configured to extend in a posterior-to-anterior direction within the left atrium in a generally straight path.

34. An implant system according to claim 1

wherein the bridging region is sized and configured to extend in a posterior-to-anterior direction within the left atrium in a medially or laterally curved path toward a trigone of the mitral valve.

35. An implant system according to claim 1

wherein the bridging region is sized and configured to extend in a posterior-to-anterior direction within the left atrium in a superior path toward the dome of the left atrium.

36. An implant system according to claim 1

wherein the bridging region is sized and configured to extend in a posterior-to-anterior direction within the left atrium in an inferiorly path toward the mitral valve.

37. An implant system according to claim 1

wherein the bridging region comprises an elastic structure, or an inelastic structure, or combinations thereof.

38. An implant system according to claim 1

wherein the bridging region comprises a wire-form structure.

39. An implant system according to claim 1

wherein the bridging region comprises a suture.

40. An implant system according to claim 1

wherein the bridging region is collapsible for placement within a catheter.

41. An implant system according to claim 1

wherein the posterior anchor structure is collapsible for placement within a catheter.

42. An implant system according to claim 1

wherein more than one implant comprising an anterior anchoring region, and anterior anchoring region, and a bridging region as defined in claim 1 is included.

43. A method of treating a mitral heart valve annulus comprising providing an implant system as defined in claim 1, installing the posterior anchor structure, the implant, and the anterior anchor structure.

44. A method according to claim 43

wherein the installing step includes installing the posterior anchor structure within the great cardiac vein and coupling the posterior anchoring region of the implant to the posterior anchor structure within the great cardiac vein.

45. A method according to claim 44

wherein the step of installing the posterior anchor structure includes deploying the posterior anchor structure from the right atrium through the coronary sinus.

46. A method according to claim 43

wherein the step of installing the posterior anchor structure includes installing the posterior anchor structure within the great cardiac vein prior to installing the implant to induce fibrosis before installing the implant.

47. A method according to claim 43

wherein the step of installing the posterior anchor structure includes deploying the posterior anchor structure from the left atrium through a wall of the great cardiac vein.

48. A method according to claim 43

wherein the step of installing the implant includes extending the bridging region in a posterior-to-anterior direction across the left atrium and extending the anterior anchoring region across the interatrial septum into the right atrium

49. A method according to claim 43

wherein the step of installing the implant includes placing the bridging region in tension between the posterior and anterior anchoring regions.

50. A method according to claim 49

wherein the step of installing the implant includes coupling the anterior anchor structure to the anterior anchoring region to hold the tension.

51. A method according to claim 43

wherein the step of installing the anterior anchor structure comprises placing the anterior anchor structure on the interatrial septum.

52. A method according to claim 51

wherein the anterior anchor structure is placed at or near a fossa ovalis.

53. A method according to claim 43

wherein the step of installing the anterior anchor structure comprises placing the anterior anchor structure in the superior vena cava.

54. A method according to claim 43

wherein the step of installing the anterior anchor structure comprises placing the anterior anchor structure in the inferior vena cava.

55. A method according to claim 43

wherein the step of installing the anterior anchor structure comprises placing an anterior anchor structure in the inferior vena cava and the superior vena cava.

56. A method according to claim 43

wherein the step of installing the anterior anchor structure comprises placing an anterior anchor structure in the inferior vena cava, in the superior vena cava, and on the interatrial septum.

