Valve to myocardium tension members device and method

Abstract

A device for heart valve repair including at least one tension member having a first end and second end. A basal anchor is disposed at the first end of the tension member and a secondary anchor at the second end. The method includes the steps of anchoring the basal anchor proximate a heart valve and anchoring the secondary anchor at a location spaced from the valve such that the chamber geometry is altered to reduce heart wall tension and/or stress on the valve leaflets.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A valve repair device, comprising: 
 an elongate tension member having a first end and second end;    a basal anchor disposed at the first end; and    a secondary anchor disposed at a second end.    
     
     
         2 . A valve repair device in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the basal anchor includes a pad.  
     
     
         3 . A valve repair device in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the basal anchor includes annuloplasty ring.  
     
     
         4 . A valve repair device in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the basal anchor includes an artificial heart valve.  
     
     
         5 . A valve repair device in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the basal anchor includes a suture ring having a varying radius of curvature.  
     
     
         6 . A valve repair device in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the tension member is substantially rigid.  
     
     
         7 . A valve repair device in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the tension member is substantially flexible.  
     
     
         8 . A valve replacement device in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the secondary anchor includes a hook-shaped papillary muscle tissue loop.  
     
     
         9 . A valve repair device in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the secondary anchor includes a screw-shaped tissue anchor.  
     
     
         10 . A valve repair device in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the secondary anchor includes a transmural anchor pad.  
     
     
         11 . A method of repairing a heart valve having leaflets and chordae disposed in a heart chamber, comprising the steps of: 
 providing a tension member having a first end and a second end, the tension member having a basal anchor at the first end and a secondary anchor at the second end;    anchoring the basal anchor proximate the valve such that the tension member is disposed in the chamber; and    anchoring the secondary anchor to a portion of the heart spaced from the basal anchor such that the tension member is under tension and the geometry of the chamber has been altered by placement of the tension member.    
     
     
         12 . The method in accordance with  claim 11 , wherein the basal anchor includes an artificial heart valve.  
     
     
         13 . The method in accordance with  claim 11 , wherein the basal anchor includes an annuloplasty ring.  
     
     
         14 . The method in accordance with  claim 11 , wherein the secondary anchor is anchored to a papillary muscle.  
     
     
         15 . The method in accordance with  claim 11 , wherein the secondary anchor is transmurally anchored.  
     
     
         16 . The method in accordance with  claim 11 , wherein at least two tension members are provided.  
     
     
         17 . The method in accordance with  claim 11 , further comprising the step of placing a transverse tension member across the chamber, generally perpendicular to the tension member, to further alter the geometry of the chamber.