Minimally Invasive Valve Repair Procedure and Apparatus

Abstract

An apparatus for minimally invasive valve repair includes first and second needles, first and second flexible members, a clip, and first and second release mechanisms. The needles are each releasably connected to one of the opposing end points of the clip through a corresponding one of the flexible members via a corresponding one of the release mechanisms.

1 - 23 . (canceled) 
     
     
         24 . Apparatus for minimally invasive valve repair, the apparatus comprising: a first and second needle; a first and second flexible member; a clip having an open configuration and a closed configuration, the clip having a first and second end point, the first needle being connected through the first flexible member to the first end point and the second needle being connected through the second flexible member to the second end point; and a first and second release mechanism, wherein the first release mechanism releasably connects the first flexible member to the first end point and the second release mechanism releasably connects the second flexible member to the second end point. 
     
     
         25 . The apparatus of  claim 24  wherein the clip is generally U-shaped when in the open configuration. 
     
     
         26 . The apparatus of  claim 24  wherein the clip comprises a wire made of shape memory material. 
     
     
         27 . The apparatus of  claim 24  wherein the clip in the closed configuration is looped by more than 360 degrees. 
     
     
         28 - 42 . (canceled)