Systems and Methods For Placement of Valve Prosthesis System
Valve prosthesis systems and methods/systems for placement of such valve prostheses are provided that facilitate efficient, reliable and minimally invasive delivery modalities. The placement systems and methods permit remote manipulation and positioning of the valve prosthesis such that desirable placement relative to anatomical structures, e.g., the heart annulus, may be achieved. The valve prosthesis includes a resilient ring, a plurality of leaflet membranes mounted with respect to the resilient ring, and a plurality of positioning elements movably mounted with respect to the flexible ring. The delivery system includes a first elongate element that terminates at the valve prosthesis and is manipulable by an operator to remotely rotate the positioning elements relative to the flexible ring. A second elongate element terminates at the valve prosthesis and is manipulable by an operator to remotely advance the valve prosthesis downward into an anatomical annulus. The second elongate element may be manipulated to remotely advance the valve prosthesis into the anatomical annulus to assume a position for supporting post-implantation function of the valve prosthesis in situ. The first elongate element may be further manipulated to remotely rotate the positioning element relative to the flexible ring to cause the positioning element to engage tissue associated with the anatomical annulus and to thereby maintain the post-implantation position of the valve prosthesis in situ. Methods for valve prosthesis deployment are also provided.
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The present application claims the benefit of co-pending provisional patent application entitled “Valve Prosthesis System” that was filed on Feb. 23, 2007 and assigned Ser. No. 60/902,988. The entire contents of the foregoing provisional application are incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND1. Technical Field
The present disclosure is directed to advantageous valve prosthesis systems and associated methods/systems for placement of a heart valve prosthesis and, more particularly, to deployment systems and methods for placement of a mitral valve prosthesis relative to a heart annulus.
2. Background Art
Heart valve regurgitation occurs when the heart valve does not close completely as a result of disease or injury. Mitral regurgitation due to ischemic and degenerative (prolapse) disease has been shown to contribute to left ventricular dilation and dysfunction due to remodeling, and is associated with increased rates of cardiac events and death. Currently, malfunctioning heart valves may be replaced with biologic or mechanical prostheses through open-heart surgery with the attendant significant risk of death, stroke, infection, bleeding, and complications due to the use of general anesthesia and cardiopulmonary bypass.
Based on the success of percutaneous balloon valvuplasty for mitral stenosis, investigators have explored other alternative methods to treat valvular heart disease without surgery. For example, Cribier et al. describe a balloon-expandable stent to which a biologic valve prosthesis is sewn. (See, “Percutaneous Transcatheter Implantation of an Aortic Valve Prosthesis for Calcific Aortic Stenosis,” Circulation, Dec. 10, 2002, pages 3006-3008.) The Cribier device is utilized to treat calcific aortic stenosis. Bonhoeffer et al. describe a similar stent approach with a bovine venous jugular) valve inserted to treat pulmonic valve disease. (See, “Percutaneous Insertion of the Pulmonary Valve,” Journal of the American College of Cardiology, Vol. 39, No. 10, May 15, 2002, pages 1664-1669.) Others are developing repair techniques for mitral valve disease that involve placing a clip on the mitral leaflets (U.S. Pat. No. 6,629,534), cinching the mitral annulus from the coronary sinus (U.S. Pat. No. 6,537,314), or deploying an inflatable heart valve that is mechanically held in place (U.S. Pat. No. 5,554,185).
Norred (U.S. Pat. No. 6,482,228) discloses a percutaneous aortic valve replacement in which a heart valve prosthesis having ribs and a circular elastomeric canopy is folded for insertion into a catheter for delivery to the implantation region without surgery. Once in the ascending aorta, the body and leaflets of the heart valve prosthesis are opened like an umbrella by pulling on a central column of suture-like members. Hinge joints are used to create a miniature umbrella. However, the aortic valve prosthesis is anchored using a stent system that is extended in the ascending aorta to anchor the valve in the aortic channel above the biologic aortic valve. The suture-like members used to open the umbrella structure are deployed as part of the stent system. Such a design is not amenable to placement of the heart valve prosthesis at the location of the biologic valve.
