Method and devices for decreasing elevated pulmonary venous pressure

Abstract

The present invention relates to the implantation of one or more prosthetic valve(s) in the pulmonary vein(s) of a subject as a means of decreasing or preventing an increase in pulmonary venous pressure. The present invention accordingly provides for novel treatment strategies for the treatment of medical disorders associated with elevated pulmonary venous pressure, including congestive heart failure, as well as for prosthetic pulmonary vein valves and their delivery systems. Expandable as well as fixed-dimension non-expandable pulmonary vein prosthetic valves for implantation by a variety of surgical and percutaneous procedures are also described.

1 - 29 . (canceled)  
   
   
       30 . A pulmonary vein prosthetic valve device for implantation in a subject, the valve device comprising: 
 a flap-like portion;    an anchoring portion; and    a backstop portion hingedly attaching the flap-like portion to the anchoring portion to permit the flap-like portion to open and close in response to differential blood flow pressure and wherein the backstop portion prevents the flap-like portion from becoming lodged in the open position throughout the cardiac cycle.    
   
   
       31 . The valve device of  claim 30 , wherein the flap-like portion comprises rigid spines to stabilize the position of the flap-like portion.  
   
   
       32 . The valve device of  claim 30 , wherein the backstop portion is formed from a rigid material.  
   
   
       33 . The valve device of  claim 30 , wherein the backstop portion is configured as a ridge-like structure.  
   
   
       34 . The valve device of  claim 30 , wherein the anchoring portion comprises one or more eyelets for suturing the valve device to the atrial wall.  
   
   
       35 . The valve device of  claim 30 , wherein the anchoring portion attaches the valve device to the atrial wall.  
   
   
       36 . The valve device of  claim 35 , wherein the anchoring portion attaches the atrial wall by sutures, stapes, or glue.  
   
   
       37 . The valve device of  claim 30 , wherein the anchoring portion comprises a stent.  
   
   
       38 . The valve device of  claim 37 , wherein the stent is positioned substantially within the pulmonary vein.  
   
   
       39 . The valve device of  claim 37 , wherein the valve device is mounted on a delivery catheter.  
   
   
       40 . A pulmonary vein prosthetic valve device for implantation in a subject, the valve device comprising: 
 a stent; and    a stocking type portion, wherein the stocking type portion is a curved tubular structure fabricated from flexible material; and    wherein the stocking type portion opens and allows the flow of blood into the atrium when the pressure in the pulmonary vein exceeds that of the pressure in the atrium and the stocking type portion is pressed partially or completely closed when the pressure in the atrium exceeds that of the pressure in the pulmonary vein.    
   
   
       41 . The valve device of  claim 40  further comprising a rigid spine along the stocking type portion, wherein the rigid spine stabilizes the stocking type portion in either the open or closed positions.  
   
   
       42 . The valve device of  claim 40 , wherein the valve device is mounted on a delivery catheter.  
   
   
       43 . A pulmonary vein prosthetic valve device for implantation in a subject, the valve device comprising: 
 a stent;    a wind-sock portion fabricated from flexible material comprising a wide end and a narrow end, wherein the wide end is positioned closer to the atrium than the narrow end; and    wherein the blood flows past the wind-sock portion, collapsing it against the wall of the vein when the pressure in the pulmonary vein exceeds the pressure in the atrium and wherein the blood flows into the wind-sock portion when the pressure in the atrium is greater than that in the pulmonary vein.    
   
   
       44 . The valve of  claim 43 , wherein the stent comprises a rigid spine attaching the wind-sock portion to the stent.  
   
   
       45 . The valve device of  claim 43 , wherein the valve device is mounted on a delivery catheter.  
   
   
       46 . (canceled)