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Method and apparatus for improving mitral valve function

  • US 6,656,221 B2
  • Filed: 02/05/2002
  • Issued: 12/02/2003
  • Est. Priority Date: 02/05/2001
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method for reducing mitral regurgitation comprising:

  • inserting an elongated substantially straight apparatus into the coronary sinus of a patient in the vicinity of the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve, the apparatus having a distal end, a proximal end, and an intermediate portion, and being so configured that the distal and proximal ends apply a posteriorly-directed force to the posterior wall of the coronary sinus and the intermediate portion applies an anteriorly-directed force to the anterior wall of the coronary sinus, to straighten the natural curvature of at least a portion of the coronary sinus in the vicinity of the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve, whereby to move the posterior annulus anteriorly and thereby improve leaflet coaptation.

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