Other stented heart valve prostheses are described in the art in which the anchoring system is a passive one that requires either balloon expandable stents or a self-expanding stent design. For example, such stented designs are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,454,799, US 2002/0138138, U.S. Pat. No. 6,582,462, U.S. Pat. No. 6,458,153, U.S. Pat. No. 6,425,916, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,855,601. It will be appreciated that once these stented heart valve prostheses are deployed, they cannot be repositioned, refolded, or easily removed. Furthermore, the rigidity of the stent as it is deployed in calcified positions may allow for regurgitation around the outside of the stent, as has been seen in the early aortic valve deployments which utilize this design. It is also difficult to position these designs as one has to inflate a balloon in a moving column of blood while the heart is beating and one only gets one chance to accurately deploy it.
An additional difficulty occurs when deploying a stented heart valve in an annulus that is not thickened by calcium. The stent design lends itself slightly better to the aortic position where the height of the annulus has been increased and the width thickened by the presence of calcium in calcific aortic stenosis. However, when calcium is not present, as in other causes of aortic valve disease and in the mitral position, the stent may be difficult to anchor on the relatively thin annulus. Furthermore, the nature by which the stent folds on a balloon and then expands with plastic deformability limits the ratio of its initial to final size such that it will, by necessity, have a fairly large profile making percutaneous insertion via catheter more difficult in a valve annulus with a large diameter that has not been reduced by calcium deposition.
Herrmann et al. (US 2007/0016286) disclose a percutaneously inserted bistable heart valve prosthesis that may be folded inside a catheter for delivery to the patient's heart for implantation. The heart valve has an elastic annular ring, a body member having a plurality of legs, each leg connecting at one end to the annular ring, claws that are adjustable from a first position to a second position by application of external force so as to allow ingress of surrounding heart tissue into the claws in the second position, and leaflet membranes connected to the annular ring, the body member and/or the legs. The disclosed leaflet membranes having a first position for blocking blood flow therethrough and a second position for allowing blood flow therethrough. The heart valve is designed such that upon removal of the external force, the claws elastically revert to the first position so as to grip the heart tissue positioned within the claws, thereby holding the heart valve in place. The body member and claws may be integrated into a one-piece design. The heart valve so designed may be used as a prosthesis for the mitral valve, aortic valve, pulmonary valve, or tricuspid valve by adapting the annular ring to fit in a respective mitral, aortic, pulmonary, or tricuspid valve opening of the heart.
Machold et al. (US 2004/0127982) disclose an implant that is sized and configured to attach to the annulus of a dysfunctional heart valve. In use, the implant extends across the major axis of the annulus above and/or along the valve annulus. The implant reshapes the major axis dimension and/or other surrounding anatomic structures and is intended to restore a more functional anatomic shape and tension. Machold et al. contemplate a pair of struts that are joined by a rail and that carry other structures to enhance the anchorage and stabilization of the implant in the heart valve annulus. The anchoring mechanisms may be located below the plane of the annulus to engage infra-annular heart tissue adjoining the annulus in the ventricle and/or may be located at or above the plane of the annulus, to engage tissue on the annulus or in the atrium. Machold et al. further disclose that the struts may be used to simply locate the implant in the valve, imparting little or no force on their own. In this arrangement, the annulus reshaping forces of the Machold design emanate from the rail(s) above the commissures.
Under image guidance, the Machold et al. strut on the leading end of the implant is freed from a sheath and seated retrograde in the posterior commissure of the valve annulus. Anchoring structures or mechanisms associated with the strut are also placed into contact with adjoining tissue below and/or above the plane of the annulus. As shown in
Despite efforts to date, a need remains for an improved heart valve prosthesis design that allows a low profile for insertion via a catheter but, in the absence of a balloon or stent, transforms to a large profile once deployed. A heart valve prosthesis design is also desired that can be deployed, folded, removed, and then redeployed so as to increase the safety as well as the preciseness of prosthesis deployment. Still further, a need remains for heart valve prosthesis design(s) that may be effectively aligned and/or oriented relative to the heart and, most desirably, is substantially self-aligning and/or self-orienting with respect thereto. Reliable and effective deployment systems and methods for such advantageous heart valve prostheses are also needed.
These and other needs are addressed by the disclosed prosthesis designs and deployment systems/methodologies, as will be apparent from the detailed description which follows.
