Synthetic Chord

Abstract

Synthetic chord devices and methods for using the same for connecting tissues are provided. Aspects of the synthetic chord device include a flexible cord having an attachment element at both a first and a second end, wherein each attachment element includes a piercing member coupled to a securing member that attaches the flexible cord to a first tissue. At least a portion of the flexible cord can be configured to be secured to a second tissue. Aspects of the invention also include sets of the synthetic chord device with pre-measured flexible cords. The devices and methods of the invention find use in a variety of applications, such as in applications in which it is desired to repair a heart valve.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A kit comprising:
 a synthetic chord device comprising a premeasured flexible cord; and   packaging.   
     
     
         2 . The kit according to  claim 1 , wherein the synthetic chord device comprises two premeasured flexible cords. 
     
     
         3 . The kit according to  claim 1 , wherein the kit comprises a set of two or more synthetic chord devices. 
     
     
         4 . The kit according to  claim 3 , wherein the set comprises 3 to 5 synthetic chord devices. 
     
     
         5 . The kit according to  claim 3 , wherein the set comprises at least two synthetic chord devices having flexible cords of different lengths. 
     
     
         6 . The kit according to  claim 3 , wherein the set comprises at least two synthetic chord devices having flexible cords of the same length. 
     
     
         7 . The kit according to  claim 1 , wherein the premeasured flexible cord has a length ranging from 8 to 60 mm. 
     
     
         8 . The kit according to  claim 7 , wherein the premeasured flexible cord has a length ranging from 16 to 48 mm. 
     
     
         9 . The kit according to  claim 1 , wherein the synthetic chord device is color coded. 
     
     
         10 . The kit according to  claim 1 , wherein the kit comprises a measuring tool. 
     
     
         11 . A kit comprising:
 a set of two or more synthetic chord devices each comprising a premeasured flexible cord having a tissue piercing member at one end; and   packaging.   
     
     
         12 . The kit according to  claim 11 , wherein each of the synthetic chord devices comprise two premeasured flexible cords. 
     
     
         13 . The kit according to  claim 11 , wherein the set comprises 3 to 5 synthetic chord devices. 
     
     
         14 . The kit according to  claim 11 , wherein the set comprises at least two synthetic chord devices having flexible cords of different lengths. 
     
     
         15 . The kit according to  claim 11 , wherein the set comprises at least two synthetic chord devices having flexible cords of the same length. 
     
     
         16 . The kit according to  claim 11 , wherein the premeasured flexible cord has a length ranging from 8 to 60 mm. 
     
     
         17 . The kit according to  claim 16 , wherein the premeasured flexible cord has a length ranging from 16 to 48 mm. 
     
     
         18 . The kit according to  claim 11 , wherein the synthetic chord devices are color coded. 
     
     
         19 . The kit according to  claim 11 , wherein the synthetic chord devices comprise a pledget. 
     
     
         20 . The kit according to  claim 11 , wherein the kit comprises a measuring tool.