Heart Valve Repair Devices and Methods

Abstract

Devices and methods for the repair of the functioning of heart valves are provided. A device may comprise a first section having a generally spiral shape and a second section connected to the first section. A method involves positioning the device such that chords associated with the heart valve are positioned within the path of the generally spiral shape of the first section and positioning the second section on an opposite side of the heart valve. The first section may be turned in a manner such that the chords move closer to the center of the first section. The first section draws the chords closer together, thereby pulling the valve leaflets closer together in order to facilitate their coaptation and proper closing.

1 . A device for assisting the functioning of a heart valve comprising:
 a first section having a generally spiral shape adapted to be positioned on a ventricular side of the heart valve such that chords associated with the heart valve are positioned within the path of the generally spiral shape of the first section; and   a second section adapted to be positioned on an atrial side of the heart valve;   wherein the first section is connected to the second section.   
     
     
         2 .- 5 . (canceled) 
     
     
         6 . A device as in  claim 1 , wherein the second section has a generally spiral shape. 
     
     
         7 .- 10 . (canceled) 
     
     
         11 . A device as in  claim 1 , further comprising a connector connecting the first section to the second section. 
     
     
         12 .- 27 . (canceled) 
     
     
         28 . A device as in  claim 1 , wherein the device is comprised at least in part of a shape memory metal material. 
     
     
         29 .- 34 . (canceled) 
     
     
         35 . A method of repairing a heart valve comprising:
 delivering a heart valve assisting device to the area of the heart valve, the device comprising a first section having a generally spiral shape and a second section connected to the first section;   positioning the first section on a ventricular side of the heart valve such that chords associated with the heart valve are positioned within the path of the generally spiral shape of the first section; and   positioning the second section on an atrial side of the heart valve.   
     
     
         36 . A method as in  claim 35 , wherein the step of positioning the first section comprises turning the first section in a first direction such that the chords move closer to the center of the first section. 
     
     
         37 . A method as in  claim 36 , wherein the step of positioning the first section comprises positioning the first section such that chords associated with the anterior papillary muscle and chords associated with the posterior papillary muscle are positioned within the path of the generally spiral shape of the first section and wherein the turning of the first section in the first direction reduces a gap between chords associated with the anterior papillary muscle and chords associated with the posterior papillary muscle. 
     
     
         38 . A method as in  claim 36 , wherein the step of positioning the first section comprises, after turning the first section in a first direction, turning the first section in a second direction such that the chords move further from the center of the first section, to adjust the positioning of the chords in the device. 
     
     
         39 . A method as in  claim 35 , wherein the device, including the first section, is formed from a tube, and further comprising the step of inserting a stiffening element into the tube to increase the stiffness of the first section. 
     
     
         40 . A method as in  claim 35 , wherein the step of delivering the heart valve assisting device to the area of the heart valve comprises delivering the device using a femoral approach. 
     
     
         41 . A method as in  claim 35 , wherein the step of delivering the heart valve assisting device to the area of the heart valve comprises delivering the device using a transseptal approach. 
     
     
         42 . A method as in  claim 35 , wherein the step of delivering the heart valve assisting device to the area of the heart valve comprises delivering the device using a transapical approach. 
     
     
         43 . A method as in  claim 35 , wherein the step of delivering the heart valve assisting device to the area of the heart valve comprises using a delivery system including a catheter, and the step of positioning the first section of the device comprises using the delivery system to push the first section of the device from the catheter to the ventricular side of the heart valve. 
     
     
         44 . A method as in  claim 43 , wherein the step of positioning the first section of the device comprises, after pushing the first section of the device from the catheter, using the delivery system to pull the first section of the device adjacent the heart valve. 
     
     
         45 . A method as in  claim 35 , wherein the step of positioning the first section comprises using the delivery system to turn the first section in a first direction such that the chords move closer to the center of the first section. 
     
     
         46 . A method as in  claim 35 , further comprising the step of using a delivery system to grasp the device and to withdraw the device. 
     
     
         47 .- 50 . (canceled)