METHOD AND DEVICE FOR SOFT TISSUE MODIFICATION

摘要

This invention is a device and method for shortening the chordae tendinae (20) by heating them. Shortening the chordae tendinae (20) stabilizes the atrioventricular valve to which they are attached, thus reducing or halting valve prolapse. A catheter (44) having a heating tip system (30) is inserted in the heart of a patient and manoeuvred by an operating surgeon so that the heating tip (30) can induce or transfer heat to the chordae tendinae (20). The heating tip system (30) heats the chordae tendinae (20) by direct transmission of heat or by inducing heat in the chordae tendinae (20) with electromagnetic radiation. The operating surgeon monitors the heating of the chordae tendinae (20), and when the desired degree of shorting has been achieved, the catheter (44) is removed from the patient.