Leaflet engagement elements and methods for use thereof
The present invention relates to apparatus for methods for endovascularly replacing a patient's heart valve. The apparatus includes an expandable anchor with leaflet engagement elements on the proximal end of the anchor and a replacement valve. The leaflet engagement elements can be used to prevent distal migration and insure proper positioning of the apparatus.
1. An apparatus for endovascularly replacing a patient's heart valve, the apparatus comprising:
a delivery device defining a lumen having a distal opening;
a replacement heart valve comprising an expandable anchor and a replacement valve enveloped within the lumen in a collapsed delivery configuration; and
an anchor actuation element reversibly coupled to a proximal end of the anchor and adapted to apply a distally-directed force on the proximal end of the anchor;
wherein the anchor and the replacement valve are adapted to permit blood flow through the replacement valve and to prevent blood backflow through the replacement valve after a distal terminal end of the expandable anchor is disposed distal of at least the distal opening of the lumen, and before a proximal end of the expandable anchor is disposed distal of the distal opening of the lumen.
2. An apparatus for endovascularly replacing a patient's heart valve, the apparatus comprising:
a delivery device defining a lumen;
a replacement heart valve comprising an expandable anchor and a replacement valve enveloped within the lumen in a collapsed delivery configuration; and
an anchor actuation element reversibly coupled to a proximal end of the anchor and adapted to apply a distally-directed force on the proximal end of the anchor;
wherein the anchor and the replacement valve are adapted to permit blood flow through the replacement valve and to prevent blood backflow through the replacement valve before a proximal end of the anchor exits the lumen.