Apparatus, system, and method for treating a regurgitant heart valve

摘要

An apparatus for treating regurgitation of blood through a diseased heart valve having at least two leaflets includes a lollipop-shaped body member having a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and an intermediate portion extending between the end portions. The intermediate portion includes an expandable occluding member having an adjustable diameter so that, during at least a portion of the cardiac cycle, at least one of the heart leaflet coapts with a portion of the occluding member to mitigate or prevent regurgitation of blood through the diseased heart valve. The proximal end portion is physically connected to the occluding member and includes a connecting mechanism for operably mating with an adjustment member for adjusting the position and diameter of the occluding member within the diseased heart valve. The distal end portion includes an anchoring member for securing the apparatus in a heart chamber containing the diseased heart valve.

主权项

1. An apparatus for treating regurgitation of blood through a diseased heart valve having at least two leaflets, said apparatus comprising:
a lollipop-shaped body member having a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and an intermediate portion extending between said proximal and distal end portions; said intermediate portion including an expandable occluding member having a diameter and being associated with an adjustment mechanism, said adjustment mechanism being adapted to operably mate with an adjustment member, said adjustment member being capable of controlling said adjustment mechanism to increase or decrease the diameter of said occluding member, after implantation of said apparatus in the diseased heart valve, so that, during at least a portion of the cardiac cycle, at least one of the heart leaflets coapts with a portion of said occluding member to mitigate or prevent regurgitation of blood through the diseased heart valve, said occluding member being formed from a mesh-like material to permit blood flow through at least a portion of said occluding member; said proximal end portion being physically connected to said occluding member and including a connecting mechanism for operably mating with said adjustment member for adjusting the position and diameter of said occluding member within the diseased heart valve; said distal end portion including an anchoring member for securing said apparatus in a heart chamber containing the diseased heart valve.