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  Self-molding annuloplasty ringUSPTO Application #: 20060184241Title: Self-molding annuloplasty ring Abstract: A resilient self molding annuloplasty ring which may be enlarged prior to implantation to facilitate implantation within a dilated or otherwise incompetent valve annulus having sufficient contractive force to render a valve competent. The self-molding annuloplasty ring may further comprise integral attachment devices to aid in the implantation process. The resilient self-molding annuloplasty ring may be stretched to an expanded diameter and attached to a heart valve annulus, then permitted to contract to reduce the diameter of the annulus. The ring may be positioned on an insertion device that maintains the ring in its expanded diameter while attaching to the annulus. (end of abstract)
Agent: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation - Irvine, CA, US Inventor: Salvador Marquez USPTO Applicaton #: 20060184241 - Class: 623002360 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Prosthesis (i.e., Artificial Body Members), Parts Thereof, Or Aids And Accessories Therefor, Heart Valve, Annuloplasty Device The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060184241. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] The present application is a continuation of Ser. No. 10/777,343, filed Feb. 12, 2004, entitled METHOD OF IMPLANTING A SELF-MOLDING ANNULOPLASTY RING, which is a continuation of Ser. No. 09/938,902, filed Aug. 24, 2001, entitled SELF-MOLDING ANNULOPLASTY RING, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,726,716, which applications are expressly incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The human heart is hollow muscular organ having four pumping chambers separated by four heart valves. The mitral and tricuspid valves, present at the left and right atrio-ventricular junctions, open and close in response to a pressure gradient during each cardiac cycle of relaxation and contraction to control the flow of blood to a particular region of the heart. [0003] These valves are comprised of a dense fibrous ring known as the annulus, leaflets or cusps attached to the annulus, and a complex of chordae tendineae and papillary muscles securing the leaflets. The size of the leaflets or cusps is such that when the heart contracts the resulting increased blood pressure formed within the ventricular cavity forces the leaflets towards the arterial cavity. As a result, the leaflets or cusps come in apposition to each other thereby closing the atrio-ventricular passage. [0004] Natural defects and heart disease are common causes of valvular dysfunction within the heart of a patient. One common example of valvular dysfunction occurs when the annulus becomes excessively dilated or the valve geometry results in ineffective valve closure, which results in regurgitation. Due to the increased diameter of the annulus, the leaflets or cusps fail to meet during systolic contraction, thereby resulting in the regurgitation of blood during ventricular contractions. As such, sufficient back pressure exists within the chambers of the heart capable of forcing some blood flow to traverse the atrio-ventricular junction from the ventricle to the atria. [0005] One manner of repairing this problem involves surgically implanting a prosthetic ring (i.e. "annuloplasty ring") about the dilated annulus, thereby restoring the annulus to the normal size and shape and allowing the valve leaflets to function normally. Commonly, a surgeon positions the annuloplasty ring near the valve annulus and sutures the device in place. [0006] One approach to correcting or remodeling the valve annulus has required the implantation of a rigid annuloplasty ring. Typically, an annuloplasty ring having the desired internal diameter is positioned near the heart valve and sutured in place. As a result, the diameter of the valve is reduced to the diameter of the annuloplasty ring. This procedure utilizing current annuloplasty rings has several shortcomings. For example, the tissue comprising the heart, particularly in the area of the heart valves, is flexible. The implantation of a rigid annuloplasty ring restricts the natural flexibility of this tissue, and may impact the heart's function. Also, the diameter of the dilated annulus is substantially larger than the annuloplasty ring, thereby making the implantation surgery unnecessarily time consuming. The surgeon is required to position the prosthesis near a portion of the tissue and suture the ring in place. Thereafter, the opposing tissue is forced to engage the ring and is attached to the annuloplasty ring with sutures. Consequently, the sutures may be under different stress loads, and could result in an increased risk of ring dehiscence. [0007] There is thus a need for a flexible annuloplasty prosthesis and implantation device that enables a surgeon to precisely position and apply an annuloplasty ring to the dilated valve annulus. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0008] The present invention solves the aforementioned problems in that the resilient annuloplasty ring of the present invention may be stretched to the diameter of the dilated valve annulus prior to implantation, thereby simplifying the implantation process. In addition, the contractive force of the resilient annuloplasty ring of the present invention may controllably reduce the diameter of an incompetent dilated valve annulus to more competent diameter. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the present invention is easy to manufacture and may be manufactured from a plurality of materials. [0009] The annuloplasty ring of the present invention comprises a resilient inner sizing member positioned within a flexible outer attachment sheath. The resilient inner sizing member applies a contractive force to the incompetent annulus tissue. The flexible outer attachment sheath permits the surgeon to attach the device to the annulus tissue in a plurality of manners including suturing and stapling. The annuloplasty ring of the present invention may be manufactured from a plurality of biologically compatible materials having sufficient resiliency to permit stretching during implantation and having sufficient contractive force to permit a reduction in the diameter of the incompetent valve annulus. [0010] An alternate embodiment of the present self molding annuloplasty ring comprises an resilient inner sizing member positioned within a flexible outer attachment sheath, the ring further having a plurality of attachment members positioned thereon. The attachment members may comprise a plurality of devices, including, without limitation, needles, barbs, or hooks. In addition, the attachment members may be manufactured from a biologically compatible material such as, without limitation, stainless steel, titanium, and Nitinol. [0011] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a self molding annuloplasty ring having a predetermined contracted diameter is disclosed. This embodiment comprises a resilient inner sizing member positioned within a series of individual support members. A flexible outer attachment sheath is positioned on the exterior of the support members. This embodiment permits the surgeon to predetermine the inner diameter of a repaired valve annulus, thereby rendering an incompetent valve competent. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the support members may be manufactured from a biologically compatible material such as, without limitation, plastic and elastomer. [0012] Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a consideration of the following description of the preferred embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0013] The apparatus of the present invention will be explained in more detail by way of the accompanying drawings, wherein: [0014] FIG. 1 shows a top sectional view of the mitral and tricuspid valves and valve annuli within a heart; [0015] FIG. 2A shows a side view of the annuloplasty ring of the present invention; [0016] FIG. 2B shows a top view of the annuloplasty ring of the present invention; [0017] FIG. 2C shows a cross sectional view of the annuloplasty ring of the present invention; [0018] FIG. 2D shows an alternate embodiment of the annuloplasty ring of the present invention having a support member positioned therein; [0019] FIG. 2E shows a perspective view of the annuloplasty ring of the present invention; [0020] FIG. 3A shows a top sectional view of the annuloplasty ring of the present invention positioned within the valve annulus of the mitral valve; Continue reading... Full patent description for Self-molding annuloplasty ring Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Self-molding annuloplasty ring patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Self-molding annuloplasty ring or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Annuloplasty chain Next Patent Application: Method and apparatus for percutaneous reduction of anterior-posterior diameter of mitral valve Industry Class: Prosthesis (i.e., artificial body members), parts thereof, or aids and accessories therefor ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Self-molding annuloplasty ring patent info. 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