Prosthetic heart valve devices and methods of valve repair

Abstract

A mechanism for adjusting the chordae connecting the leaflets of a mitral valve to the papillary muscles in order to restore normal functioning of the mitral valve. The devices or mechanisms can correct problems associated with both prolapsed leaflets and restricted leaflets to allow the leaflets to properly coapt, thereby preventing or minimizing regurgitation. In accordance with the invention, the mechanisms or devices used for adjusting the chordae can be delivered and implanted in a minimally invasive and/or percutaneous manner, such as via transapical methods, transfermoral methods, or trans-septal methods.

1 - 7 . (canceled) 
     
     
         8 . A chordae support device for repairing the native chordae of a heart valve, the device comprising:
 an elongated member having first and second ends;   a first anchor extending from the first end of the elongated member, the first anchor comprising a delivery configuration and a deployed configuration, wherein the first anchor comprises a coiled wire segment, wherein the delivery configuration is a straightened configuration of the coiled wire segment and the deployed configuration is a coiled configuration of the coiled wire segment; and   a second anchor spaced from the first anchor and slidably movable along the elongated member relative to the first anchor,   wherein the first anchor is configured to engage the heart valve, wherein the second anchor is configured to engage a papillary muscle or a wall of a heart, and wherein a length of the elongated member between the first anchor and the second anchor following tissue engagement is adjustable.   
     
     
         9 . (canceled) 
     
     
         10 . The chordae support device of  claim 8 , wherein the first anchor comprises a sharp distal end. 
     
     
         11 . The chordae support device of  claim 8 , wherein the first anchor further comprises a load distribution plate extending from a portion of the coiled wire segment along its length. 
     
     
         12 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . The chordae support device of  claim 11 , wherein the coiled wire segment and load distribution plate are configured to engage opposite sides of a heart valve leaflet. 
     
     
         22 . The chordae support device of  claim 8 , wherein application of an external straightening force straightens the coiled wire segment into the delivery configuration. 
     
     
         23 . The chordae support device of  claim 22 , wherein the coiled wire segment returns to the coiled configuration upon removal of the external straightening force. 
     
     
         24 . The chordae support device of  claim 8 , wherein the first anchor comprises a shape memory material. 
     
     
         25 . The chordae support device of  claim 8 , wherein the second anchor comprises a ratcheting mechanism. 
     
     
         26 . The chordae support device of  claim 8 , wherein the elongated member comprises a wire. 
     
     
         27 . The chordae support device of  claim 8 , wherein the second anchor is slidably movable relative to the first anchor in only one direction such that the length of the elongated member between the first anchor and the second anchor following tissue engagement is adjustable in only one direction. 
     
     
         28 . A chordae support device for repairing the native chordae of a heart valve, the device comprising:
 an elongated member having first and second ends;   a first anchor extending from the first end of the elongated member, the first anchor comprising a delivery configuration and a deployed configuration, wherein the delivery configuration is a straightened configuration and the deployed configuration is a coiled configuration; and   a second anchor spaced from the first anchor and slidably movable along the elongated member relative to the first anchor,   wherein the first anchor is configured to engage the heart valve, wherein the second anchor is configured to engage a papillary muscle or a wall of a heart, and wherein a length of the elongated member between the first anchor and the second anchor following tissue engagement is adjustable.   
     
     
         29 . The chordae support device of  claim 28 , wherein the second anchor is slidably movable relative to the first anchor in only one direction such that the length of the elongated member between the first anchor and the second anchor following tissue engagement is adjustable in only one direction.