Apparatus and method to reshape geometry of diseased heart valve

Abstract

Devices and methods are disclosed for treating mitral valve regurgitation that include members that assist the valve in closing during the cardiac cycle. Such devices may include members configured to alter the shape of mitral valve annulus. In certain embodiments, one or more wires may be anchored on one extremity to an element positioned along the posterior part of the mitral annulus, in the coronary sinus, and on another extremity to an element along the anterior part of the mitral annulus, fibrous trigon. The reshaping of the mitral annulus may be accomplished by pulling the wire or wires. Reducing the length of the wire or wires may provide the displacement of the posterior leaflets towards the anterior, thereby increasing the coaptation surface for the valve leaflets and reducing the regurgitation.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A method of inserting an annuloplasty device, comprising:
 connecting a first holding element to one or more connecting elements;   placing the first holding element connected to the one or more connecting elements into the coronary sinus of the heart;   connecting the one or more connecting elements to a second holding element placed at the level of the mitro-aortic junction and fibrous trigon of a heart;   pulling at least one of the one or more connecting elements to increase mitral valve leaflets coaptation.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the step of connecting the one or more connecting elements to the second holding element comprises:
 piercing a coronary sinus of the heart with a first holding element connected to one or more connecting elements avoiding the circonflex artery of the heart;   extending the first connecting element across a valve area towards the fibrous trigon on the atrial side of the valve;   piercing the left ventricle outflow tract at the level of the fibrous trigon with the first connecting element;   pulling at least one of the one or more connecting elements to increase mitral valve leaflets coaptation;   and connecting the first connecting element to the second holding element.   
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein one of the one or more connecting elements is placed in the left ventricle outflow tract at the level of the fibrous trigon, below the aortic valve using endovascular techniques. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the one or more connecting elements changes its profile during a cardiac cycle to prevent mitral leaflet damage due to impingement of one or more mitral valve leaflets on the at least one connecting element during ventricular systole. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the one or more connecting elements changes its profile during a cardiac cycle and does not block blood flow from atrium to ventricle. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein a plurality of the one or more connecting elements are joined in situ to form a single connecting element.