57. A method according to claim 43

wherein the step of installing at least one of the posterior anchor structure, the implant, and the anterior anchor structure comprises use of a catheter.$$

58. An implant system to treat a mitral heart valve comprising

a tissue consolidating component sized and configured to extend within the great cardiac vein and to consolidate the great cardiac vein into a unified physical structure adjacent a length comprising at least a portion of a posterior annulus of the mitral valve,

at least one implant sized and configured to extend across a left atrium including a posterior anchoring region sized and configured to extend from the left atrium into the great cardiac vein and couple to the tissue consolidating component within the great cardiac vein, an anterior anchoring region sized and configured to extend from the left atrium through an interatrial septum and into a right atrium, and a bridging region between the posterior and anterior anchoring regions sized and configured to span the left atrium in a posterior-to-anterior direction, the bridging region being configured to apply a force vector upon the tissue consolidating component when placed into tension between the posterior and anterior anchoring regions, and

an anterior anchor structure sized and configured to couple to the anterior anchoring region in or near the right atrium to hold in tension the bridging element between the posterior and anterior anchoring regions.

61. An implant system according to claim 58 or 59 or 60

wherein the force vector includes a horizontal component to exert an inward force.

62. An implant system according to claim 58 or 59 or 60

wherein the force vector includes a vertical component to exert an upward lifting force.

63. An implant system according to claim 58 or 59 or 60

wherein the force vector includes horizontal and vertical components to exert both inward and upward lifting forces.

64. An implant system according to claim 58 or 59 or 60

wherein the force vector is greater than about forty-five degrees from horizontal.

65. An implant system according to claim 58 or 59 or 60

wherein the force vector is equal to or less than about forty-five degrees from horizontal.

70. An implant system according to claim 58 or 60

wherein the tissue consolidating component comprises a stent-like structure.

71. An implant system according to claim 58 or 60

wherein the tissue consolidating component includes a cross-bar structure integrally joined to the posterior anchoring region of the implant for deployment within the great cardiac vein.

72. An implant system according to claim 58 or 60

wherein the tissue consolidating component comprises, at least in part, a radiopaque structure.

73. An implant system according to claim 58 or 60

wherein the tissue consolidating component comprises a structure having an outside diameter, when deployed, of between about 0.5 mm and about 30 mm.

74. An implant system according to claim 58 or 60

wherein the tissue consolidating component comprises a structure having an outside diameter, when deployed, of between about 10 mm and about 20 mm.

75. An implant system according to claim 58 or 60

wherein the tissue consolidating component includes a magnetic or ferromagnetic material.

76. An implant system according to claim 58 or 60

wherein the tissue consolidating element comprises a rigid material, or a semi-rigid material, or a flexible material, or a porous material, or combinations thereof.

77. An implant system according to claim 58 or 60

wherein the tissue consolidating component includes one or more components to engage tissue within the great cardiac vein.

78. An implant system according to claim 58 or 60

wherein the posterior anchor structure includes means for engaging at least a portion of the tissue consolidating element within the great cardiac vein.

79. An implant system according to claim 58 or 60

wherein the posterior anchoring region is integrally connected to the tissue consolidating element.

80. An implant system according to claim 58 or 60

wherein the posterior anchoring region includes a hook-like structure for engaging at least a portion of the tissue consolidating component within the great cardiac vein.

81. An implant system according to claim 58 or 60

wherein the posterior anchoring region includes a cross-bar structure for engaging at least a portion of the tissue consolidating element within the great cardiac vein.

82. An implant system according to claim 58 or 60

wherein the posterior anchoring region includes a grasper for engaging at least a portion of the tissue consolidating component within the great cardiac vein.

83. An implant system according to claim 58 or 60

wherein the posterior anchoring region includes a magnetic or ferromagnetic material.

84. An implant system according to claim 83

wherein the tissue consolidating component includes at least one anchoring site sized and configured to accommodate attachment of the posterior anchoring region, the at least one anchoring site including a material magnetically attracted to the magnetic or ferromagnetic material on the posterior anchoring region.

85. An implant system according to claim 58 or 59 or 60

wherein the anterior anchoring structure is sized and configured for attachment on the interatrial septum.

86. An implant system according to claim 85

wherein the anterior anchoring structure is sized and configured for attachment on the interatrial septum in a region at or near of a fossa ovalis.

87. An implant system according to claim 58 or 59 or 60

wherein the anterior anchoring structure is sized and configured for attachment within the superior vena cava.

