Multi-window guide tunnel

Abstract

Described herein are devices and methods for delivering implants that comprise multiple coupled anchors. The anchors are secured to tissue using a multi-opening guide tunnel that is configured to releasably retain one or more portions of the implant located between two of the anchors. The releasable retention of one or more intervening portions of the implant maintains the position of the implant and the guide tunnel until the implant is secured to the tissue. The multi-opening guide tunnel permits securement of the multiple anchors without requiring repositioning of the guide tunnel for each anchor.

1 . A method for performing a procedure inside a heart comprising:
 positioning a guide adjacent to heart tissue, the guide having a lumen at least partially therethrough;   advancing a device at least partially through the lumen;   temporarily securing the guide to the heart tissue using the device;   releasing the guide from the heart tissue, wherein at least a portion of the device remains secured to the heart tissue; and   removing the guide from the heart.   
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the guide member comprises a catheter. 
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the guide member comprises a plurality of openings. 
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 3  wherein the plurality of openings are located along a length of the guide member. 
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the guide member comprises one or more retention members. 
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the device comprises at least one anchor coupled to a tether. 
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the guide is positioned adjacent to the heart tissue using an intravascular approach. 
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the guide is positioned adjacent to the heart tissue using a surgical technique. 
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the guide is positioned adjacent to the heart tissue using port access to the heart. 
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the heart tissue is ventricular tissue. 
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the heart tissue is within the subannular groove region. 
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the heart tissue is within the subvalvular space. 
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the guide is temporarily secured to heart tissue using at least one anchor coupled to a tether. 
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the guide comprises a plurality of retention members and wherein the guide is released from the heart tissue by moving the retention members. 
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 3  wherein the device is deployed through the plurality of openings. 
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the guide comprises at least a first opening and a second opening, both openings positioned along a length of the guide. 
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 16  wherein the device comprises at least a first anchor and a second anchor, at least one of the first or second anchors being fixedly coupled to a tether. 
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 17  wherein the first anchor is deployed through the first opening and the second anchor is deployed through the second opening. 
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 18  wherein at least one of the first or second anchors is slidably coupled to the tether. 
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 19  further comprising tensioning the tether. 
   
   
       21 . The method of  claim 20  further comprising securing the tether in its tensioned state. 
   
   
       22 . The method of  claim 21  further comprising cutting the tether.