Heart wall tension reduction apparatus and method

• US 8,460,173 B2
• Filed: 09/11/2012
• Issued: 06/11/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 01/02/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences LLC (Edwards Lifesciences Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences LLC (Edwards Lifesciences Corporation)
• Inventors: Schweich, Cyril J. Jr., Vidlund, Robert M., Mortier, Todd J.
• Primary Examiner(s): GETZOW, SCOTT M
• Application Number:
  US13/609,585
• Publication Number:
  US 20130006041A1
• Time in Patent Office: 273 Days
• Field of Search: 600/37, 600 16- 18
• US Class Current: 600/37
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/00234 for minimally invasive surgery A61B17/0218, A61B17/0469, A61B17/12013, A61B17/1285, A61B17/29, A61B17/320016 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/1227 Spring clips
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00243 cardiac
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/0404 Buttons
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/048 for reducing heart wall tension, e.g. sutures with a pad on each extremity
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/0496 for tensioning sutures
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/2481 Devices outside the heart wall, e.g. bags, strips or bands

Abstract

Devices and methods for treatment of a failing heart by reducing the heart wall stress. The device can be one which reduces wall stress throughout the cardiac cycle or only a portion of the cardiac cycle.

Claims

1. A method for improving the function of a heart, the method comprising:

positioning a passive device relative to an external heart wall, the device including a wrap and a band secured to the wrap, wherein the band extends away from the wrap in a direction transverse to the wrap;

encircling a portion of the heart with the device;

securing the device to an epicardial surface of the heart with sutures; and

exerting a force on the external heart wall with the device during a portion of a cardiac cycle.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the band includes a plurality of bands.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the band extends in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the wrap.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein the plurality of bands are configured to be secured to one another.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the device includes a predetermined size adapted to not encompass an apex of the heart.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein exerting a force on the external heart wall alters a geometric configuration of the heart.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the geometric configuration is a shape of a heart chamber.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the heart chamber is a left ventricle of the heart.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein encircling a portion of the heart with the device includes fully encircling the heart.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the wrap is made of an elastic material.

11. A device for improving the function of a heart, the device comprising:

a wrap configured to surround an external portion of the heart but not encompass an apex of the heart; and

a plurality of bands disposed circumferentially about the wrap, wherein each of the bands extends away from the wrap in a direction transverse to the wrap, and wherein the device is a passive device.

12. The device of claim 11, wherein the plurality of bands are, configured to be secured to one another.

13. The device of claim 11, wherein the wrap is configured to entirely surround the heart.

14. The device of claim 11, wherein each of the plurality of bands is substantially rigid.