Pericardial reinforcement device

Abstract

The following relates to catheter-based devices, systems, and methods for minimally-invasively delivering an inflatable pericardial support into the pericardial space of a mammalian myocardium. The devices and systems include extending and positioning plural support members through a catheter into the pericardial space and then positioning the inflatable member on the epicardial surface of the myocardium. Once positioned, fluid can be delivered to the inflatable member to provide a confining pressure to the myocardium.

1 . A cardiac treatment device comprising:
 a support element that can be positioned in a pericardial space for placement about a pericardial surface of a mammalian myocardium; and   an inflatable member that moves relative to the support element from a first position to a deployed position.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the support element includes an actuating member about which a actuator can be used to position the inflatable member. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1  wherein a plurality of support elements include a coupler along which the inflatable member can be forcibly advanced by pushing or pulling. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the device further comprises a fluid infusion port for filling the inflatable member with a fluid. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the device further comprises a pouch in fluid communication with the inflatable member through a channel for adjusting fluid pressure in the inflatable member. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the inflatable member comprises separate sections attached to adjacent support members. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the inflatable member has separately inflatable sections such that different confining pressures can be applied to different portions of an epicardial surface. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 8  further comprising a sensor that measures fluid pressure in the inflatable member. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1  further comprising a plurality of sensors attached to the inflatable member. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 1  further comprising one or more conductive elements attached to a surface of the inflatable member. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 10  further comprising a controller electrically connected to the one or more conductive elements. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 11  wherein the controller generates pacing signals delivered to myocardial tissue with the one or more conductive elements. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 1  further comprising a peripheral cavity such that the inflatable member is positioned between the cavity and a surface of the myocardium. 
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 13  wherein the peripheral cavity extends entirely around a circumference of the myocardium. 
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the first position comprises a folded configuration. 
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 15  wherein the folded configuration comprises a plurality of folds extending circumferally about an axis. 
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 13  further comprising a port in fluid communication with the peripheral cavity such that a material can be inserted into the cavity to form a rigid outer wall. 
     
     
         18 . The device of  claim 2  wherein the actuating member comprises one or more rods that are coupled to the support element and to a distal end of the inflatable member. 
     
     
         19 . The device of  claim 2  wherein the actuating member is releasable from the support element and the inflatable member. 
     
     
         20 . The device of  claim 7  wherein the separately inflatable sections have separate fluid ports. 
     
     
         21 - 77 . (canceled)