SUMMARYValve prosthesis systems and methods/systems for placement of such valve prostheses are disclosed herein. Exemplary deployment systems and methods for placement of a mitral valve prosthesis relative to a heart annulus are disclosed that facilitate efficient, reliable and minimally invasive delivery modalities. The disclosed systems and methods permit remote manipulation and positioning of the valve prosthesis such that desirable placement relative to anatomical structures, e.g., the heart annulus, may be achieved.
In an exemplary deployment method for implanting a valve prosthesis according to the present disclosure, the method involves providing a valve prosthesis including a resilient ring, a plurality of leaflet membranes mounted with respect to the resilient ring, and a plurality of positioning elements movably mounted with respect to the flexible ring. In addition, a first elongate element may be provided that terminates at the valve prosthesis and is manipulable by an operator to remotely rotate the positioning elements relative to the flexible ring. A second elongate element may be provided that terminates at the valve prosthesis and is manipulable by an operator to remotely advance the valve prosthesis downward into an anatomical annulus. The first elongate element may be manipulated so as to remotely rotate the positioning elements relative to the flexible ring. In addition, the second elongate element may be manipulated to remotely advance the valve prosthesis into the anatomical annulus to assume a position within the anatomical annulus suitable for supporting post-implantation function of the valve prosthesis in situ. The first elongate element may be further manipulated to remotely rotate the positioning element relative to the flexible ring to cause the positioning element to engage tissue associated with the anatomical annulus and to thereby maintain the post-implantation position of the valve prosthesis in situ. In exemplary embodiments, the first elongate element includes one or more filaments and the second elongate element is a delivery tube.
The present disclosure also advantageously provides a delivery system for percutaneous delivery of a valve prosthesis. Exemplary delivery systems are adapted for placement of a valve prosthesis that includes a flexible ring, a plurality of leaflet members mounted with respect to the flexible ring, and a plurality of positioning elements (i) mounted with respect to the flexible ring for engaging tissue at an anatomical location, and (ii) rotatable relative to the flexible ring to facilitate delivery and implantation of the valve prosthesis. A first elongate element may be provided that defines an internal lumen for accommodating a guide wire, the first elongate element being detachably mounted with respect to the valve prosthesis and manipulable by an operator to remotely position the valve prosthesis with respect to tissue at the anatomical location.
The delivery system may further include one or more second elongate elements that are manipulable by an operator to remotely rotate the plurality of positioning elements with respect to the flexible ring. A third elongate element is also generally provided that is manipulable by an operator to remotely decouple the first elongate element from the valve prosthesis after implantation thereof. For purposes of being so manipulated, each of the second elongate element and the third elongate element are typically adapted to translate with respect to the first elongate element when at least partially disposed together with the first elongate element within a central lumen of a delivery catheter.
The first elongate element may take the form of a delivery tube and the second elongate element may take the form of a flexible cable. The flexible cable is generally at least partially contained within the delivery tube. The third elongate element may take the form, in whole or in part, of a flexible sleeve, and the delivery tube may be at least partially contained within the flexible sleeve. Exemplary third elongate elements of the present disclosure terminate in a tool capable of coupling the first elongate element and the valve prosthesis together. The third elongate element may be manipulable to decouple the first elongate element from the valve prosthesis at least in part by rendering the tool incapable of continuing to couple the first elongate element and the valve prosthesis.
The third elongate element may also be manipulable to decouple the first elongate element from the valve prosthesis by removing the tool from a corresponding interface between the first elongate element and the valve prosthesis. An exemplary tool at least partially surrounds a corresponding portion of the valve prosthesis and is operable to engage and hold the corresponding portion against the first elongate element. The tool may take the form of a force-bearing loop of a flexible cable. Thus, the tool may be adapted to at least partially surround a corresponding portion of the first elongate element and be operable to engage and hold the corresponding portion against the valve prosthesis. An exemplary tool is a collar and the corresponding portion of the first elongate element is a finger. In such exemplary arrangement, the finger may be associated with a spring bias and be adapted to engage the valve prosthesis upon the collar overcoming the spring bias.
