Leaflet Valve

Abstract

A device and method for improving flow through a native blood vessel valve, such as the aortic valve, are provided. The present invention allows a miniature valve to be implanted into affected leaflets percutaneously, obviating the need for coronary bypass surgery. The method includes the cutting of small holes, on the order of 4 mm, in the leaflets of a targeted valve, thereby allowing blood to flow through the newly formed holes. The holes are used as attachment sites for the miniature valves of the present invention.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A fluid control valve, transluminally deliverable via a catheter to a target site in a patient, comprising:
 a deformable mesh housing structure including a radially expandable anchoring mechanism; and,   a flow control mechanism coupled to said deformable housing structure;   wherein said flow control mechanism comprises a sleeve having a distal end and a proximal end, said distal end coupled to said deformable housing structure;   wherein said distal end of said sleeve is coupled to an inside surface of said deformable housing structure.   
     
     
         2 . The fluid control valve of  claim 1  wherein said anchoring mechanism comprises a cuff. 
     
     
         3 . The fluid control valve of  claim 1  wherein said radially expandable anchoring mechanism includes a distal end that, when said fluid control valve is compressed into a catheter, comprises a distal end of the fluid control valve. 
     
     
         4 . The fluid control valve of  claim 1  wherein said proximal end extends proximally out of said deformable housing structure. 
     
     
         5 . The fluid control valve of  claim 1  wherein said anchoring mechanism comprises radially self-expanding legs. 
     
     
         6 . A system for transluminally delivering a replacement fluid control valve to a target site in a patient comprising:
 a delivery catheter;   a radially compressible and expandable mesh cuff having a compressed state allowing said cuff to be contained within said delivery catheter and an expanded state that anchors said cuff to a target site in a patient, the cuff having a distal end that expands by flaring outwardly as said cuff exits said delivery catheter;   a flow control mechanism having a sleeve and a plurality of valve members, said sleeve having a distal portion and a proximal portion, said distal portion operably coupled to and within said cuff.   
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 6  wherein said proximal portion of said flow control mechanism extends proximally out of said cuff. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 6  wherein said cuff has a proximal end that surrounds said distal portion of said sleeve. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 6  wherein said distal end of said cuff contacts tissue as it expands prior to a remaining portion of said cuff exiting said delivery catheter.