Device and method for reshaping mitral valve annulus

Abstract

Devices and methods for reshaping a mitral valve annulus are provided. One preferred device is configured for deployment in the right atrium and is shaped to apply a force along the atrial septum. The device causes the atrial septum to deform and push the anterior leaflet of the mitral valve in a posterior direction for reducing mitral valve regurgitation. Another preferred device is deployed in the left ventricular outflow tract at a location adjacent the aortic valve. The device is expandable for urging the anterior leaflet toward the posterior leaflet. Another preferred device comprises a tether configured to be attached to opposing regions of the mitral valve annulus.

1 . A device for treating mitral valve regurgitation, comprising: 
 an implantable body configured for deployment in the right atrium, wherein the body is shaped to apply a lateral force along the atrial septum at a location adjacent to the mitral valve.    
   
   
       2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the body comprises a first anchor sized for deployment in the inferior vena cava, a second anchor sized for deployment in the superior vena cava and a pusher member extending between the first and second anchors, the pusher member being configured for contacting the atrial septum.  
   
   
       3 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the first and second anchors comprise first and second stents.  
   
   
       4 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein the first and second stents are self-expandable.  
   
   
       5 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein the first and second stents are balloon expandable.  
   
   
       6 . A device for treating mitral valve regurgitation, comprising: 
 an expandable stent configured for deployment in the left ventricular outflow tract, wherein the expandable stent is adapted to exert a radial force for reshaping a mitral valve annulus, thereby moving an anterior leaflet of a mitral valve in a posterior direction.    
   
   
       7 . The device of  claim 6 , wherein the expandable stent has a protrusion along a first side for increasing the force applied to the mitral valve annulus.  
   
   
       8 . The device of  claim 6 , wherein the expandable device is deployed within the aortic annulus and further comprises a valvular structure for replacing the function of a native aortic valve.  
   
   
       9 . A method of reducing mitral valve regurgitation, comprising: 
 delivering an expandable body into the left ventricular outflow tract, wherein the expandable body is configured to urge the anterior leaflet of a mitral valve toward the posterior leaflet of a mitral valve, thereby improving leaflet coaption.    
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the expandable body comprises a stent configured to be delivered to the left ventricular outflow tract in a minimally invasive manner.  
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the stent is delivered to a location in the left ventricular outflow tract just beneath the aortic valve.  
   
   
       12 . A method for repairing a mitral valve, comprising: 
 providing a repair device having a deployment mechanism for independently applying first and second fastener elements to first and second regions of a mitral valve annulus;    grasping the first region of tissue with a vacuum force from the repair device;    deploying the first fastener element into the first region of tissue;    disengaging the first region of tissue from the repair device while leaving the first fastener element deployed therein;    stabilizing the second region of tissue with a vacuum force from the repair device;    deploying the second fastener element into the stabilized second region of tissue;    disengaging the second region of tissue from the repair device while leaving the second fastener element deployed therein; and    pulling the first and second fastener elements together for reducing the distance between the first and second regions of tissue.