In further exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the third elongate element terminates in a tool capable of preventing the first elongate element and the valve prosthesis from becoming decoupled. The third elongate element may be manipulable to decouple the first elongate element from the valve prosthesis at least in part by rendering the tool incapable of continuing to prevent the first elongate element and the valve prosthesis from becoming decoupled. The tool may be at least partially surrounded by a corresponding portion of the first elongate element and be operable to block movement of the corresponding portion away from the valve prosthesis. In an exemplary arrangement, the tool takes the form of a collar and the corresponding portion of the first elongate element is a finger, the finger being associated with a spring bias and being adapted to disengage the valve prosthesis when the collar no longer blocks movement of the finger away from the valve prosthesis and upon a concurrent defeat of the spring bias. The third elongate element may be manipulable to decouple the first elongate element from the valve prosthesis at least in part by removing the collar from the vicinity of the finger.
Exemplary delivery systems of the present disclosure may also include a third elongate element that defines a flexible cable extending upward from the force-bearing ring and extending alongside the first elongate element. Such third elongate element may be manipulable to decouple the first elongate element from the valve prosthesis at least in part by employing the flexible cable to pull the collar away from a vicinity of the finger. The third elongate element may include a flexible cable terminating in a loop in a vicinity of the valve prosthesis for transmitting a force to at least one of the first elongate element and the valve prosthesis. The flexible cable may be adapted to transmit a coupling force, whereby the associated loop engages the valve prosthesis for pulling the valve prosthesis against the first elongate element, and wherein the third elongate element is manipulable to remotely decouple the first elongate element from the valve prosthesis via an operator withdrawing the coupling force, such that the loop of the flexible cable is caused to cease so engaging the valve prosthesis.
The disclosed flexible cable may be adapted to transmit a decoupling force, whereby the loop engages a coupling element of the first elongate element for pulling the coupling element away from a corresponding coupling element of the valve prosthesis. The third elongate element may be manipulable to remotely decouple the first elongate element from the valve prosthesis via an operator applying the decoupling force, such that the loop of the flexible cable is caused to engage the coupling element. Exemplary third elongate elements of the present disclosure terminate in a displaceable ring at least partially surrounding the first elongate element in a vicinity of the valve prosthesis. The displaceable ring is generally effective to maintain the first elongate element and the valve prosthesis in coupled engagement. The third elongate element may further include a flexible sleeve extending upward from the force-bearing ring and at least partially surrounding the first elongate element. The displaceable ring is typically effective to prevent the first elongate element and the valve prosthesis from being disengaged. The third elongate element may further include a flexible cable extending upward from the displaceable ring and extending alongside the first elongate element.
Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a tool for facilitating percutaneous delivery of a valve prosthesis to an anatomical location. Exemplary tools include a body defining a longitudinal axis, a distal end disposed on the longitudinal axis, and a proximal end disposed on the longitudinal axis opposite the distal end A first actuator may be mounted with respect to the body at one of the distal end thereof and the proximal end thereof The first actuator is generally configured to receive and engage a first elongate element manipulable to remotely rotate a positioning element associated with a valve prosthesis. The first actuator is also generally reciprocally actuatable with respect to the body for manipulating the first elongate element by causing the first elongate element to translate with respect to a delivery tube along the longitudinal axis.
The disclosed tool also generally includes a second actuator mounted with respect to the body at the other of the distal end thereof and the proximal end thereof The second actuator is typically configured to receive and engage a second elongate element manipulable to remotely detach the delivery tube from the valve prosthesis and is reciprocally actuatable with respect to the body for manipulating the second elongate element by causing the second elongate element to translate with respect to the delivery tube along the longitudinal axis. Exemplary tools of the present disclosure may further include a delivery tube detachably coupled to the valve prosthesis and defining an internal lumen for accommodating a guide wire. The disclosed tool is particularly adapted for placement of a valve prosthesis that includes a flexible ring, a plurality of leaflet members mounted with respect to the flexible ring, and a plurality of positioning elements (i) mounted with respect to the flexible ring for engaging tissue associated with the anatomical structure and (ii) rotatable relative to the flexible ring to facilitate delivery and implantation of the valve prosthesis.
Additional features, functions and benefits of the disclosed delivery systems and methods will be apparent from the description of exemplary embodiments which follow, particularly when read in conjunction with the appended figures.
