PROSTHETIC VALVE IMPLANT SITE PREPARATION TECHNIQUES
Prosthetic valves implantation methods and systems, especially as related to preparing the native site of a native stenotic or incompetent aortic valve for receipt of a prosthetic replacement valve are described. The subject tools and associated site preparation techniques may be employed in percutaneous aortic valve replacement procedures.
1 . An apparatus for the modification of tissue in a patient, comprising:
an elongate shaft; and
a tissue modification device coupled with the elongate shaft, the tissue modification device configured to mechanically modify target tissue.
2 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the tissue modification device comprises:
a first rigid element; and
a second rigid element, wherein the first and second rigid elements are configured to transition between a first state, where the rigid elements are in spaced relation to each other, and a second state, where the rigid elements are biased towards each other.
3 . The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the first rigid element is configured to emit an electromagnetic field.
4 . The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the second rigid elements composed of a ferromagnetic material.
5 . The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the second rigid element is a magnet.
6 . The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein at least one of the first and second rigid elements is coupled to a deflectable arm member.
7 . The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein the first and second rigid elements are mechanically biased away from each other in the first state.
8 . The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein the first and second rigid elements are magnetically biased away from each other in the first state.
9 . The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the first rigid element comprises a textured feature on a surface opposing the second rigid element.
10 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the tissue modification device comprises at least one weight configured to rotate about the elongate shaft at a radial distance from the shaft.
11 . The apparatus of claim 10 , wherein the weight is a first weight, the radial distance is a first radial distance and the tissue modification device comprises a second weight located opposite the first weight, the second weight configured to rotate about the elongate shaft at a second radial distance from the shaft.
12 . The apparatus of claim 11 , wherein the first and second weights are each coupled to the elongate shaft by way of separate arm members.
13 . The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the arm members are coupled to a rotatable hub.
14 . The apparatus of claim 11 , wherein the first and second radial distance separating the first and second weights from the shaft is variable.
15 . The apparatus of claim 11 , wherein the tissue modification device further comprises an expandable sheath over the first and second weights.
16 . The apparatus of claim 15 , wherein the tissue modification device further comprises a textured surface on the expandable sheath.
17 . The apparatus of claim 15 , wherein the tissue modification device further comprises a reinforcement over the expandable sheath.
18 . The apparatus of claim 10 , wherein the tissue modification device further comprises an expandable sheath over the weight.
19 . The apparatus of claim 18 , wherein the tissue modification device further comprises a textured surface on the expandable sheath.
20 . The apparatus of claim 18 , wherein the tissue modification device further comprises a reinforcement over the expandable sheath.