Device and method for replacing mitral valve

Abstract

A prosthetic mitral valve assembly and method of inserting the same is disclosed. In certain disclosed embodiments, the prosthetic mitral valve assembly has a flared upper end and a tapered portion to fit the contours of the native mitral valve. The prosthetic mitral valve assembly can include a stent or outer support frame with a valve mounted therein, The assembly can be adapted to expand radially outwardly and into contact with the native tissue to create a pressure fit. One embodiment of a method includes positioning the mitral valve assembly below the annulus such that the annulus itself can restrict the assembly from moving in an upward direction towards the left atrium. The mitral valve assembly is also positioned so that the leaflets of the mitral valve hold the assembly to prevent downward movement of the assembly towards the left ventricle.

Description

FIELD[0001]The present disclosure concerns a prosthetic mitral heart valve and a method for implanting such a heart valve.BACKGROUND[0002]Prosthetic cardiac valves have been used for many years to treat cardiac valvular disorders. The native heart valves (such as the aortic, pulmonary and mitral valves) serve critical functions in assuring the forward flow of an adequate supply of blood through the cardiovascular system. These heart valves can be rendered less effective by congenital, inflammatory or infectious conditions. Such damage to the valves can result in serious cardiovascular compromise or death. For many years the definitive treatment for such disorders was the surgical repair or replacement of the valve during open heart surgery, but such surgeries are prone to many complications. More recently a transvascular technique has been developed for introducing and implanting a prosthetic heart valve using a flexible catheter in a manner that is less invasive than open heart sur...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012]In still other embodiments, when positioned above the annulus, prongs or other attachment mechanisms on an outer surface of the stent may be used to resist upward movement of the mitral valve assembly. Alternatively (or in addition), a tether or other anchoring member can be attached to the stent at one end and secured to a portion of the heart at another end in order to prevent movement of the mitral valve assembly after implantation. A tether may also be used to decrease the stress on the leaflets of the replacement valve and / or to re-shape the left ventricle.

Problems solved by technology

These heart valves can be rendered less effective by congenital, inflammatory or infectious conditions.

Such damage to the valves can result in serious cardiovascular compromise or death.

For many years the definitive treatment for such disorders was the surgical repair or replacement of the valve during open heart surgery, but such surgeries are prone to many complications.

While procedures for the aortic valve are well-developed, such procedures are not necessarily applicable to the mitral valve.

However, a significant percentage (i.e., about 33%) of patients still receive open-heart surgical mitral valve replacements due to calcium, stenosis, or anatomical limitations.

However, for mitral valve replacement, few less-invasive options are available.

There are approximately 60,000 mitral valve replacements (MVR) each year and it is estimated that another 60,000 patients should receive MVR, but are denied the surgical procedure due to risks associated with the patient's age or other factors.

Such a claw structure could have stability issues and limit consistent placement of a transcatheter mitral replacement valve.

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