Annuloplasty band and method

• US 6,786,924 B2
• Filed: 03/12/2002
• Issued: 09/07/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 03/15/2001
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Medtronic Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Medtronic Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Morrow, Joseph C., Ryan, Timothy R
• Primary Examiner(s): McDermott, Corrine
• Assistant Examiner(s): Matthews, William H.
• Application Number:
  US10/096,469
• Publication Number:
  US 20020133180A1
• Time in Patent Office: 910 Days
• Field of Search: 623/2.11, 623/2.36, 623/2.37
• US Class Current: 623/2.36
• 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 2/2466 Delivery devices therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/2496 Devices for determining the dimensions of the prosthetic valve to be implanted, e.g. templates, sizers

Abstract

An annuloplasty band comprising a sheath, and a generally arcuate stiffening element disposed within the sheath. The stiffening element extends from a first end to a second end, and preferably includes eyelets at its first and second ends adapted to receive sutures to secure the annuloplasty band to a valve annulus. The annuloplasty band preferably has a low profile (e.g., a thickness less than 3 mm). In embodiments intended for mitral valve repair, the eyelets are particularly adapted to receive sutures to secure the annuloplasty band to the antero-lateral trigone and postero-medial trigone. A holder and sizer device useful with the annuloplasty band are also provided.

Claims

1. A combination annuloplasty band and holder for use by a surgeon in conjunction with annuloplasty surgery performed on a patient'"'"'s heart valve defining a valve annulus, comprising:

an annuloplasty band comprising a sheath and a generally arcuate stiffening element disposed entirely within the sheath, the stiffening element extending from a first end to a second end, wherein each of the first and second ends of the stiffening element forms an eyelet adapted to receive a suture for securing the annuloplasty band to the valve annulus; and

a holder selectively maintaining the annuloplasty band, the holder including a band-retaining plate forming a perimeter defining a curvature corresponding generally with a curvature of the annuloplasty band, the perimeter further forming cut-out areas adapted to provide clearance about the eyelets upon mounting of the annuloplasty band to the band-retaining plate.

2. The combination of claim 1, wherein:

the stiffening element comprises a wire having opposite ends bent back onto itself to form the eyelets; and

the wire is overmolded with an elastomeric material.

3. The combination of claim 1, wherein the sheath is marked to indicate eyelet placement.

4. The combination of claim 3, wherein the sheath is marked to indicate eyelet placement by a suture having a color contrasting with a color of the sheath.

5. The combination of claim 1, wherein the annuloplasty band and the band-retaining plate are adapted for repairing a mitral valve.

6. The combination of claim 1, wherein the annuloplasty band and the band-retaining plate are adapted for repairing a tricuspid valve.

7. A combination annuloplasty band and holder for use by a surgeon in conjunction with annuloplasty surgery performed on a patient'"'"'s heart valve defining a valve annulus, comprising:

an annuloplasty band comprising a sheath and a generally arcuate stiffening element disposed entirely within the sheath, the stiffening element extending from a first end to a second end, wherein each of the first and second ends of the stiffening element forms an eyelet adapted to receive a suture for securing the annuloplasty band to the valve annulus;

a holder including a band-retaining plate forming a perimeter defining a curvature corresponding generally with a curvature of the annuloplasty band;

a first suture looping about the first end of the annuloplasty band and holding the first end of the annuloplasty band against the band-retaining plate; and

a second suture looping about the second end of the annuloplasty band and holding the second end of the annuloplasty band against the band-retaining plate.

8. The combination of claim 7, also comprising fingers on the retaining plate holding a central portion of the annuloplasty band against the band-retaining plate.

9. The combination of claim 7 also comprising a first cut point for releasing the first suture from the first end of the annuloplasty band and a second cut point for releasing the second suture from the second end of the annuloplasty band.

10. The combination of claim 7, wherein the first suture and second suture do not penetrate the annuloplasty band.