Independent system for tricuspid valve repair
A system for repairing a tricuspid valve and positioned at a distal end of a catheter having a proximal end and a distal end and a bore extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The system comprises an activation element extending along the bore, the activation element including a first push element and a first pull element; a second push element and a second pull element; a third push element and a third pull element; wherein the first push element, the second push element, and the third push element are independently slideable in relation to each other; a first lower jaw being pin connected to the first pull element; a second lower jaw being pin connected to the second pull element; a third lower jaw being pin connected to the third pull element.
1. A system for repairing a tricuspid valve in a patient's heart, the system being positioned at a distal end of a catheter having a proximal end and a distal end and a bore extending between the proximal end and the distal end, the system comprising:
an activation element, extending along the bore, the activation element comprising:
a first push element and a first pull element slideable in relation to the first push element, wherein the first push element and the first pull element define a ratcheting means for preventing distal movement of the first push element in relation to the first pull element;
a second push element and a second pull element slideable in relation to the second push element;
a third push element and a third pull element slideable in relation to the third push element;
wherein the first push element, the second push element, and the third push element are independently slideable in relation to each other;
a first lower jaw being pin connected to the first pull element;
a first strut being pin connected to the first push element and also being pin connected to the first jaw;
a second lower jaw being pin connected to the second pull element;
a second strut being pin connected to the second push element and also being pin connected to the second jaw;
a third lower jaw being pin connected to the third pull element;
a third strut being pin connected to the third push element and also being pin connected to the third jaw.
2. The system of claim 1 , further including an elastic annulus that surrounds the activation element and which is positioned to apply a radially inward force on the ratcheting means.
3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the first push element defines a discontinuity surface means shaped for permitting separation of adjacent portions of the first push element.
4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the first pull element defines a discontinuity surface means shaped for permitting separation of adjacent portions of the first pull element.
5. The system of claim 1 , further including a first upper jaw that is connected to the first pull element.
6. The system of claim 5 , wherein the upper jaw defines gripping elements.
7. The system of claim 5 , wherein the first upper jaw is connected to the first pull element by two pins that are spaced from each other.
8. The system of claim 5 , wherein the first upper jaw is configured to assume a compressed radius condition during delivery, and an expanded radius condition during deployment.