Improved device for tissue repair and method for employing same

摘要

The present invention comprises an improved device and method for plicating tissue. The apparatus of the present invention employs a ligament of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene or similar material which is of sufficient width to allow it to be retained in place by sewing through it using conventional sutures. The present invention is particularly applicable to the repair of heart valves where it can be relatively rapidly installed around a weakened heart valve yet is not susceptible to "guitar string" pull-out or similar problems.