To assist those of ordinary skill in the art in making and using the disclosed valve prosthesis system and associated deployment systems/methods, reference is made to the accompanying figures wherein:
Advantageous valve prosthesis systems and deployment systems/methods are provided according to the present disclosure. The disclosed systems and methods permit surgeons/clinicians to improve heart valve function without invasive surgical intervention. Indeed, the disclosed valve prosthesis systems permit a heart valve prosthesis to be percutaneously delivered to a desired anatomical location. Once located in the desired anatomical region/locale, the disclosed valve prosthesis system facilitates secure and aligned placement of a heart valve prosthesis relative to a heart annulus. Percutaneous delivery of the disclosed heart valve prosthesis as disclosed herein provides for efficient and effective clinical placement of a heart valve prosthesis. The disclosed heart valve prosthesis and associated delivery techniques offer numerous clinical benefits, including enhanced valve function without the need to remove existing valve leaflets, an ability to effectively and efficiently deliver a valve prosthesis percutaneously, and an ability to position and reposition a valve prosthesis relative to an annulus to ensure proper orientation relative to anatomical features.
With initial reference to
As shown in the exemplary embodiment of
With further reference to
The thickness of the valve skirt 110 may be substantially uniform from edge-to-edge or may vary along its length. For example, in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, it is contemplated that the valve skirt 110 would be thicker in a region thereof adjacent the flexible ring 106 and thinner in a region thereof relatively more distant from the flexible ring 106, thereby enhancing the flexibility of the valve skirt 110 in the latter region to provide more effective sealing functionality relative to adjacent anatomical structures/tissue. The thicker region adjacent the flexible ring 106 may serve to reduce the likelihood of the valve skirt 110 disengaging from the flexible ring 106.
Although the exemplary embodiment of
For greater security/stability, the valve skirt 110 may be tacked or otherwise secured in at least some manner relative to the resilient element 112 (e.g., to one or more of the legs 116 of the resilient element 112). In an alternative embodiment, the valve skirt 110 may be positioned radially outward of the positioning elements 120.
As shown in
Returning to the potential interplay between the legs 116 of the resilient element 114 and the valve skirt 110, the mounting elements 118 may overlay the valve skirt 110 to the extent that the valve skirt 110 is secured to the flexible ring 106 in such circumferential region. Further, the valve skirt 110 may be tacked, adhered or otherwise joined to the underside of one or more of the legs 116 where the same extend over the valve skirt 110.
With further reference to
The lower arcuate regions 128 of the positioning elements 120 may include a pair of spaced apertures 130, 132. The delivery structure 104 may include a plurality of filaments or cords 134, each cord 134 being threaded through a positioning element 120 via the pair of spaced apertures 130, 132 formed therein, such that separate lengths 136 of the cord 134 extend away from the apertures 130, 132 and radially inwardly toward the hub 114 of the resilient element 112. As may be more clearly seen in
The delivery tube 202 may be flexible, and the lumen or lumens 204 may accommodate passage of a plurality of lengths 136 of cords 134. In the exemplary embodiment of
As is also apparent from the cross-sectional view of
With further reference to
In the event the surgeon/clinician is or becomes dissatisfied with the position/orientation of valve prosthesis 102 relative to the annulus A or the wall W, or has or develops some other concern or uncertainty with respect to the deployment of the valve prosthesis 102, he/she may deflect the lower arcuate regions 128 of the positioning elements 120 inward by pulling or otherwise manipulating or moving the respective lengths 136 of the cords 134 a sufficient extent radially inwardly and/or upwardly through the hub 114 and the delivery tube 202 to cause the lower arcuate regions 128 of the positioning elements 120 to disengage from the wall W. The surgeon/clinician may then reposition the structure of the valve prosthesis 102 relative to the overall anatomical environment by pulling, pushing, or otherwise manipulating or moving the delivery tube 202 to a desired extent with respect to the delivery catheter (not separately shown). Such manipulation may, for example, be translated to the valve prosthesis 102 via the hub 114 and the legs 116 of the resilient element 112. In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, after delivering the valve prosthesis 102 to the position with respect to the annulus A shown in
Once satisfied with the position of the valve prosthesis 102 relative to the annulus A and/or the wall W, the surgeon/clinician may withdraw the cords 134 from the valve prosthesis 102 through the delivery tube 202 by pulling outward on one length 136 thereof to a sufficient extent while leaving the other length 136 loose. The surgeon/clinician may further withdraw the remainder of the delivery structure 104 from the valve prosthesis 102 by separating the delivery tube 202 from the hub 114 of the resilient element 112. Means for disconnecting the delivery tube 202 from the hub 114 may take a variety of forms, e.g., a screw thread arrangement at the end of the delivery tube 202 that may be disengaged from a corresponding socket associated with the hub 114. Still further (e.g., alternative) connection and/or disconnection means are possible, including bayonet lock mechanisms, detent engagement mechanisms, and the like, at least some of which are further described hereinbelow.
