Device and Method for Modifying the Shape of a Body Organ
An intravascular support device includes a support or reshaper wire, a proximal anchor and a distal anchor. The support wire engages a vessel wall to change the shape of tissue adjacent the vessel in which the intravascular support is placed. The anchors and support wire are designed such that the vessel in which the support is placed remains open and can be accessed by other devices if necessary. The device provides a minimal metal surface area to blood flowing within the vessel to limit the creation of thrombosis. The anchors can be locked in place to secure the support within the vessel.
1 . An intravascular support comprising:
a proximal anchor that circumferentially engages a vessel wall in which the support is placed, the proximal anchor being disposed in a proximal anchor plane;
a distal anchor that circumferentially engages a vessel wall in which the support is placed, the distal anchor being in a distal anchor plane offset from the proximal anchor plane; and
a support member connected to and extending between the proximal and distal anchors.
2 . The intravascular support of claim 1 wherein the proximal anchor and the distal anchor each comprise a wire and a crimp connected to the wire.
3 . The intravascular support of claim 2 wherein the proximal anchor and the distal anchor each comprise a plurality of wires.
4 . The intravascular support of claim 3 wherein the crimp comprises a bore, the bore of the crimp having a non-circular shape adapted to accommodate and orient the wires.
5 . The intravascular support of claim 4 wherein the bore is substantially square.
6 . The intravascular support of claim 1 wherein the support member comprises a wire.
7 . The intravascular support of claim 1 wherein the distal anchor plane is offset from the proximal anchor plane by approximately 30 degrees.