Methods, systems and devices for cardiac valve repair
Disclosed are devices and methods for treating regurgitation through a valve in the heart. The devices can include an expandable, fluid-tight bladder configured to be deployed between valve leaflets of the heart valve. The bladder can include an upper portion that extends into the atrium of the heart; a lower portion that extends into the ventricle of the heart; and a middle portion positionable within the line of valve leaflet coaptation that provides a sealing surface for one or more of the leaflets.
1. A device for treating regurgitation through a gap in a valve in a heart, the heart having an atrium fluidically coupled to a ventricle by the valve, the valve including at least two leaflets which coapt along a line of coaptation, the device comprising:
a frame sized to fit within a heart chamber;
a pair of arms moveably coupled to the frame, the arms are structurally configured to move from a fluid flow-blocking position during a systole to a fluid flow-allowing position during a diastole in response to pressure changes occurring between the systole and the dystole;
an anchoring mechanism having a tether and an anchor positioned in a wall of the ventricle, wherein the tether interconnects the frame to the anchor; and
a compliant membrane covering the frame and at least a portion of the pair of arms,
wherein the frame further comprises a stationary portion coupled to a proximal portion of the pair of arms, wherein the stationary portion is positioned above the level of the annulus and wherein the stationary portion has a long axis oriented orthogonal to the line of coaptation.
2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the pair of arms are coupled to the frame by a hinge.
3. The device of claim 1 , wherein the tether connects to the frame at a lower surface of the stationary portion.
4. The device of claim 1 , wherein the long axis of the stationary portion has a length sufficient to contact an anterior and posterior annulus.
5. The device of claim 1 , wherein the device can be repositioned in the heart, redeployed in the heart and removed from the heart.