Methods and devices for capturing and fixing leaflets in valve repair

Abstract

The present invention provides methods and devices for grasping, and optional repositioning and fixation of the valve leaflets to treat cardiac valve regurgitation, particularly mitral valve regurgitation. Such grasping will typically be atraumatic providing a number of benefits. For example, atraumatic grasping may allow repositioning of the devices relative to the leaflets and repositioning of the leaflets themselves without damage to the leaflets. However, in some cases it may be necessary or desired to include grasping which pierces or otherwise permanently affects the leaflets. In some of these cases, the grasping step includes fixation.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A capture device for fixation of leaflets of a cardiac valve comprising:
 at least one distal element adapted to be extended radially outward from a center of the capture device after the capture device is advanced to a location near the cardiac valve of the heart, the at least one distal element being configured to be atraumatically positioned against at least one leaflet of the cardiac valve; and   at least one proximal element held proximally upward by a suture in a tensioned condition, wherein the at least one proximal element has a bias configured to extend radially outward from the center of the capture device when the suture is slacked towards a slacked condition to enable capture of the at least one leaflet between the at least one proximal element and the at least one distal element.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one distal element includes a pair of distal elements, and the at least one proximal element includes a pair of proximal elements. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one distal element comprises a loop. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one distal element comprises a wire. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one distal element comprises a petal shape. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one proximal element is biased toward the at least one distal element. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein at least one proximal element comprises nitinol. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one proximal element comprises at least one friction accessory extending therefrom. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 8 , wherein the at least one friction accessory comprises at least one barb. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 8 , wherein the at least one friction accessory comprises a plurality of barbs.