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 - 19 . (canceled) 
     
     
         20 . A method of modifying a length of at least one of the chordae extending from a mitral valve leaflet to a papillary muscle, comprising the steps of:
 delivering a first anchoring device to one of the chordae, wherein the first anchoring device comprises a wire segment and first and second anchor members spaced from each other along the wire segment;   attaching the first and second anchor members to the chordae; and   sliding at least one of the first and second anchor members along the chordae toward the other of the first and second anchor members, thereby changing the length of the chordae to which the anchoring device is attached.   
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein the first anchor member comprises a spring-loaded anchor, and wherein attaching the first anchor member to the chordae comprises delivering the first anchor member under tension and retracting a delivery sheath to expose the first anchor member such that the first anchor member springs shut onto the chordae. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the first anchor member further comprises barbs, and wherein the when the first anchor member springs shut onto the chordae, the barbs anchor into the chordae. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the second anchor member comprises a spring-loaded anchor, and wherein attaching the second anchor member to the chordae comprises delivering the second anchor member under tension and retracting a delivery sheath to expose the second anchor member such that the second anchor member springs shut onto the chordae. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 23 , wherein the second anchor member further comprises barbs, and wherein the when the second anchor member springs shut onto the chordae, the barbs anchor into the chordae. 
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein delivering the first anchoring device to the chordae comprises accessing a left ventricle area of a heart through an opening in an apex of the heart. 
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 20 , further comprising:
 delivering a second anchoring device to a second one of the chordae, wherein the second anchoring device comprises a second wire segment and third and fourth anchor members spaced from each other along the second wire segment;   attaching the third and fourth anchor members to the second chordae; and   sliding at least one of the third and fourth anchor members toward the other of the third and fourth anchor members, thereby changing the length of the second chordae to which the second anchoring device is attached.   
     
     
         27 . A chordae support device comprising:
 a first anchor member configured to be attached to a chordae extending from a mitral valve leaflet to a papillary muscle;   a second anchor member configured to be attached to the chordae spaced from the first anchor member; and   a wire segment disposed between the first and second anchor members,   wherein at least one of the first and second anchor members is configured to slide toward the other of the first and second anchor members to change the length of the chordae to which the chordae support device is attached.   
     
     
         28 . The chordae support device of  claim 27 , wherein the first anchor member comprises a spring-loaded anchor configured to be delivered under tension and exposed to spring shut onto the chordae. 
     
     
         29 . The chordae support device of  claim 28 , wherein the first anchor member further comprises barbs configured to anchor into the chordae when the first anchor springs shut onto the chordae. 
     
     
         30 . The chordae support device  claim 28 , wherein the second anchor member comprises a spring-loaded anchor configured to be delivered under tension and exposed to spring shut onto the chordae. 
     
     
         31 . The chordae support device  claim 23 , wherein the second anchor member further comprises barbs further comprises barbs configured to anchor into the chordae when the first anchor springs shut onto the chordae.