METHODS AND DEVICES FOR CAPTURING AND FIXING LEAFLETS IN VALVE REPAIR

摘要

The present invention provides methods and devices for grasping, and optional repositioning and fixation of the valve leaflets to treat cardiac valve regurgitation, particularly mitral valve regurgitation. Such grasping will typically be atraumatic providing a number of benefits. For example, atraumatic grasping may allow repositioning of the devices relative to the leaflets and repositioning of the leaflets themselves without damage to the leaflets. However, in some cases it may be necessary or desired to include grasping which pierces or otherwise permanently affects the leaflets. In some of these cases, the grasping step includes fixation.

主权项

1. A device for repairing a cardiac valve, said device comprising:
an interventional catheter adapted to pass from the remote vasculature of a patient to a position within a heart of the patient adjacent to the cardiac valve; and a capture device on the interventional catheter comprising at least one distal element coupled to the catheter, wherein the distal element is protrudable radially outward and is adapted to press against a downstream surface of at least one leaflet, wherein the capture device fixedly couples the valve leaflet to a second valve leaflet; and a pledget adjacent the distal element, the pledget adapted to obstruct blood flow through a gap created by the device along a coaptation line between the at least one leaflet and a second leaflet.