Implantable Tissue Structure Modifiers and Methods for Using the Same

Abstract

Implantable tissue structure modification devices are provided. Aspects of the tissue structure modification devices include first and second tissue securers separated by a contraction region, wherein the device is configured to be implanted at a cardiac location and assume a first constrained length that is longer than a second relaxed length. Also provided are methods of using the devices for tissue structure modification, as well as delivery systems and kits that find use in the methods. The devices and methods of the invention find use in a variety of different applications, including valve (e.g., mitral valve) structure modification.

1 - 16 . (canceled) 
     
     
         17 . A method of modifying a tissue location in a subject, the method comprising:
 positioning an implantable tissue structure modification device in a first constrained configuration at the tissue location, wherein the device comprises first and second tissue securers separated by a contraction region, wherein the device is configured to be implanted at a cardiac location and assume a first constrained length that is longer than a second relaxed length; and   reducing constraining force from the device in a manner sufficient for the device to assume a second relaxed configuration to engage tissue and modify the tissue location.   
     
     
         18 . The method according to  claim 17 , wherein the device is positioned with a minimally invasive deployment device. 
     
     
         19 . The method according to  claim 18 , wherein the minimally invasive deployment device comprises a catheter. 
     
     
         20 . The method according to  claim 19 , wherein the catheter comprises a deployment wire that associates the implantable device to the deployment device in the first constrained configuration and the method comprises moving the deployment wire in a manner sufficient for the implantable device to dissociate from the deployment device and assume the second relaxed configuration. 
     
     
         21 - 26 . (canceled) 
     
     
         27 . The method according to  claim 17 , wherein the device comprises a superelastic material. 
     
     
         28 . The method according to  claim 17 , wherein the tissue securers are tines. 
     
     
         29 . The method according to  claim 17 , wherein the tissue securers are hooks. 
     
     
         30 . The method according to  claim 29 , wherein the hooks comprise barbs. 
     
     
         31 . The method according to  claim 17 , wherein the contraction region is structured to assume a linear constrained configuration and a curvilinear relaxed configuration. 
     
     
         32 . The method according to  claim 17 , wherein the device has an arced configuration when present in a relaxed state. 
     
     
         33 . The method according to  claim 17 , wherein the device has a second moment of inertia to assume a desired orientation during delivery and implantation. 
     
     
         34 . The method according to  claim 17 , wherein the device is configured to be associated in a constrained configuration with a minimally invasive deployment device. 
     
     
         35 . The method according to  claim 34 , wherein the device comprises a passageway. 
     
     
         36 . The method according to  claim 35 , wherein the passageway is associated with the tissue securer. 
     
     
         37 . The method according to  claim 17 , wherein the device comprises third and fourth tissue securers separated by the contraction region. 
     
     
         38 . The method according to  claim 37 , wherein the device comprises fifth and sixth tissue securers associated with the contraction region. 
     
     
         39 . The method according to  claim 17 , wherein the tissue location is a cardiac location. 
     
     
         40 . The method according to  claim 39 , wherein the cardiac location is a ventricle wall location. 
     
     
         41 . The method according to  claim 40 , wherein the ventricle wall location is a mitral valve ventricle wall location. 
     
     
         42 . The method according to  claim 17 , wherein the first constrained length is at least about 20% longer than the second relaxed length.