Ventricular function assisting devices and methods of use thereof

Abstract

The present invention provides devices and methods for assisting in the ventricular function of a treated heart, and tools for delivering and attaching elements of said devices to the wall of the heart. In general the devices of the invention are designed to assist in the ventricular function of the heart by utilizing elastic, and/or magnetic, elements designed to apply radially and/or tangentially directed forces over the wall of the heart, and/or alter the pressure conditions inside ventricle(s) of the heart. Embodiments of the invention may utilize restrictive elements which may optionally be attached over the heart during the implantation procedure, or at a later time, by changing the mode of operation of an implanted device of the invention.

1 .- 27 . (canceled) 
     
     
         28 . A treatment device for implantation inside a ventricle of a living heart and for applying forces over its walls, said treatment device comprising two expandable elements fixedly attached to a bent spring, and anchoring means attached to each of said expandable elements, wherein said treatment device is capable of being placed inside a tube for delivery and placement in said living heart ventricle by introducing said tube into said heart ventricle and discharging said device thereinside such that its expandable elements change into a deployed state as their anchoring means are attached to the wall of the heart ventricle. 
     
     
         29 . A device according to  claim 28  further comprising a pacemaker electrically coupled to it for delivering electrical signals to the tissue of the heart. 
     
     
         30 . A device according to  claim 28  wherein the treatment device expandable elements are expandable fixation elements. 
     
     
         31 . A device according to  claim 28  wherein the treatment device is adapted to store energy from the ventricular motion of the heart during the systolic phase and release stored energy during the diastolic phase, thereby assisting in improving diastolic functioning of the heart. 
     
     
         32 . A device according to  claim 28  wherein said device is implantable in a preload state. 
     
     
         33 . A method for delivering a treatment device according to  claim 28  into a ventricle of a living heart comprising: introducing a guidewire into said heart ventricle via a small incision; introducing the tube comprising said treatment device into said heart ventricle over said guidewire; distally advancing a portion of said device such that a first expandable element is released and changed into a deployed state, pressed against the wall said heart ventricle and attached thereto by its anchoring means; retracting said tube proximally such that a second expandable element is released and changed into a deployed state, pressed against the wall of said heart ventricle and become attached thereto by its anchoring means; and withdrawing said tube from said heart ventricle via said incision.