Systems and methods for treating lumenal valves

摘要

The present embodiments relate to systems and methods for treating lumenal valves. Particularly, and in accordance with one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to methods and systems for partial or complete replacement of lumenal valves. An exemplary catheter in accordance with the disclosure includes an elongate body having a proximal end and a distal end, and a retractable sheath mounted on the elongate body proximate the distal end. The sheath and elongate body cooperating to define a first annularly-shaped compartment between the body and sheath. The catheter further includes a valve prosthesis mounted in the compartment, the prosthesis having proximal and distal ends connected to a means for deploying the valve prosthesis from the catheter.

主权项

1. A catheter comprising:
a) an elongate body having a proximal end and a distal end; b) a retractable sheath mounted on the elongate body proximate the distal end, the sheath and elongate body cooperating to define a first compartment therebetween for receiving a valve prosthesis; c) a first elongate generally rigid linkage extending from a proximal region of the compartment toward the proximal end of the catheter; d) a second elongate, generally rigid linkage extending from a distal region of the compartment toward the proximal end of the catheter; and e) a valve prosthesis for replacing a portion of a lumenal valve, the valve prosthesis including a leaflet attached to a deformable structural circumferential portion mounted in the compartment, the deformable structural circumferential portion of the valve prosthesis having a curved shape when fully deployed and having a first circumferential end and a second circumferential end separated by a gap that is spanned at least in part by the leaflet, the deformable structural circumferential portion having a proximal portion near the first circumferential end attached to the first linkage and a distal portion near the second circumferential end attached to the second linkage, wherein:
i) the deployable valve prosthesis can be arranged into a first configuration wherein the deformable structural circumferential portion is generally straight and in an elongate orientation that is generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the catheter when the valve prosthesis is disposed within the compartment between the elongate body and retractable sheath; andii) the deployable valve prosthesis can be deployed from the first configuration into a second configuration wherein the deformable structural circumferential portion is curved and disposed in a plane generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the catheter after the sheath is withdrawn.