Fixed Anchor and Pull Mitral Valve Device and Method

• US 20080140191A1
• Filed: 01/17/2008
• Published: 06/12/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 01/30/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers Incorporated (Boston Scientific Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers Incorporated (Boston Scientific Corporation)
• Inventors: Mathis, Mark L., Reuter, David G., Nieminen, Gregory D.
• Granted Patent: US 9,408,695 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 623/2.37
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00243 cardiac
• 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 2/2448 D-shaped rings
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/2451 Inserts in the coronary sinus for correcting the valve shape
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/246 Devices for obstructing a leak through a native valve in a closed condition
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/2466 Delivery devices therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2210/0014 using shape memory or superelastic materials, e.g. nitinol
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2220/0008 Fixation appliances for connecting prostheses to the body
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2250/0012 for adjusting elasticity, flexibility, spring rate or mechanical tension
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2310/00017 Iron- or Fe-based alloys, e.g. stainless steel
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2310/00023 Titanium or titanium-based alloys, e.g. Ti-Ni alloys
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/057 Anchoring means; Means for fixing the head inside the heart
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 2001/0585 Coronary sinus electrodes

Abstract

A device affects the mitral valve annulus geometry of a heart. The device includes a first anchor configured to be positioned within and anchored to the coronary sinus of the heart adjacent the mitral valve annulus within the heart and a second anchor configured to be positioned within the coronary sinus of the heart proximal to the first anchor and adjacent the mitral valve annulus within the heart. The second anchor, when deployed, anchors against distal movement and is moveable in a proximal direction. The device further includes a connecting member having a fixed length permanently attached to the first and second anchors. As a result, when the first and second anchors are within the coronary sinus with the first anchor anchored in the coronary sinus, the second anchor may be displaced proximally to affect the geometry of the mitral valve annulus and released to maintain the effect on the mitral valve geometry.

Claims

1. A method of treating mitral valve regurgitation in a patient'"'"'s heart, the method comprising:

delivering a mitral valve device to a coronary sinus of the patient, the mitral valve device comprising a first anchor, a second anchor, and a connecting member connecting the first and second anchors;

expanding the first anchor in a position in the coronary sinus of the patient'"'"'s heart; and

moving the second anchor proximally while maintaining the first anchor fixed in the position to apply tension to the connecting member.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of expanding the first anchor comprises releasing the first anchor to permit the first anchor to self-expand.

3. The method of claim 1 further comprising expanding the second anchor after the moving step.

4. The method of claim 3 wherein the step of expanding the second anchor comprises expanding the second anchor in the coronary sinus.

5. The method of claim 3 wherein the step of expanding the second anchor comprises expanding the second anchor in a right atrium of the patient'"'"'s heart.

6. The method of claim 1 further comprising expanding the second anchor prior to the moving step.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein the connecting member comprises a spring, the moving step comprising adjusting tension on the spring.

8. A method of treating mitral valve regurgitation in a patient'"'"'s heart, the method comprising:

delivering a mitral valve device to a coronary sinus of the patient, the mitral valve device comprising a first anchor, a second anchor, and a connecting member connecting the first and second anchors;

expanding the first and second anchors; and

adjusting tension on the connecting member after the expanding step.

9. The method of claim 8 wherein the expanding step comprises releasing the first anchor to permit the first anchor to self-expand.

10. The method of claim 8 wherein the expanding step comprises releasing the second anchor to permit the second anchor to self-expand.

11. The method of claim 8 wherein the connecting member comprises a spring, the adjusting step comprising adjusting tension on the spring.

12. A method of mitral valve treatment using a coronary sinus, the method comprising:

positioning an elongate member in the coronary sinus, anchoring proximal and distal ends of the member, and applying tension to the elongate member to apply force on the mitral valve to improve valve function, wherein the elongate member is tightened by retracting the proximal anchor.