Multiple anchoring-point tension system

Abstract

A valve-tensioning implant is provided that includes a first venous tissue anchor, a second atrial tissue anchor, and a third atrial tissue anchor. The first venous tissue anchor includes an intraluminal stent that is configured to be implanted in a vein selected from the group of veins consisting of: a superior vena cava, an inferior vena cava, and a coronary sinus. The second atrial tissue anchor includes (a) a tissue-coupling element and (b) a head, which is shaped so as to define an opening. The valve-tensioning implant further includes a tether, which (a) is connected to the first venous tissue anchor and the third atrial tissue anchor, and (b) passes and is moveable through the opening of the head. Other embodiments are also described.

1 - 305 . (canceled) 
     
     
         306 . A valve-tensioning implant comprising:
 a first venous tissue anchor, which comprises an intraluminal stent that is configured to be implanted in a vein selected from the group of veins consisting of: a superior vena cava, an inferior vena cava, and a coronary sinus;   a second atrial tissue anchor, which comprises (a) a tissue-coupling element and (b) a head, which is shaped so as to define an opening;   a third atrial tissue anchor; and   a tether, which (a) is connected to the first venous tissue anchor and the third atrial tissue anchor, and (b) passes and is moveable through the opening of the head.   
     
     
         307 . The valve-tensioning implant according to  claim 306 , wherein the head is rotatable with respect to the tissue-coupling element. 
     
     
         308 . The valve-tensioning implant according to  claim 306 , wherein the head comprises an interface, which (a) is shaped so as to define the opening and (b) is rotatable with respect to the tissue-coupling element. 
     
     
         309 . The valve-tensioning implant according to  claim 306 , wherein the head comprises a roller, which is rotatable with respect to the head, and around which the tether passes. 
     
     
         310 . The valve-tensioning implant according to  claim 306 , wherein the tissue-coupling element is configured to puncture atrial tissue. 
     
     
         311 . The valve-tensioning implant according to  claim 310 , wherein the tissue-coupling element is helical. 
     
     
         312 . The valve-tensioning implant according to  claim 306 , wherein the tissue-coupling element is a second-anchor tissue-coupling element, and wherein the third atrial tissue anchor comprises a third-anchor tissue-coupling element that is configured to puncture atrial tissue. 
     
     
         313 . The valve-tensioning implant according to  claim 312 , wherein the third-anchor tissue-coupling element is helical. 
     
     
         314 . The valve-tensioning implant of  claim 306 , wherein the tether a length, measured between the first venous tissue anchor and the third atrial tissue anchor, of at least 30 mm. 
     
     
         315 . A valve-tensioning system comprising the valve-tensioning implant according to  claim 306 , wherein the valve-tensioning system further comprises a delivery system, configured to deliver and enable implantation of the valve-tensioning implant, wherein the delivery system comprises at least one catheter shaft.