Heart valve repair devices and methods
Devices and methods for the repair of the functioning of heart valves are provided. A device may comprise a first section having a generally spiral shape and a second section connected to the first section. A method involves positioning the device such that chords associated with the heart valve are positioned within the path of the generally spiral shape of the first section and positioning the second section on an opposite side of the heart valve. The first section may be turned in a manner such that the chords move closer to the center of the first section. The first section draws the chords closer together, thereby pulling the valve leaflets closer together in order to facilitate their coaptation and proper closing.
1. A device for assisting the functioning of a heart valve comprising:
a first section comprising a winding having an inner end and an outer end and a generally spiral shape, the winding emanating from a center of the first section and moving away from the center of the first section as it winds around the center of the first section, the first section adapted to be positioned on a ventricular side of the heart valve such that chords associated with the heart valve are positioned within the path of the generally spiral shape of the first section, the inner end of the winding being located at the center of the first section;
a second section adapted to be positioned on an atrial side of the heart valve; and
a connector directly connected to the inner end of the winding at the center of the first section, extending from the center of the first section, and connecting the first section to the second section.
2. A device as in claim 1 , wherein the first section is substantially flat.
3. A device as in claim 1 , wherein the first section is substantially conical.
4. A device as in claim 1 , wherein the generally spiral shape of the first section is substantially circular.
5. A device as in claim 1 , wherein the generally spiral shape of the first section is substantially elliptical.
6. A device as in claim 1 , wherein the second section comprises a winding having a generally spiral shape, the winding of the second section emanating from a center of the second section and moving away from the center of the second section as it winds around the center of the second section.
7. A device as in claim 6 , wherein the second section is substantially flat.
8. A device as in claim 6 , wherein the second section is substantially conical.
9. A device as in claim 6 , wherein the generally spiral shape of the second section is substantially circular.
10. A device as in claim 6 , wherein the generally spiral shape of the second section is substantially elliptical.
11. A device as in claim 1 , wherein the connector is connected to the center of the second section.
12. A device as in claim 11 , wherein the connector is substantially straight.
13. A device as in claim 11 , wherein the connector is curved.
14. A device as in claim 1 , wherein the device, including the first section, comprises a wire, bundle of wires, strip, rod, tube or a combination thereof.
15. A device as in claim 14 , wherein the wire, bundle of wires, strip, rod or tube has a circular cross-section.
16. A device as in claim 14 , wherein the wire, bundle of wires, strip, rod or tube has an elliptical cross-section.
17. A device as in claim 14 , wherein the wire, bundle of wires, strip, rod or tube has a rectangular, square or other non-round cross-section.
18. A device as in claim 14 , wherein the wire, bundle of wires, strip, rod or tube has different cross-sections at different places along its length.
19. A device as in claim 14 , wherein at least one end of the wire, bundle of wires, strip, rod or tube is rounded.
20. A device as in claim 14 , wherein the wire, bundle of wires, strip, rod or tube has a groove in its outer surface.
21. A device as in claim 20 , wherein the groove in the outer surface of the wire, bundle of wires, strip, rod or tube extends around the perimeter of the wire, bundle of wires, strip, rod or tube.
22. A device as in claim 20 , wherein the groove in the outer surface of the wire, bundle of wires, strip, rod or tube extends in the direction of the length of the wire, bundle of wires, strip, rod or tube.
23. A device as in claim 20 , wherein the groove in the outer surface of the wire, bundle of wires, strip, rod or tube extends in a substantially helical path along the wire, bundle of wires, strip, rod or tube.
24. A device as in claim 14 , wherein the wire, bundle of wires, strip, rod or tube has one or more holes.
25. A device as in claim 14 , further comprising a coating on the wire, bundle of wires, strip, rod or tube.
26. A device as in claim 25 , wherein the coating is a drug-release coating.
27. A device as in claim 1 , wherein the device is comprised at least in part of a metallic material.
28. A device as in claim 1 , wherein the device is comprised at least in part of a shape memory metal material.
29. A device as in claim 1 , wherein the device is comprised at least in part of nitinol.
30. A device as in claim 1 , wherein the device is comprised at least in part of a plastic material.
31. A device as in claim 1 , wherein the device is comprised at least in part of a composite material.
32. A device as in claim 1 , wherein the device further comprises at least one anchoring element for anchoring the device to heart tissue.
33. A device as in claim 1 , wherein the device further comprises a sensor.
34. A device as in claim 33 , wherein the sensor is at least one of a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, or a velocity sensor.