88. An implant system according to claim 58 or 59 or 60

wherein the anterior anchoring structure is sized and configured for attachment within the inferior vena cava.

89. An implant system according to claim 58 or 59 or 60

wherein the anterior anchoring structure is sized and configured for attachment within the superior vena cava and the inferior vena cava.

90. An implant system according to claim 58 or 59 or 60

wherein the anterior anchoring structure is sized and configured for attachment within the superior vena cava, within the inferior vena cava, and on the interatrial septum.

91. An implant system according to claim 58 or 59 or 60

wherein the bridging region comprises an elastic structure, or an inelastic structure, or combinations thereof.

92. An implant system according to claim 58 or 59 or 60

wherein the bridging region comprises a wire-form structure.

93. An implant system according to claim 58 or 59 or 60

wherein the implant is collapsible for placement within a catheter.

94. An implant system according to claim 58 or 60

wherein the tissue consolidating component is collapsible for placement within a catheter.

59. An implant system to treat a mitral heart valve comprising

bonding means for conjoining the great cardiac vein to the left ventricle in a tissue region between the great cardiac vein and the left ventricle,

at least one implant sized and configured to extend across a left atrium including a posterior anchoring region sized and configured to extend from the left atrium into the great cardiac vein and couple an anchor within the great cardiac vein, an anterior anchoring region sized and configured to extend from the left atrium through an interatrial septum and into a right atrium, and a bridging region between the posterior and anterior anchoring regions sized and configured to span the left atrium in a posterior-to-anterior direction, the bridging region being configured to apply a force vector upon the great cardiac vein when placed into tension between the posterior and anterior anchoring regions, and

an anterior anchor structure sized and configured to couple to the anterior anchoring region in or near the right atrium to hold in tension the bridging element between the posterior and anterior anchoring regions, whereby the force vector is distributed by the conjoined tissue region to the left ventricle.

66. An implant system according to claim 59 or 60

wherein the bonding means includes a fastener attached in the tissue region.

67. An implant system according to claim 59 or 60

wherein the bonding means includes drugs, and/or irritative agents, and/or heat, and/or chemical agents applied to the tissue region.

68. An implant system according to claim 59 or 60

wherein the bonding means includes tissue fibrosis induced in the tissue region.

69. An implant system according to claim 59 or 60

wherein the bonding means includes an array of magnets and/or soft ferromagnetic material.

60. An implant system to treat a mitral heart valve comprising

a tissue consolidating component sized and configured to extend within the great cardiac vein and to consolidate the great cardiac vein into a unified physical structure along a length comprising at least a portion of a posterior annulus of the mitral valve,

bonding means for conjoining the great cardiac vein to the left ventricle in a tissue region between the great cardiac vein and the left ventricle,

at least one implant sized and configured to extend across a left atrium including a posterior anchoring region sized and configured to extend from the left atrium into the great cardiac vein and couple to the tissue consolidating component within the great cardiac vein, an anterior anchoring region sized and configured to extend from the left atrium through an interatrial septum and into a right atrium, and a bridging region between the posterior and anterior anchoring regions sized and configured to span the left atrium in a posterior-to-anterior direction, the bridging region being configured to apply a force vector upon the tissue consolidating component when placed into tension between the posterior and anterior anchoring regions, and

an anterior anchor structure sized and configured to couple to the anterior anchoring region in or near the right atrium to hold in tension the bridging element between the posterior and anterior anchoring regions, whereby the force vector is distributed by the tissue consolidating component and the conjoined tissue region to the left ventricle.

95. A method of treating a mitral heart valve comprising

consolidating the great cardiac vein into a unified physical structure adjacent a length comprising at least a portion of a posterior annulus of the mitral valve,

coupling a posterior region of an implant to the consolidated great cardiac vein,

extending the implant across the left atrium and through an interatrial septum and into a right atrium,

tensioning the implant to distribute a force vector to atrial tissue adjacent the posterior mitral valve annulus through the consolidated great cardiac vein, and

anchoring an anterior region of the implant to tissue in or near the right atrium to maintain the force vector.

