Mitral valve device using conditioned shape memory alloy
First Claim
1. A device adapted to be inserted into a coronary sinus within a body of a patient, for use in modifying an annulus of a mitral valve of the patient to treat a mitral valve pathology, comprising:
- (a) a structure having at least a portion thereof comprising a shape memory alloy, said shape memory alloy having a characteristic temperature, Af, selected to be no greater than a normal temperature of a body of a patient in which the device will be used, and having a programmed shape to which the shape memory alloy returns when substantially converted to an austenitic state; and
(b) a restraint that mechanically maintains the shape memory alloy in a deformed state while the structure is being inserted info a coronary sinus of a patient, said restraint being controlled to enable the shape memory alloy to return to its austenitic state, causing the shape memory alloy to try to assume its programmed shape with a coronary sinus, said programmed shape being selected and said structure being disposed at a desired orientation within a coronary sinus by the restraint so as to apply a force against a mitral valve to modify an annulus of the mitral valve.
6 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A mitral valve annulus reshaping device includes at least a portion that is formed of a biocompatible shape memory alloy SMA having a characteristic temperature, Af, that is preferably below body temperature. The device is constrained in an unstable martensite (UM) state while being introduced through a catheter that passes through the venous system and into the coronary sinus of the heart. The reshaping device is deployed adjacent to the mitral valve annulus of the heart as it is forced from the catheter. When released from the constraint of the catheter, the SMA of the device at least partially converts from the UM state to an austenitic state and attempts to change to a programmed shape that exerts a force on the adjacent tissue and modifies the shape of the annulus. The strain of the SMA can be varied when the device is within the coronary sinus.
-
Citations
20 Claims
-
1. A device adapted to be inserted into a coronary sinus within a body of a patient, for use in modifying an annulus of a mitral valve of the patient to treat a mitral valve pathology, comprising:
- (a) a structure having at least a portion thereof comprising a shape memory alloy, said shape memory alloy having a characteristic temperature, Af, selected to be no greater than a normal temperature of a body of a patient in which the device will be used, and having a programmed shape to which the shape memory alloy returns when substantially converted to an austenitic state; and
(b) a restraint that mechanically maintains the shape memory alloy in a deformed state while the structure is being inserted info a coronary sinus of a patient, said restraint being controlled to enable the shape memory alloy to return to its austenitic state, causing the shape memory alloy to try to assume its programmed shape with a coronary sinus, said programmed shape being selected and said structure being disposed at a desired orientation within a coronary sinus by the restraint so as to apply a force against a mitral valve to modify an annulus of the mitral valve. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
- (a) a structure having at least a portion thereof comprising a shape memory alloy, said shape memory alloy having a characteristic temperature, Af, selected to be no greater than a normal temperature of a body of a patient in which the device will be used, and having a programmed shape to which the shape memory alloy returns when substantially converted to an austenitic state; and
-
7. A device adapted to be inserted into a coronary sinus within a body of a patient, for use in modifying an annulus of a mitral valve of the patient to treat a mitral valve pathology, comprising:
- (a) a venous deliverable component having at least a portion that is formed of a shape memory alloy, said shape memory alloy being selected to have a characteristic temperature, Af, that is no greater than a normal body temperature of a patient with which the device is used, said shape memory alloy being further characterized by being capable of reversibly changing between a martensite state and an austenitic state within a body of a patient, while remaining at substantially a constant temperature, said changes between the martensite state and austenitic state corresponding to a change in shape of the shape memory alloy; and
(b) at least a portion of the device comprising a selectively configurable force applying component to apply a force directed against an interior surface of a coronary sinus, causing a modification of an annulus of a mitral valve within a body of a patient. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
- (a) a venous deliverable component having at least a portion that is formed of a shape memory alloy, said shape memory alloy being selected to have a characteristic temperature, Af, that is no greater than a normal body temperature of a patient with which the device is used, said shape memory alloy being further characterized by being capable of reversibly changing between a martensite state and an austenitic state within a body of a patient, while remaining at substantially a constant temperature, said changes between the martensite state and austenitic state corresponding to a change in shape of the shape memory alloy; and
Specification