Devices, systems, and methods for retaining a native heart valve leaflet

Abstract

Devices, systems and methods retain a native heart valve leaflet to prevent retrograde flow. The devices, systems, and methods employ an implant that, in use, rests adjacent a valve annulus and includes a retaining structure that is sized and shaped to overlay at least a portion of one or more native valve leaflets. The retaining structure retains the leaflet or leaflets it overlays, to resist leaflet eversion and / or prolapse. In this way, the implant prevents or reduces regurgitation. The implant does not interfere significantly with the opening of and blood flow through the leaflets during periods of antegrade flow.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims the benefit of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 666,617, filed Sep. 20, 2000 and entitled “Heart Valve Annulus Device and Methods of Using Same,” which is incorporated herein by reference. This application also claims the benefit of Patent Cooperation Treaty Application Serial No. PCT / US 02 / 31376, filed Oct. 1, 2002 and entitled “Systems and Devices for Heart Valve Treatments,” which claimed the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60 / 326,590, filed Oct. 1, 2001, which are incorporated herein by reference. This application also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60 / 429,444, filed Nov. 26, 2002, and entitled “Heart Valve Remodeling Devices;” U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60 / 429,709, filed Nov. 26, 2002, and entitled “Neo-Leaflet Medical Devices;” and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60 / 429,462, filed Nov. 26, 2002, and entitled “Heart Valve ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0023] The invention provides devices, systems and methods that retain a native heart valve leaflet. The devices, systems, and methods include an implant that, in use, rests adjacent all or a portion of a valve annulus. The implant includes a retaining structure that is shaped to overlay at least a portion of one or more native valve leaflets. The implant further includes spaced-apart struts sized and configured to contact tissue near or within the heart valve annulus. The struts brace the retaining structure to resist leaflet eversion and / or prolapse. In this way, the implant prevents or reduces retrograde flow and regurgitation. The implant does not interfere with the opening of and blood flow through the leaflets during antegrade flow.

Problems solved by technology

Valve malfunction can result from the chords becoming stretched, and in some cases tearing.

When a chord tears, the result is a flailed leaflet.

Also, a normally structured valve may not function properly because of an enlargement of the valve annulus pulling the leaflets apart.

This condition is referred to as a dilation of the annulus and generally results from heart muscle failure.

In addition, the valve may be defective at birth or because of an acquired disease, usually infectious or inflammatory.

As a result, the leaflets do not form a tight seal, and blood is regurgitated into the atrium.

During subsequent ventricular diastole (when the heart relaxes), this “extra” blood returns to the left ventricle, creating a volume overload, i.e., too much blood in the left ventricle.

This means that: (1) the heart must pump harder to move the extra blood; (2) too little blood may move from the heart to the rest of the body; and (3) over time, the left ventricle may begin to stretch and enlarge to accommodate the larger volume of blood, and the left ventricle may become weaker.

Although mild cases of mitral valve regurgitation result in few problems, more severe and chronic cases eventually weaken the heart and can result in heart failure.

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