DEVICE AND METHOD FOR RESHAPING MITRAL VALVE ANNULUS
Devices and methods for reshaping a mitral valve annulus are provided. One preferred device is configured for deployment in the right atrium and is shaped to apply a force along the atrial septum. The device causes the atrial septum to deform and push the anterior leaflet of the mitral valve in a posterior direction for reducing mitral valve regurgitation. Another preferred device is deployed in the left ventricular outflow tract at a location adjacent the aortic valve. The device is expandable for urging the anterior leaflet toward the posterior leaflet. Another preferred device comprises a tether configured to be attached to opposing regions of the mitral valve annulus.
1 . A method of improving mitral valve function, comprising:
providing an implant having a first expandable anchor, a second expandable anchor and a curved pusher member extending between the first and second anchors;
deploying the first expandable anchor in the superior vena cava;
deploying the second expandable anchor in the inferior vena cava; and
pushing the anterior leaflet of the mitral valve toward the posterior leaflet by applying a lateral force along the atrial septum with the pusher member;
wherein the lateral force is sufficient to improve the coaption of the mitral valve leaflets, thereby improving mitral valve function.
2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the first and second expandable anchors comprise first and second expandable stents.
3 . The method of claim 2 , wherein the first and second expandable stents are self-expandable.
4 . The method of claim 2 , wherein the first and second expandable stents are balloon expandable.
5 . A method of reducing regurgitation through a mitral valve, comprising:
advancing a pusher member into a right atrium of a heart via a catheter; and
manipulating the pusher member to apply a lateral force to an atrial septum for pushing the anterior leaflet of the mitral valve toward a posterior leaflet of the mitral valve, thereby improving coaption of the mitral valve leaflets.
6 . The method of claim 5 , wherein first and second expandable anchors are coupled to the pusher member.
7 . The method of claim 6 , wherein the first and second expandable anchors comprise first and second expandable stents.
8 . The method of claim 7 , wherein the first and second expandable stents are self-expandable.
9 . The method of claim 7 , wherein the first and second expandable stents are balloon expandable.
10 . The method of claim 6 , wherein the first expandable anchor is deployed in the superior vena cava.
11 . The method of claim 6 , wherein the second expandable anchor is deployed in the inferior vena cava.
12 . The method of claim 6 , wherein the pusher member bows outward away from the first and second expandable anchors with sufficient force to push a lower portion of the atrial septum toward the left atrium.