Prosthetic leaflet assembly for repairing a defective cardiac valve and methods of using the same

Abstract

Methods and apparatus are provided for repairing or replacing a defective cardiac valve including a prosthetic leaflet assembly having an expandable frame with one or more anchors configured to engage a predetermined region of the defective cardiac valve in an expanded deployed state, and at least one prosthetic leaflet coupled to the expandable frame. The prosthetic leaflet assembly is configured such that the prosthetic leaflet is suspended within a flow path of the defective cardiac valve and coapts with, and improves functioning of, one or more native leaflets of the defective cardiac valve.

1 - 19 . (canceled) 
     
     
         20 . A catheter for delivering a prosthetic leaflet assembly at a defective cardiac valve, the catheter comprising:
 a tube having a distal end, a proximal end, and an internal lumen extending between the distal and proximal ends;   a stylet disposed within the internal lumen, the stylet having an end cap disposed at a distal end of the stylet; and   a suture disposed within the internal lumen, the suture engaging the prosthetic leaflet assembly when the prosthetic leaflet assembly is disposed within the internal lumen in a contracted delivery state,   wherein the end cap contacts the distal end of the tube in the contracted delivery state.   
     
     
         21 . The catheter of  claim 20 , further comprising a suture tube disposed within the internal lumen, the suture tube having a distal end, a proximal end, and an internal lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends of the suture tube,
 wherein the suture is disposed within the internal lumen of the suture tube.   
     
     
         22 . The catheter of  claim 20 , further comprising a locking member disposed at the proximal end of the tube, the locking member configured to lock the suture in place. 
     
     
         23 . The catheter of  claim 20 , wherein the catheter is configured to deliver the prosthetic leaflet assembly transvascularly using a minimally invasive approach. 
     
     
         24 . The catheter of  claim 20 , wherein the catheter is configured to deliver the prosthetic leaflet assembly transapically. 
     
     
         25 . The catheter of  claim 20 , wherein the catheter is adapted to deliver the prosthetic leaflet assembly to one of a mitral valve, a tricuspid valve, an aortic valve, or a pulmonary valve.