Cardiac Valve Downsizing Device And Method

Abstract

A device for repairing a heart valve comprises a medical device ( 10 ). The medical device ( 10 ) comprises an element in order to downsize the annulus upon insertion and allow the leaflets to open and close properly. The medical device ( 10 ) provides a temporary or permanent downsizing of the heart valve. An annuloplasty implant and/or heart valve prosthesis is in embodiments releasably attached to the medical device for insertion to the annulus and permanent fixation of the latter in a desired shape.

1 . A medical device configured for temporary placement in the sinus coronaries of the heart for a temporary downsizing effect in an annuloplasty procedure, comprising
 a downsizing element,   a temporary fixation element for facilitating a desired change of shape of said downsizing element, wherein said device is removable from the coronary sinus, and wherein said temporary fixation element is an inflatable balloon provided at a distal end of said device.   
     
     
         2 . Medical device according to  claim 1 , wherein said downsizing element comprises a plurality of segments moveable in relation to each other, and a tendon inserted along the plurality of segments, wherein the tendon is distally attached to a distal end portion of the downsizing element, such that the downsizing element decreases radially at least along a portion thereof upon pulling at a proximal portion of the tendon. 
     
     
         3 . Medical device according to  claim 1 , comprising electroactive elements provided in elongate elements insertable into the sinus coronaries. 
     
     
         4 . Medical device according to  claim 3 , wherein said electroactive elements have an increasable or decreasable bulk volume. 
     
     
         5 . Medical device according to  claim 3 , wherein said electroactive elements are polymeric elements. 
     
     
         6 . Medical device according to  claim 1 , comprising rotatable elements configured for changing the curvature of said downsizing element. 
     
     
         7 . Medical device according to  claim 1 , wherein said balloon is inflatable to provide a fixation point, and being subsequently deflatable and removable from the coronary sinus. 
     
     
         8 . Method for a temporary downsizing effect in annuloplasty procedure, comprising
 placing a downsizing element in the sinus coronaries of the heart,   inflating a balloon at a distal end of the downsizing element to provide a fixation point,   performing an annuloplasty procedure,   deflating the balloon, and   removing the downsizing element from the sinus coronaries.