SYNTHETIC CHORD FOR CARDIAC VALVE REPAIR APPLICATIONS
Synthetic chord devices and methods for using the same for connecting tissues are provided. Aspects of the synthetic chord devices include a first flexible connector having first and second ends. Located at the first end is an attachment element that includes a piercing member coupled to a securing member, wherein the securing member transitions from a linear to a planar configuration upon separation of the piercing member from the attachment element. A reinforcing element is located at the second end. The devices and methods of the invention find use in a variety of applications, such as cardiac valve, e.g., mitral valve repair; or tissue closure.
1 . A synthetic chord comprising:
(a) a first flexible connector comprising a first end and a second end;
(b) an attachment element comprising a tissue piercing member and a securing member located at the first end of the flexible connector, wherein the securing member transitions from a linear to a planar configuration upon separation of the tissue piercing member from the attachment element; and
(c) a reinforcing element located at a second end of the flexible connector.
2 . The synthetic chord device according to claim 1 , wherein the linear configuration is one that lacks a secondary structure and the planar configuration is one that has a secondary structure.
3 . The synthetic chord device according to claim 2 , wherein the secondary structure is a spiral configuration.
4 . The synthetic chord device according to claim 3 , wherein the spiral configuration has 1.5 turns.
5 . The synthetic chord device according to claim 3 , wherein the securing member includes a planar maintenance structure.
6 . The synthetic chord device according to claim 1 , wherein the linear configuration comprises the securing member having a longitudinal axis at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the flexible connector and the planar configuration comprises the securing member having a longitudinal axis at least substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the flexible connector.
7 . The synthetic chord device according to claim 6 , wherein the securing member is a bar.
8 . The synthetic chord device according to claim 1 , wherein the securing member comprises a shape memory material.
9 . The synthetic chord device according to claim 8 , wherein shape memory material is a metal alloy.
10 . The synthetic chord device according to claim 9 , wherein the metal alloy comprises a nickel alloy.
11 - 13 . (canceled)
14 . The synthetic chord device according to claim 1 , wherein the tissue piercing member comprises a needle.
15 . The synthetic chord device according to claim 1 , wherein the securing member and tissue piercing member of the attachment element are separated from each other by a second flexible connector.
16 . The synthetic chord device according to claim 1 , wherein the tissue piercing member and securing member are operably connected to each other by an interlocking member.
17 . The synthetic chord device according to claim 1 , wherein the reinforcing element is a pledget.
18 . The synthetic chord device according to claim 1 , reinforcing element is one that transitions from a first linear configuration is that lacks a secondary structure to a second planar configuration that has a secondary structure.
19 . The synthetic chord device according to claim 18 , wherein the secondary structure is a spiral configuration.
20 . The synthetic chord device according to claim 19 , wherein reinforcing element is one that transitions from a first linear configuration that comprises the reinforcing element having a longitudinal axis at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the flexible connector to a second planar configuration that comprises the reinforcing element having a longitudinal axis at least substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the flexible connector.
21 . The synthetic chord device according to claim 20 , wherein the securing member is a bar.
22 - 29 . (canceled)
30 . A method for connecting a first tissue to a second tissue, the method comprising:
(a) passing a tissue piercing member of a synthetic chord device through the first tissue, wherein the synthetic chord device comprises:
(i) a first flexible connector comprising a first end and a second end;
(ii) an attachment element comprising a tissue piercing member and a securing member located at the first end of the flexible connector, wherein the securing member transitions from a linear to a planar configuration upon separation of the tissue piercing member from the attachment element; and
(iii) a reinforcing element located at a second end of the flexible connector;
so that the reinforcing element contacts the first tissue;
(b) passing the tissue piercing member through the second tissue; and
(c) separating the tissue piercing member from the attachment element to transition the securing element to a planar configuration and connect the first tissue to the second tissue.
31 . A kit comprising:
a set of two or more synthetic chord devices, each device of said set comprising:
(a) a first flexible connector comprising a first end and a second end;
(b) an attachment element comprising a tissue piercing member and a securing member located at the first end of the flexible connector, wherein the securing member transitions from a linear to a planar configuration upon separation of the tissue piercing member from the attachment element; and
(c) a reinforcing element located at a second end of the flexible connector.
32 - 33 . (canceled)