| 摘要 |
<p>Devices and methods are provided for diagnosing and repairing mitral valve defects such as mitral valve regurgitation. According to an exemplary method, mitral valve function is visualized by transesophageal echocardiography. A catheter (10) is inserted along the venous system of the patient through the atrium into the mitral valve (26). A suction tip (14) grasps the leaflets (28, 30) of the mitral valve (26) to immobilize and juxtapose the leaflets (28, 30) at a point simulating a stitch, and the mitral valve (26) is again observed to confirm that fastening at that point with repair the prolapse or other defect. The mitral valve leaflets (28, 30) are then via a fastening such as a staple (40) or shape memory rivet. The fastener (44) may be inserted by a stapling assembly (40) in the venous catheter tip (14), or by a separate stapler (40) that is inserted along an arterial path from the opposite direction and guided along a transcardiac rail to the immobilized point. Upon completion of the repair process, the mitral valve (26) is once again visualized by transesophageal echocardiography to determine whether repair thereof has been effected.</p> |
