IP Library Granted Patent US 12,588,995
Granted Patent B2
US 12,588,995 · App. 17/356,955 · Granted Mar 31, 2026

Transvalvular intraanular band and chordae cutting for ischemic and dilated cardiomyopathy

Inventors: Valavanur A. Subramanian (New York, NY); Thomas Afzal (Menlo Park, CA); Gary Hulme (San Jose, CA); Jeffrey Christian (Morgan Hill, CA); Michael L. Reo (Redwood City, CA)
Assignee: Heart Repair Technologies, Inc.
A61F2/2445A61F2/2454A61F2/246A61F2/2466A61F2/2457
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 12,588,995
App. No.
17/356,955
Granted
Mar 31, 2026
Kind
B2
Abstract

Mitral valve prolapse and mitral regurgitation can be treating by implanting in the mitral annulus a transvalvular intraannular band. The band is positioned so that it extends transversely across a coaptive edge formed by the closure of the mitral valve leaflets, to inhibit prolapse into the left atrium. At least one marginal chordae is severed, to permit leaflet closure against the band.

Claims (38)

1 . A method, comprising:

providing a first tissue engaging element, wherein the first tissue engaging element is connected to a first filament,

advancing the first tissue engaging element into tissue of a valve annulus,

providing an intraannular implant dimensioned for attachment within the valve annulus, wherein the intraannular implant comprises a body having a first end, a second end, and a shaped central portion, wherein the body further comprises first and second anchoring portions, the first anchoring portion located proximate the first end, wherein the first anchoring portion comprises a first eye comprising a first opening, the second anchoring portion located proximate the second end, wherein the second anchoring portion comprises a second eye comprising a second opening;

positioning the intraannular implant such that the first filament extends through the first opening of the first anchoring portion;

attaching the intraannular implant within the valve annulus by advancing a second tissue engaging element into tissue of the valve annulus, wherein the intraannular implant is positioned such that the shaped central portion extends transversely across a coaptive edge formed by valve leaflets and the valve leaflets rest up against the intraannular implant; and

positioning at least one transverse element relative to the first tissue engaging element, wherein the at least one transverse element resists retraction of the first tissue engaging element through the first opening.

2 . The method as in claim 1 , further comprising positioning the first tissue engaging element and the second tissue engaging element for bilateral symmetry.

3 . The method as in claim 1 , wherein the intraannular implant is self-expandable.

4 . The method as in claim 1 , wherein the first tissue engaging element comprises hooks or barbs.

5 . The method as in claim 1 , wherein the valve annulus is a mitral valve annulus.

6 . The method as in claim 1 , wherein the second tissue engaging element is connected to a second filament, further comprising positioning the intraannular implant such that the second filament extends through the second opening of the second anchoring portion.

7 . The method as in claim 1 , wherein the first tissue engaging element is connected to a first end of the first filament.

8 . A method, comprising:

providing a first tissue engaging element, wherein the first tissue engaging element is connected to a first filament,

advancing the first tissue engaging element into tissue of a valve annulus,

providing an intraannular implant dimensioned for attachment within the valve annulus, wherein the intraannular implant comprises a body having a first end, a second end, and a shaped central portion, wherein the body further comprises first and second anchoring portions, the first anchoring portion located proximate the first end, wherein the first anchoring portion comprises a first eye comprising a first opening, the second anchoring portion located proximate the second end, wherein the second anchoring portion comprises a second eye comprising a second opening;

positioning the intraannular implant such that the first filament extends through the first opening of the first anchoring portion;

attaching the intraannular implant within the valve annulus by advancing a second tissue engaging element into tissue of the valve annulus, wherein the intraannular implant is positioned such that the shaped central portion extends transversely across a coaptive edge formed by valve leaflets and the valve leaflets rest up against the intraannular implant; and

passing the first tissue engaging element through the first opening.

9 . The method as in claim 8 , further comprising passing the second tissue engaging element through the second opening.

10 . The method as in claim 8 , wherein the first tissue engaging element comprises a transverse element.

11 . The method as in claim 8 , wherein the first tissue engaging element resists retraction.

12 . The method as in claim 8 , wherein the valve annulus is a mitral valve annulus.

13 . The method as in claim 8 , wherein the second tissue engaging element resists retraction.

14 . The method as in claim 8 , wherein the intraannular implant is self-expandable.

15 . The method as in claim 8 , wherein the first filament comprises a suture.

16 . The method as in claim 8 , further comprising positioning the first tissue engaging element and the second tissue engaging element for bilateral symmetry.

17 . A method, comprising:

providing a first tissue engaging element, wherein the first tissue engaging element is connected to a first filament,

advancing the first tissue engaging element into tissue of a valve annulus,

providing an intraannular implant dimensioned for attachment within the valve annulus, wherein the intraannular implant comprises a body having a first end, a second end, and a shaped central portion, wherein the body further comprises first and second anchoring portions, the first anchoring portion located proximate the first end, wherein the first anchoring portion comprises a first eye comprising a first opening, the second anchoring portion located proximate the second end, wherein the second anchoring portion comprises a second eye comprising a second opening;

positioning the intraannular implant such that the first filament extends through the first opening of the first anchoring portion;

attaching the intraannular implant within the valve annulus by advancing a second tissue engaging element into tissue of the valve annulus, wherein the intraannular implant is positioned such that the shaped central portion extends transversely across a coaptive edge formed by valve leaflets and the valve leaflets rest up against the intraannular implant; and

passing the first tissue engaging element through the first opening in a first direction but resisting retraction in a second, opposite direction.

18 . The method as in claim 17 , wherein the intraannular implant is self-expandable.

19 . The method as in claim 17 , wherein the valve annulus is a mitral valve annulus.

20 . The method as in claim 17 , further comprising positioning the first tissue engaging element and the second tissue engaging element for bilateral symmetry.

Assignments (2)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Sep 2, 2021
From: SUBRAMANIAN, VALAVANUR A.; AFZAL, THOMAS; HULME, GARY; CHRISTIAN, JEFFREY; REO, MICHAEL L.
To: CARDIOVASCULAR TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
Reel/Frame 057376/0726 →
CHANGE OF NAME Recorded Sep 2, 2021
From: CARDIOVASCULAR TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
To: HEART REPAIR TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
Reel/Frame 057435/0060 →
Continuity (7)
Continuation 16290195 · Mar 1, 2019
Continuation 15482650 · Apr 7, 2017
Continuation 14622611 · Feb 13, 2015
Continuation 13630197 · Sep 28, 2012
Continuation 12579331 · Oct 14, 2009
Continuation In Part 12104011 · Apr 16, 2008
Related Publication 20210386546A1 · Dec 16, 2021
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