98. A method according to claim 95 or 96 or 97

wherein the force vector includes a horizontal component to exert an inward force.

99. A method according to claim 95 or 96 or 97

wherein the force vector includes a vertical component to exert an upward lifting force.

100. A method according to claim 95 or 96 or 97

wherein the force vector includes horizontal and vertical components to exert both inward and upward lifting forces.

101. A method according to claim 95 or 96 or 97

wherein the force vector is greater than about forty-five degrees from horizontal.

102. A method according to claim 95 or 96 or 97

wherein the force vector is equal to or less than about forty-five degrees from horizontal.

107. A method according to claim 95 or 97

wherein the step of consolidating the great cardiac vein includes installing an elongated posterior anchor structure into the great cardiac vein.

108. A method according to claim 107

wherein the step of installing includes installing the elongated posterior anchor from the right atrium through the coronary sinus.

109. A method according to claim 107

wherein the step of coupling the posterior region of the implant to the consolidated great cardiac vein includes coupling the posterior region to at least a portion of the elongated posterior anchor.

110. A method according to claim 107

wherein the step of installing includes installing the elongated posterior anchor from the left atrium through a wall of the great cardiac vein.

111. A method according to claim 107

wherein the step of installing includes installing the elongated posterior anchor within the great cardiac vein prior to the coupling step to induce fibrosis before the coupling the posterior region of the implant to the elongated posterior anchor.

112. A method according to claim 95 or 96 or 97

wherein the step of anchoring an anterior region of the implant to tissue in or near the right atrium includes anchoring the anterior region on an interatrial septum.

113. A method according to claim 112

wherein the step of anchoring the anterior region on an interatrial septum includes anchoring the anterior region at or near a fossa ovalis.

114. A method according to claim 95 or 96 or 97

wherein the step of anchoring the anterior region of the implant to tissue in or near the right atrium includes anchoring the anterior region in the superior vena cava.

115. A method according to claim 95 or 96 or 97

wherein the step of anchoring an anterior region of the implant to tissue in or near the right atrium includes anchoring the anterior region in the inferior vena cava.

116. A method according to claim 95 or 96 or 97

wherein the step of anchoring an anterior region of the implant to tissue in or near the right atrium includes anchoring the anterior region in the inferior vena cava and the superior vena cava.

117. A method according to claim 95 or 96 or 97

wherein the step of anchoring an anterior region of the implant to tissue in or near the right atrium includes anchoring the anterior region in the inferior vena cava, in the superior vena cava, and on the interatrial septum.

118. A method according to claim 95 or 96 or 97

wherein at least one of the steps of the method comprises using a catheter.

96. A method of treating a mitral heart valve comprising

conjoining the great cardiac vein to a left ventricle in a tissue region between the great cardiac vein and the left ventricle,

coupling a posterior region of an implant to an anchor in the great cardiac vein,

extending the implant across the left atrium and through an interatrial septum and into a right atrium,

tensioning the implant to distribute a force vector to the left ventricle through the conjoined region of tissue, and

anchoring an anterior region of the implant to tissue in or near the right atrium to maintain the force vector, whereby the force vector is distributed by the the conjoined tissue region to the left ventricle.

103. A method according to claim 96 or 97

wherein conjoining includes attaching a fastener to the tissue region.

104. A method according to claim 96 or 97

wherein conjoining includes the application of drugs, and/or irritative agents, and/or heat, and/or chemical agents to the tissue region.

105. A method according to claim 96 or 97

wherein conjoining includes inducing tissue fibrosis in the tissue region.

106. A method according to claim 96 or 97

wherein conjoining includes implanting an array of magnets and/or soft ferromagnetic material in the great cardiac vein and the tissue region.

