System For Improving The Function Of A Heart Valve

• US 20100318183A1
• Filed: 08/04/2010
• Published: 12/16/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 02/28/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Medtentia International Ltd. Oy
• Original Assignee: Medtentia International Ltd. Oy
• Inventors: KERÄNEN, Olli
• Granted Patent: US 9,526,614 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 623/2.36
• 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 2/2448 D-shaped rings
• 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 2210/009 magnetic
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2220/0016 with sharp anchoring protrusions, e.g. barbs, pins, spikes
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2220/0033 made by longitudinally pushing a protrusion into a complementary-shaped recess, e.g. held by friction fit
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2220/0041 using additional screws, bolts, dowels or rivets, e.g. connecting screws
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2220/0075 sutured, ligatured or stitched, retained or tied with a rope, string, thread, wire or cable
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2220/0083 using hook and loop-type fasteners
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2230/0006 circular
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2230/0013 Horseshoe-shaped, e.g. crescent-shaped, C-shaped, U-shaped
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2230/0091 helically-coiled or spirally-coiled, i.e. having a 2-D spiral cross-section

Abstract

A device for improving the function of a heart valve comprises a first loop-shaped support, which is configured to abut a first side of the heart valve, and a second loop-shaped support, which is configured to abut a second side of the heart valve opposite to said first side, whereby a portion of the valve tissue is trapped between the first and second supports. An outer boundary of the second support is greater than an outer boundary of the first support.

Claims

1. A system for improving the function of a heart valve comprising:

a first loop-shaped support, which is configured to abut a first side of said heart valve,

a second loop-shaped support, which is configured to abut a second side of said heart valve opposite to said first side such that said heart valve is trapped between the first and second supports;

said supports having magnetism, such that said supports, when arranged on opposite sides of the heart valve, attract said supports towards each other for holding said supports on the opposite sides of the heart valve.

2. The system according to claim 1, comprising at least one fastener for connecting said first and second supports together when arranged on opposite sides of said heart valve.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the first and second supports comprise receiving members for receiving said at least one fastener.

4. The system according to claim 2, wherein said at least one fastener is disposed on said first support and the second support includes receiving members for receiving said at least one fastener.

5. The system according to claim 2, wherein said at least one fastener has a sharp projection for penetrating tissue of said heart valve.

6. The system according to claim 2, wherein said at least one fastener has an end of an expanded diameter.

7. The system according to claim 2, wherein said at least one fastener has a curved portion.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of said first and second loop-shaped supports is open.

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein said at least one of said first and second loop-shaped supports is C-shaped.

10. The system according to claim 1, wherein said first and the second loop-shaped supports are separate and distinct units.

11. The system according to claim 1, wherein the first loop-shaped support is continuous with the second loop-shaped support.

12. The system according to claim 1, wherein said first and second supports are formed from a magnetic material.

13. The system according to claim 1, wherein said magnetic force is changeable between an on and an off state.