Method and apparatus for reshaping a ventricle

Abstract

Methods are provided for reshaping the left ventricle to a more conical shape to counter the effects of dilation, thereby improving pumping efficiency. In an exemplary embodiment, a reshaping apparatus comprises an implantable body that can be delivered to a dilated left ventricle via the patient's vasculature in a minimally-invasive procedure. When deployed inside the left ventricle, the implantable body applies a longitudinal (downward) force against the inner surface of the left ventricle, thereby causing the left ventricle to distend or elongate downwardly. The implantable body preferably includes an anchor which is deployed adjacent the mitral valve for maintaining the longitudinal force against the inner surface of the left ventricle.

I claim: 
     
         1 . An apparatus for altering a shape of a heart comprising:
 a tension member having first and second end portions;   a first anchor member connected to the first end portion of the tension member and comprising a plurality of radially self-expanding tissue engaging members that are configured to anchor themselves to tissue of an inner wall at a first location inside the heart; and   a second anchor member connected to the second end portion of the tension member and comprising a plurality of radially self-expanding tissue engaging members that are configured to anchor themselves to tissue of an inner wall at a second location inside the heart;   wherein when the tension member is placed in tension between the first and second anchor members, the inner walls are drawn toward each other to alter a shape of the heart.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the tension member comprises a suture line. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the anchor members are self-deploying. 
     
     
         4 . A method for reshaping a dilated ventricle of a patient comprising:
 positioning a tension member having first and second ends in the ventricle;   securing the first end of the tension member to a first inner wall of the ventricle and securing the second end of the tension member to a second inner wall of the ventricle; and   tensioning the tension member to draw the inner walls toward each other.   
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the tension member comprises a suture line. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the first and second ends of the tension member are secured to the inner walls with respective expandable anchor members. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein each anchor member comprises radially expandable prongs that grab the tissue of the inner walls to secure the ends of the tension member in place. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein:
 the tension member comprises a first tension member; and   the method further comprises securing the first end of a second tension member to the first inner wall, securing a second end of the second tension member to the second inner wall, tensioning the second tension member, and connecting the first and second tension members to each other at a location between the inner walls.