Device and method for modifying the shape of a body organ

Abstract

An intravascular support device includes a support or reshaper wire, a proximal anchor and a distal anchor. The support wire engages a vessel wall to change the shape of tissue adjacent the vessel in which the intravascular support is placed. The anchors and support wire are designed such that the vessel in which the support is placed remains open and can be accessed by other devices if necessary. The device provides a minimal metal surface area to blood flowing within the vessel to limit the creation of thrombosis. The anchors can be locked in place to secure the support within the vessel.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 429,171, filed May 2, 2003, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 331,343, filed Dec. 26, 2002; U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 142,637, filed May 8, 2002; U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 066,426, filed Jan. 30, 2002; and U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 011,867, filed Dec. 5, 2001, the benefit of the filing dates being claimed under 35 U.S.C. § 120, and the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to medical devices in general, and in particular to devices for supporting internal body organs. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] The mitral valve is a portion of the heart that is located between the chambers of the left atrium and the left ventricle. When the left ventricle contracts to pump blood throughout the body, the mitral valve closes to prevent the blood being pumped back ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008] In one embodiment of the invention, the proximal and distal supports are made from a wire hoop that presents a low metal coverage area to blood flowing within the vessel. The wire hoops may allow tissue to grow over the anchors to reduce the chance of thrombosis formation. The wire hoops have a figure eight configuration and can expand to maintain contact with the vessel walls if no vessel expands or changes shape.

[0009] In another embodiment of the invention, the proximal and distal anchors of the intravascular support are rotationally offset from each other. Locks on the support wire allow a physician to ensure that the anchors have been successfully deployed and prevent the support wire from collapsing within a vessel.

Problems solved by technology

Regurgitation is a serious, often rapidly deteriorating, condition that reduces circulatory efficiency and must be corrected.

Each of these procedures is highly invasive because access to the heart is obtained through an opening in the patient's chest.

Patients with mitral valve regurgitation are often relatively frail thereby increasing the risks associated with such an operation.

While this technique appears promising, some proposed supports appear to limit the amount of blood that can flow through the coronary sinus and may contribute to the formation of thrombosis in the vessel.

Therefore, there is a need for a tissue support structure that does not inhibit the flow of blood in the vessel in which it is placed and reduces the likelihood of thrombosis formation.

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