Methods, systems and devices for cardiac valve repair

Abstract

Disclosed are methods, systems, and devices for the endovascular repair of cardiac valves, particularly the atrioventricular valves which inhibit back flow of blood from a heart ventricle during contraction. The procedures described herein can be performed with interventional tools, guides and supporting catheters and other equipment introduced to the heart chambers from the patient's arterial or venous vasculature remote from the heart. The interventional tools and other equipment may be introduced percutaneously or may be introduced via a surgical cut down, and then advanced from the remote access site through the vasculature until they reach the heart.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A chordal replacement device comprising:
 a proximal anchor comprising:
 a flexible patch; and 
 a leaflet attachment device, 
 wherein the flexible patch is affixed to an upper surface of a portion of a flailing leaflet with the leaflet attachment device; 
   a distal anchor extending in a ventricle; and   a flexible tether coupled to and tensioned between the proximal and distal anchors.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the proximal anchor further comprises a mesh stent deployable within an atrium. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the mesh stent is coupled to a flexible rod that extends through a valve commissure into the ventricle. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein a distal end of the flexible rod couples to the distal anchor and provides consistent tension on the tether during a heart cycle. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein the flexible rod has a deflectable, spring-formed shape. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein the flexible rod is jointed. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the distal anchor comprises a balloon and wherein infusion of fluid into the balloon increases tension on the tether.