97. A method of treating a mitral heart valve comprising

consolidating the great cardiac vein into a unified physical structure adjacent a length comprising at least a portion of a posterior annulus of the mitral valve,

conjoining the consolidated great cardiac vein to a left ventricle in a tissue region between the great cardiac vein and the left ventricle,

coupling a posterior region of an implant to the consolidated great cardiac vein,

extending the implant across the left atrium and through an interatrial septum and into a right atrium,

tensioning the implant to distribute a force vector to the left ventricle through the consolidated great cardiac vein and conjoined region of tissue, and

anchoring an anterior region of the implant to tissue in or near the right atrium to maintain the upward force vector, whereby the force vector is distributed by the consolidating great cardiac vein and the conjoined tissue region to the left ventricle.

119. An implant to treat a mitral heart valve comprising

an elongated structure sized and configured to be deployed as a loop including first and second end anchoring regions, each sized and configured, in use, to extend into the right atrium, and an intermediate region coupled to the first and second end anchoring regions sized and configured to extend outside the right atrium in a circumferential path within the great cardiac vein adjacent a posterior annulus of the mitral valve, and

an anchor sized and configured to couple to the first and second end anchoring regions in the right atrium or a vena cava to hold the intermediate region in tension.

120. An implant according to claim 119

wherein the second end anchoring region is sized and configured to extend from the intermediate region within the great cardiac vein, across the left atrium in a posterior-to-anterior direction, and through the interatrial septum into the right atrium.

121. An implant according to claim 119

wherein the first end anchoring region is sized and configured to extent from the intermediate region within the great cardiac vein through the coronary sinus into the right atrium.

122. A method of treating a mitral heart valve comprising

providing an implant as defined in claim 119,

deploying the intermediate region through the coronary sinus into the great cardiac vein while retaining the first end anchoring region within the right atrium,

extending the second end anchoring region in a posterior-to-anterior direction across the left atrium and through the interatrial septum into the right atrium, applying tension to the intermediate region, and

affixing the anchor to the first and second end anchoring regions in the right atrium or a vena cava to hold the intermediate region in tension.

123. An implant to treat a mitral heart valve comprising an elongated structure sized and configured to be deployed in tension a circumferential path within the great cardiac vein adjacent a posterior annulus of the mitral valve, the structure including an end anchoring region sized and configured to extent from the coronary sinus into the right atrium, and an anchor sized and configured to couple to the end anchoring region on the interatrial septum in the right atrium.

124. An implant according to claim 123

further including a structure coupled to the anchor sized and configured to rest in the right atrium against the interatrial septum.

125. A method of treating a mitral heart valve comprising using the implant as defined in claim 123.

126. An implant system for use within a heart chamber comprising

a first implant sized and configured to rest within the heart vessel adjacent to a heart chamber, the first implant including an anchoring site,

a second implant sized and configured to be deployed, at least in part, within the heart chamber and including an anchoring region sized and configured to couple to the anchoring region of the first implant within the heart vessel, and

a magnetic or ferromagnetic material associated with the anchoring site of the first implant and the anchoring region of the second region to magnetically attract the anchoring region to the anchoring site.

127. An implant system for treating a mitral heart valve comprising

a first implant sized and configured to rest within the great cardiac vein adjacent a posterior annulus of the mitral valve, the first implant including an anchoring site,

a second implant sized and configured to be deployed, at least in part, within the left atrium and including an anchoring region sized and configured to couple to the anchoring region of the first implant within the great cardiac vein, and

a magnetic or ferromagnetic material associated with the anchoring site of the first implant and the anchoring region of the second region to magnetically attract the anchoring region to the anchoring site.

128. A method for deploying implants within a heart chamber comprising

deploying a first implant within a heart vessel adjacent to a heart chamber,

deploying a second implant within the heart chamber,

magnetically attracting a region of the second implant within the heart chamber to a region of the first implant within the heart vessel.

129. A method according to claim 128

further including the step of coupling the region of the second implant to the region of the first implant within the heart vessel.