Leaflet Reinforcement For Regurgitant Valves

Abstract

A support, and a method for attaching said support, for providing additional strength to existing regurgitant or prolapsed valve leaflets. The support restores an otherwise non-functioning, or poorly functioning, native valve to a functioning condition, obviating the need for a complete valve removal or replacement. The support may also be applied to a functioning valve leaflet as a prophylactic measure against future failure. The delivery method includes a delivery mechanism for attaching the support to the native valve leaflet.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A device useable to attach a support to a valve leaflet comprising:
 a sheath;   a delivery mechanism slideably disposed within the sheath, said delivery mechanism constructed and arranged to carry at least one support, whereby when said sheath is retracted to expose said delivery mechanism, said delivery mechanism is moveable such that the support is pressed against the valve leaflet.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1  wherein said delivery mechanism comprises at least one delivery arm pivotally attached to a carrier. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 2  further comprising at least one activation string operably connected to said at least one delivery arm such that pulling said at least one activation string causes said at least one delivery arm to pivot. 
     
     
         4 . A device useable to support a prolapsed valve leaflet, comprising:
 a support;   an attachment mechanism, operably attached to the support member, and useable to attach the support member to a prolapsed valve leaflet.   
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 4  wherein said support comprises a first part pivotally connected to a second part. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 5  further comprising a hinge pivotally connecting said first and second parts. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 4  wherein said support comprises at least one elongate beam. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 4  wherein said support comprises Nitonol. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 4  wherein said support comprises an open network of support members. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 4  wherein said support comprises a covered network of support members. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 4  wherein said support comprises a substrate. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 11  wherein said substrate is curved, forming a concave side and a convex side, the concave side facing a downstream direction when the device is attached to a prolapsed valve leaflet. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 11  wherein said substrate is attachable to an upstream side of a prolapsed valve. 
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 11  wherein said substrate is attachable to a downstream side of a prolapsed valve. 
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 4  wherein said attachment mechanism comprises barbs. 
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 4  wherein said attachment mechanism comprises staples. 
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 4  wherein said attachment mechanism protrudes from an upstream side of said support. 
     
     
         18 . The device of  claim 4  wherein said attachment mechanism protrudes from a downstream side of said support. 
     
     
         19 . The device of  claim 4  wherein said support comprises an upstream member constructed and arranged for placement on an upstream side of a prolapsed valve leaflet, and a downstream member constructed and arranged for placement on a downstream side of the prolapsed valve leaflet. 
     
     
         20 . The device of  claim 19  wherein said attachment mechanism operably connects the upstream member to the downstream member, such that the prolapsed valve leaflet is sandwiched between the upstream member and the downstream member. 
     
     
         21 . The device of  claim 19  wherein said attachment mechanism comprises a magnetic field operably connecting the upstream member to the downstream member.