Devices, systems and methods for repairing lumenal systems

Abstract

The disclosure provides systems and related methods for delivering a prosthesis to a target location. The system includes a tether delivery catheter and a prosthesis delivery catheter, and also can include a lock delivery catheter or knot pusher, as desired. Various embodiments of useful valve prostheses are also disclosed.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A lock deployment catheter having a proximal end and a distal end for delivering a deployable lock over a tether to an anatomical location, comprising:
 a) an outer tubular member having a proximal end, a distal end and an elongate tubular body defining a lumen therethrough;   b) an inner elongate member disposed in the lumen of the outer tubular member, the inner elongate member having a proximal end, a distal end and an elongate body;   c) a deployable lock disposed in a distal region of the lumen of the outer tubular member, the deployable lock being configured to be pushed distally out of the outer tubular member by displacing the inner elongate member distally with respect to the outer tubular member; and   d) an elongate removable snare having a proximal end and a distal end with a hook configured to capture a filament, the snare being routed along a path through the distal end of the lock deployment catheter, the lock and at least a portion of the outer tubular member, the snare being configured to capture a filament and pull the filament along the path and out of a proximal portion of the catheter.   
     
     
         2 . The lock deployment catheter of  claim 1 , further comprising an axial compressive limit spring for biasing the inner elongate member in a proximal direction with respect to the outer tubular member. 
     
     
         3 . The lock deployment catheter of  claim 2 , wherein the inner elongate member includes a first handle disposed at the proximal end thereof and further wherein the outer tubular member includes a second handle disposed at the proximal end thereof, wherein the limit spring is compressed and the lock is released when the handles are pushed together along a longitudinal axis of the catheter. 
     
     
         4 . The lock deployment catheter of  claim 1 , further comprising a lock housing disposed in the distal region of the outer tubular member, the lock housing being configured to selectively receive the deployable lock. 
     
     
         5 . The lock deployment catheter of  claim 1 , wherein the lock includes a body with a first bore defined therein that is parallel to the lumen of the outer tubular member for receiving the snare therethrough and a second bore oriented obliquely with respect to the first bore for receiving a spring loaded retainer, the spring loaded retainer being in a first compressed state when the deployable lock is disposed in the outer tubular member, wherein the spring loaded retainer expands out of the second bore when the lock is urged distally outwardly of the catheter. 
     
     
         6 . The lock deployment catheter of  claim 5 , wherein the lock urges against the snare prior to pulling the filament through the catheter. 
     
     
         7 . The lock deployment catheter of  claim 6 , wherein the path passes through an orifice formed in the spring loaded retainer.