Apparatus and methods for treating tissue

Abstract

Apparatus and methods are provided for thermally and/or mechanically treating tissue, such as valvular structures, to reconfigure or shrink the tissue in a controlled manner. The apparatus comprises a catheter in communication with an end effector which induces a temperature rise in an annulus of tissue surrounding the leaflets of a valve or in the chordae tendineae sufficient to cause shrinkage, thereby causing the valves to close more tightly. Mechanical clips can also be implanted over the valve either alone or after the thermal treatment. The clips are delivered by a catheter and may be configured to traverse directly over the valve itself or to lie partially over the periphery of the valve to prevent obstruction of the valve channel. The clips can be coated with drugs or a radiopaque coating. The catheter can also incorporate sensors or energy delivery devices, e.g., transducers, on its distal end.

1 . An apparatus for treating tissue near a valve to modify flow through the valve, comprising: 
 a cinching member having a central region and at least two anchoring regions on opposing ends of the central region,    the cinching member being configured for delivery through a catheter to the tissue whereby the cinching member has a first shape during the delivery and a second shape after the delivery.