Synthetic chord
Synthetic chord devices and methods for using the same for connecting tissues are provided. Aspects of the synthetic chord device include a flexible cord having an attachment element at both a first and a second end, wherein each attachment element includes a piercing member coupled to a securing member that attaches the flexible cord to a first tissue. At least a portion of the flexible cord can be configured to be secured to a second tissue. Aspects of the invention also include sets of the synthetic chord device with pre-measured flexible cords. The devices and methods of the invention find use in a variety of applications, such as in is applications in which it is desired to repair a heart valve.
1. A method for connecting a first tissue to a second tissue, the method comprising:
(a) providing a synthetic chord device comprising:
(i) a flexible cord;
(ii) an attachment element comprising a tissue piercing member and a securing member separated from each other by a flexible member, wherein the tissue piercing member is a needle and the securing member is a self-closing fastener comprising a shape memory material; and
(iii) a reinforcing element that is a pledget;
(b) passing the tissue piercing member through the second tissue in a manner sufficient to contact to the reinforcing element to the second tissue;
(c) passing the tissue piercing member through the first tissue; and
(d) deploying the securing element to connect the first tissue to the second tissue.
2. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising:
(a) determining a desired length of the flexible cord by measuring a desired distance between the first tissue and the second tissue; and
(b) selecting a synthetic chord device having a flexible cord with the desired length from a set of two or more synthetic chord devices.
3. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the shape memory material comprises a nickel alloy.
4. The method according to claim 3 , wherein the nickel alloy comprises a nickel-titanium alloy.
5. The method according to claim 3 , wherein the nickel alloy comprises a nickel-cobalt alloy.
6. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the flexible cord comprises expanded PTFE.
7. The method according to claim 1 , wherein said flexible cord has a length ranging from 8 mm to 60 mm.
8. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the first tissue is a cardiac valve leaflet and the second tissue is a papillary muscle.