DEVICES AND METHODS FOR REPAIRING CARDIAC VALVES
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Abstract
Devices and methods for the repair of a defective cardiac valve are provided. The implantable devices provide a leaflet coaptation surface and correct for one or more prolapsing segments of a valve leaflet. The methods involve implanting one or more devices within the defective cardiac valve. In certain embodiments, the devices and methods correct for billowing leaflets and/or a dilated valve annulus.
70 Citations
65 Claims
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1-42. -42. (canceled)
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43. A method of repairing a regurgitant cardiac valve of a human heart, comprising the steps of:
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identifying a cardiac valve comprised of two leaflets and a subvalvular structure wherein a leaflet has a prolapsing segment; attaching to the leaflet comprised of the prolapsing segment, an implant comprised of a first leaflet coaptation surface which coapts against a surface of leaflet it is attached to; and positioning the implant so that a portion of the implant extends between the leaflet which the implant is attached to and a coaptation surface of a second leaflet so that the implant coapts against the coaptative surface of the second leaflet opposing the prolapsing leaflet during systolic contraction of the heart whereby coaptation between the leaflet to which the implant is attached and the second leaflet is normalized. - View Dependent Claims (44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63)
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64. A method for repairing a regurgitant cardiac valve having two or more leaflets and a subvalvular structure wherein at least one leaflet has at least one prolapsing segment, said method comprising the steps of:
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providing a structure for attachment to the prolapsing leaflet, said structure defining a leaflet coaptation surface and an undersurface; affixing said structure to the prolapsing leaflet wherein the undersurface of said structure overlies the prolapsing segment; and extending at least a portion of said structure between the two or more leaflets wherein a leaflet opposing said prolapsing leaflet coapts against said coaptation surface of said structure during systolic contraction of the heart whereby the coaptation between the two or more leaflets is normalized. - View Dependent Claims (65)
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Specification