Devices and methods for mitral valve annulus reformation
First Claim
1. A method for reducing a size of a mitral valve annulus, comprising:
- positioning at least a portion of a retractor substantially adjacent a portion of a circumference of the annulus;
coupling one or more of a plurality of extendable members of the retractor to the portion of the circumference;
reducing the diameter of an opening in the distal end of the retractor, wherein the opening is at least partially defined by the portion of the retractor coupled to the portion of the circumference, and wherein reducing the diameter of the opening in the distal end of the retractor reduces the diameter; and
positioning at least a portion of one or more fasteners in the portion of the circumference to inhibit deformation of the reduced diameter of the portion of the circumference of the mitral valve annulus.
7 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A method and apparatus to allow a user to quickly and inexpensively repair the dilation of the mitral annulus is presented. In some embodiments, the method and apparatus should allow the user to reduce the size of the annulus to a predetermined size and allow him to secure the annulus so that it remains at the selected size. An apparatus may include a retractor. The retractor may assist in positioning a portion of the annulus. The apparatus may be part of a system including one or more fasteners. The fasteners may inhibit deformation of the reduced diameter of the mitral valve annulus. In some embodiments, the method may include incising a portion proximate to the mitral valve annulus. The method may include positioning a device through the incision, attaching the device with a plurality of attachment members, and deforming the device while observing the annulus and a surrounding area.
25 Citations
44 Claims
-
1. A method for reducing a size of a mitral valve annulus, comprising:
-
positioning at least a portion of a retractor substantially adjacent a portion of a circumference of the annulus;
coupling one or more of a plurality of extendable members of the retractor to the portion of the circumference;
reducing the diameter of an opening in the distal end of the retractor, wherein the opening is at least partially defined by the portion of the retractor coupled to the portion of the circumference, and wherein reducing the diameter of the opening in the distal end of the retractor reduces the diameter; and
positioning at least a portion of one or more fasteners in the portion of the circumference to inhibit deformation of the reduced diameter of the portion of the circumference of the mitral valve annulus. - View Dependent Claims (3, 4, 7, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 21, 22, 23, 24)
-
-
2. (canceled)
-
5. (canceled)
-
6. (canceled)
-
8. (canceled)
-
9. (canceled)
-
11. (canceled)
-
19. (canceled)
-
20. (canceled)
-
25. (canceled)
-
26. A method for reducing a size of a mitral valve annulus, comprising:
-
positioning at least a portion of two or more support members of a retractor substantially adjacent a posterior leaflet;
using the support members to position the posterior leaflet such that a portion of the mitral valve annulus is substantially exposed;
positioning at least a portion of one or more fasteners in the portion of the circumference; and
activating the fasteners to reduce the diameter of the portion of the circumference when activated. - View Dependent Claims (27, 37)
-
-
28-36. -36. (canceled)
-
38-42. -42. (canceled)
-
43. A method for reducing a size of a mitral valve annulus, comprising:
-
positioning at least a portion of an inactivated fastener substantially in a portion of a circumference of the annulus;
activating the inactivated fastener reducing the diameter of the portion of the circumference, wherein the activated fastener inhibits deformation of the reduced diameter of the portion of the circumference of the mitral valve annulus.
-
-
44-70. -70. (canceled)
Specification