Post-operative adjustment tool, minimally invasive attachment apparatus, and adjustable tricuspid ring

Abstract

An implantable device system for controlling the dimensions of internal anatomic passages corrects physiologic dysfunctions resulting from a structural lumen which is either too large or too small. Implantable devices are disclosed which employ various mechanisms for adjusting and maintaining the size of an orifice to which they are attached. Systems permit the implants to be implanted using minimally invasive procedures and permit final adjustments to the dimensions of the implants after the resumption of normal flow of anatomic fluids in situ.

1 . A reversible annular implant device comprising:
 an annular implant having an upper compartment housing a flexible ring core and a lower compartment containing a series of retention barbs either integrally formed with or fixedly attached to the annular implant, wherein selected retention barbs further include a terminal hook for anchoring of the annular implant into the annular tissue; and   a movable retainer guide in communication with the lower compartment of the annular implant for controlling extension of the series of retention barbs.   
     
     
         2 . The reversible annular implant device of  claim 1 , wherein said lower compartment contains a retention barb housing which prevents the retention barb from engaging the annular tissue prior to deployment. 
     
     
         3 . The reversible annular implant device of  claim 1 , wherein the lower compartment comprises foam or a foam-like material through which the retention barbs extend to contact the annular tissue when deployed by the retaining guide. 
     
     
         4 . The reversible annular implant device of  claim 1 , wherein the exterior of the annular implant is fabricated of a biologically compatible material selected from the group consisting of Dacron, PTFE, malleable metals, other biologically compatible materials, and a combination of such biologically compatible materials in a molded, woven, and non-woven configuration. 
     
     
         5 . The reversible annular implant device of  claim 1 , wherein the annular implant comprises an annuloplasty ring device. 
     
     
         6 . A reversible annular implant device comprising:
 an annular implant having an upper compartment housing a flexible ring core and a lower compartment containing a series of retention barbs either integrally formed with or fixedly attached to the annular implant, wherein selected retention barbs further include a terminal hook for anchoring of the annular implant into the annular tissue; and   a movable retainer guide in communication with the lower compartment of the annular implant for controlling extension of the series of retention barbs;   wherein said lower compartment contains a retention barb housing which prevents the retention barb from engaging the annular tissue prior to deployment, the lower compartment comprising foam or a foam-like material through which the retention barbs extend to contact the annular tissue when deployed by the retainer guide.   
     
     
         7 . The reversible annular implant device of  claim 6 , wherein the exterior of the annular implant is fabricated of a biologically compatible material selected from the group consisting of Dacron, PTFE, malleable metals, other biologically compatible materials, and a combination of such biologically compatible materials in a molded, woven, and non-woven configuration. 
     
     
         8 . The reversible annular implant device of  claim 6 , wherein the annular implant comprises an annuloplasty ring device.