Shape memory devices and methods for reshaping heart anatomy
Systems, methods and devices are provided for treating heart failure patients suffering from various levels of heart dilation. Such heart dilation is treated by reshaping the heart anatomy with the use of shape memory elements. Such reshaping changes the geometry of portions of the heart, particularly the right or left ventricles, to increase contractibility of the ventricles thereby increasing the stroke volume which in turn increases the cardiac output of the heart. The shape memory elements have an original shape and at least one memory shape. The elements are implanted within the heart tissue or attached externally and/or internally to a surface of the heart when in the original shape. The elements are then activated to transition from the original shape to one of the at least one memory shapes. Transitioning of the elements cause the associated heart tissue areas to readjust position, such as to decrease the width of the ventricles. Such repositioning is maintained over time by the elements, allowing the damaging effects of heart dilation to slow in progression or reverse.
1. A method for reshaping the heart anatomy, comprising:
providing a shape memory element which is transitionable between an original shape and at least one memory shape, wherein the shape memory element comprises at least one shape memory metal or metal alloy capable of exhibiting a paramagnetic or ferromagnetic transition and wherein activating comprises applying a magnetic field to the metal or metal alloy;
implanting the shape memory element having its original shape at least partially within a tissue area of the heart anatomy; and
activating the shape memory element causing transition from its original shape to one of the at least one memory shapes while the element is at least partially implanted, wherein the transition causes the tissue area to move in a manner which reshapes the heart anatomy.