Abstract:
The invention includes a novel method and system to achieve leaflet coaptation in a cardiac valve percutaneously by creation of neochordae to prolapsing valve segments. This technique is especially useful in cases of ruptured chordae, but may be utilized in any segment of prolapsing leaflet. The technique described herein has the additional advantage of being adjustable in the beating heart. This allows tailoring of leaflet coaptation height under various loading conditions using image- guidance, such as echocardiography. This offers an additional distinct advantage over conventional open-surgery placement of artificial chordae. In traditional open surgical valve repair, chord length must be estimated in the arrested heart and may or may not be correct once the patient is weaned from cardiopulmonary bypass. The technique described below also allows for placement of multiple artificial chordae, as dictated by the patient's pathophysiology.
Abstract:
A suture insertion device (120) includes a shaft (124), which is adapted to be inserted into a body cavity (154). First and second needles (160) hold respective first and second ends of a suture thread (122). First and second needle guides (130) are attached to the shaft and respectively hold the first and second needles. The needle guides have a first operative configuration in which the needle guides are held parallel to the axis of the shaft for insertion of the shaft into the body cavity and a second operative configuration in which the needle guides are deployed outward from the shaft within the body cavity so as to point the needles in a proximal direction. An ejector (164) is operative to eject the needles from the needle guides in the second operative configuration so as to cause the needles to penetrate tissue (156) adjoining the body cavity.
Abstract:
A surgical instrument for easing the anastomosis of the urethra in laparoscopic prostatectomy comprising a cannula (1), suitable for being inserted into the urethra from the penis until it reaches the resection point downstream of the prostate with its distal end (1a), and equipped with radial openings (5) close to the distal end, and a plurality of needle-shaped elements (7) housed in the cannula close to the distal end and suitable for projecting for a controlled extent through the radial openings to transfix the urethra anchoring it to the cannula. Means (8, 10, 20) are foreseen for moving the needle-shaped elements (7) from a position completely retracted in said cannula to a position projecting from it so that it is substantially inclined forwards. In this way, the surgeon can actuate said means from the proximal end of the cannula to make the needle-shaped elements project from the radial openings adjusting the amount that they project up to the transfixion of the urethra, for whereby the retraction of the remaining stump of urethra can be avoided.
Abstract:
A simplified and more easily employed tool for holding an implantable annuloplasty prosthesis during passage of sutures through the prosthesis and for conveniently and efficiently releasing the prosthesis from the tool. Separation of the implantable prosthesis and the tool may be conveniently accomplished without requiring the use of a sharp instrument. Attachment between the prosthesis and its surgical carrying tool can be accomplished in a suture-less fashion. The tool includes a suture management device in some embodiments for selectively receiving and maintaining sutures otherwise securing the prosthesis to tissue. The tool comprises a handle (30) , a retainer (24) and a suture management device (28) .
Abstract:
A repair system including a closure prosthesis and deployment device, and associated methods for repairing any imperfection including a flaw, hole, tear, bulge, or, in some cases, a deliberate cut or incision in any tissue including an intervertebral disc is disclosed. The prosthesis has first and second side portions with a connecting central portion, and is designed to span an imperfection with opposite ends positioned on opposite sides of the imperfection or the same side of the imperfection. The prosthesis may include anchoring features including barbs and/or members that extend transversely or at different angles. The deployment device can include a cannula for positioning the prosthesis near the imperfection, and, in some cases, a mechanism that may cause the two sides of the prosthesis to be deployed in a specific order.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus are provided for closing incisions within biological tissue. In one embodiment, a device and method are provided for suturing biological tissue, such as, for example, an organ or blood vessel. The suturing apparatus is particularly well suited for suturing an incision made in an artery, such as the femoral artery, following a catheterization procedure. The device eliminates the need to apply pressure to a patient's thigh for an extended period of time, and eliminates many of the complications and costs associated with the creation of a thrombus patch. In addition, the device comprises an improved handle portion which enables the physician to quickly and easily apply suture. The handle portion is very reliable and easy to manipulate. The suturing may be used in combination with existing catheter sheath introducers.
Abstract:
The present invention provides devices and methods for attachment of an endoluminal gastrointestinal device, such as an artificial stoma device, a gastrointestinal bypass sleeve device or an attachment cuff, within a patient’s digestive tract for treatment of obesity.
Abstract:
The present invention is directed to various systems for repairing tissue within the heart of a patient. The mitral valve repair system of the present invention comprises a guide catheter having a proximal end, a distal end, and at least one internal lumen formed therein, a therapy catheter capable of applying a suture to the tissue, and a fastener catheter capable of attaching a fastener to the suture. The therapy catheter and the fastener catheter are capable of traversing the internal lumen of the guide catheter. In addition, the present invention discloses various methods for repairing tissue within the heart of the patient. In one embodiment, the method of repairing heart valve tissue includes advancing a guide catheter through a circulatory pathway to a location in the heart proximate to a heart valve, advancing a therapy catheter through the guide catheter to the heart valve, stabilizing a first leaflet with the therapy catheter, deploying a first suture into the stabilized first leaflet, disengaging the first leaflet from the therapy catheter while leaving the first suture attached thereto, stabilizing a second leaflet with the therapy catheter, deploying a second suture into the second leaflet, disengaging the second leaflet from the therapy catheter while leaving the second suture attached thereto, and joining the first and second leaflets by reducing the distance between the first and second sutures.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a minimally invasive method of performing annuloplasty. According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for performing annuloplasty includes creating a first plication in the tissue near a mitral valve of a heart, using at least a first plication element, and creating a second plication in the tissue near the mitral valve such that the second plication is substantially coupled to the first plication.
Abstract:
A suture template for facilitating implantation of a prosthetic valve includes a plurality of commissure portions (110) connected to a plurality of cusp portions (100) around an annulus. Each commissure portion has at least one notch (146) and each cusp portion can have an inwardly directed ledge (133) and at least one notch (138). In one embodiment, the notches open towards the bottom of the suture template. In another embodiment, the notches open towards the top of the suture template.