Abstract:
Apparatus is provided including a first tissue-engaging element (60a), a first flexible longitudinal member (2612) coupled at a first end portion (2613) thereof to at least a portion of the first tissue-engaging element (60a), and a first flexible-longitudinal-member-coupling element (2614) coupled to the first flexible longitudinal member (2612) at a second end portion (2615) of the first flexible longitudinal member (2612). Apparatus includes a second tissue-engaging element (60b), a second flexible longitudinal member (2660) coupled at a first end portion thereof to at least a portion of the second tissue-engaging element (60b), and a second flexible-longitudinal-member-coupling element (2650) coupled to the second flexible longitudinal member (2660) at a second end portion (2662) of the second flexible longitudinal member (2660), the first and second flexible-longitudinal-member-coupling elements (2614, 2650) being couplable to couple together the first and second flexible longitudinal elements (2612, 2660). Other applications are also described.
Abstract:
Apparatus is provided including a first tissue-engaging element (60a), a first flexible longitudinal member (2612) coupled at a first end portion (2613) thereof to at least a portion of the first tissue-engaging element (60a), and a first flexible-longitudinal-member-coupling element (2614) coupled to the first flexible longitudinal member (2612) at a second end portion (2615) of the first flexible longitudinal member (2612). Apparatus includes a second tissue-engaging element (60b), a second flexible longitudinal member (2660) coupled at a first end portion thereof to at least a portion of the second tissue-engaging element (60b), and a second flexible-longitudinal-member-coupling element (2650) coupled to the second flexible longitudinal member (2660) at a second end portion (2662) of the second flexible longitudinal member (2660), the first and second flexible-longitudinal-member-coupling elements (2614, 2650) being couplable to couple together the first and second flexible longitudinal elements (2612, 2660). Other applications are also described.
Abstract:
A remodeling mitral annuloplasty ring with a reduced anterior-to-posterior dimension to restore coaptation between the mitral leaflets in mitral valve insufficiency (IMVI). The ring has a generally oval shaped body with a major axis perpendicular to a mirror axis, both perpendicular to a blood flow axis. An anterior section lies between anteriolateral and posteriomedial trigones, while a posterior section defines the remaining ring body and is divided into P1, P2, and P3 segments corresponding to the three scallops of the same nomenclature in the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve. The anterior-to-posterior dimension of the ring body is reduced from conventional rings; such as by providing, in atrial plan view, a pulled-in P3 segment. Viewed another way, the convexity of the P3 segment is less pronounced than the convexity of the P1 segment. In addition, the ring body may have a downwardly deflected portion in the posterior section, preferably within the P2 and P3 segments. The downwardly deflected portion may have an apex which is the lowest elevation of the ring body and may be offset with respect to the center of the downwardly deflected portion toward the P1 segment. A sewing cuff may have an enlarged radial dimension of between 5-10cm, or only a portion of the sewing cuff may be enlarged.
Abstract:
A method is provided, including implanting at least a first tissue-engaging element (60a) in a first portion of tissue in a vicinity of a heart valve (4) of a patient, implanting at least a second tissue-engaging element (60b) in a portion of a blood vessel (8, 10) that is in contact with an atrium (6) of a heart (2) of the patient, and drawing at least a first leaflet of the valve (4) toward at least a second leaflet of the valve (4) by adjusting a distance between the portion of the blood vessel (8, 10) and the first portion of tissue in the vicinity of the heart valve (4) of the patient. Other applications are also described.
Abstract:
Apparatus (20) is described including first and second tubular elements (24, 26) shaped to define respective first and second lumens (L1, L2) therethrough. In an unlocked configuration, the first end (12) of the second tubular element (26) is disposed closer to the first end (10) of the first tubular element (24) than is the second end (13) of the second tubular element (26), and sutures (34a, 34b) are slidable through the first and second lumens (L1, L2). In a locking configuration, the second end (13) of the second tubular element (26) is disposed closer to the first end (10) of the first tubular element (24) than is the first end (12) of the second tubular element (26), and the sutures (34a, 34b) are inhibited from sliding through the first and second lumens (L1, L2). Other embodiments are also described.
Abstract:
Apparatus (20) is described including first and second tubular elements (24, 26) shaped to define respective first and second lumens (L1, L2) therethrough. In an unlocked configuration, the first end (12) of the second tubular element (26) is disposed closer to the first end (10) of the first tubular element (24) than is the second end (13) of the second tubular element (26), and sutures (34a, 34b) are slidable through the first and second lumens (L1, L2). In a locking configuration, the second end (13) of the second tubular element (26) is disposed closer to the first end (10) of the first tubular element (24) than is the first end (12) of the second tubular element (26), and the sutures (34a, 34b) are inhibited from sliding through the first and second lumens (L1, L2). Other embodiments are also described.
Abstract:
A prosthetic tricuspid remodeling annubplasty ring having two free ends (42a, 42b) and at least one inward bow to help reduce chordal tethering. The ring may have segments corresponding to the anterior, posterior and septal leaflets, with inward bows located adjacent one, two or all leaflets. Convex corners separate the concave inward bows, with inflection points therebetween. The ring has a semi-rigid inner body covered by fabric or a suture interface such as silicone and fabric.
Abstract:
A remodeling mitral annuloplasty ring with a reduced anterior-to-posterior dimension to restore coaptation between the mitral leaflets in mitral valve insufficiency (IMVI). The ring has a generally oval shaped body with a major axis perpendicular to a mirror axis, both perpendicular to a blood flow axis. An anterior section lies between anteriolateral and posteriomedial trigones, while a posterior section defines the remaining ring body and is divided into P1, P2, and P3 segments corresponding to the three scallops of the same nomenclature in the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve. The anterior-to-posterior dimension of the ring body is reduced from conventional rings; such as by providing, in atrial plan view, a pulled-in P3 segment. Viewed another way, the convexity of the P3 segment is less pronounced than the convexity of the P1 segment.