Tissue-engaging features, e.g., barbs, tacks or the like, may be formed on, in, and/or through one or more tissue-engaging surfaces of the respective positioning elements 120. For example, such features may be formed on the outer surface 122 of the positioning elements 120, e.g., within the upper and/or lower arcuate regions 126, 128. Additionally, surface treatments and/or adjunct structures may be associated with the positioning elements 120 to promote tissue in-growth, thereby further enhancing the stability/security of an implanted valve prosthesis according to the present disclosure. For example, a biologic coating and/or a material or fabric that promotes tissue in-growth, e.g., DACRON™ material, may be applied to a desired portion/region of the respective outer surfaces 122 of the positioning elements 120.
The disclosed valve prostheses and valve prosthesis systems and methods have applicability in a variety of anatomical regions, e.g., as a prosthesis for the mitral valve, aortic valve, pulmonary valve, or tricuspid valve. Embodiments of the disclosed valve prosthesis have particular applicability for mitral valve applications. Depending on the desired clinical application, the valve prosthesis system 100 and/or the valve prosthesis 102 may be sized and dimensioned to accommodate such use by adapting the annular ring to fit in the requisite anatomical space, e.g., a mitral, aortic, pulmonary, or tricuspid valve opening of the heart.
Turning to
Turning to
Once a distal end 402 of the delivery catheter 400 has been delivered to within the necessary proximity of the desired anatomical location, e.g., annulus “A”, the delivery tube 202 may be extended relative to the delivery catheter 400 to push the valve prosthesis 102 outward of the catheter via a corresponding opening in the distal end 402. Upon the valve prosthesis 102 exiting the distal end 402, resilient properties of several components of the valve prosthesis 102, particularly the flexible ring 106 and the legs 116 of the resilient element 112 (
From the orientation of the valve prosthesis 102, and more particularly, of the positioning elements 120 thereof, shown in
As best shown in
The valve prosthesis 102 may now be further positioned and/or spatially oriented relative to the annulus A in the manner desired by the surgeon/clinician, e.g., as viewed through conventional imaging instrumentation. (Of note, the positioning elements 120 (and particularly, the upper arcuate regions 126 thereof) may be substantially radio-opaque to facilitate imaging identification thereof to confirm proper positioning and spatial orientation of the valve prosthesis 102 relative to the annulus A.) For example, at such time the surgeon/clinician may begin to relax an accumulated degree of tension within the lengths 136 of the plurality of cords 134 (
As also seen in
The disclosed valve prosthesis and associated delivery structures/methods offer numerous advantages relative to existing systems. For example, the positioning elements associated with the disclosed valve prosthesis valve include upper and lower arcuate regions that may advantageously function to engage the annulus as well as the wall of the ventricular chamber below the annulus, thereby securely aligning and stabilizing the valve prosthesis (e.g., in a re-deployable manner) relative thereto. In addition, the invertible and collapsible aspects of the valve prosthesis (e.g., for purposes of catheter introduction and the automatic expansion of the valve prosthesis upon exiting the catheter) may facilitate efficient percutaneous delivery and in situ manipulation of the disclosed valve prosthesis system. Further, the disclosed valve skirt may enhance sealing functionality of the disclosed valve prosthesis when positioned in situ as compared to that which might otherwise be the case (e.g., without such a skirt and/or the annular sealing function provided thereby). Still further, the “top-hat” geometry and/or functionality of the upper arcuate regions of the positioning elements may advantageously function to accurately and securely position the valve prosthesis relative to an annulus and associated anatomical structures.
It will be appreciated that the disclosed design and implantation methodology may not require extensive surgery, and that the disclosed positioning elements may function to provide stable and well aligned implantation, central blood flow, and/or a stable platform for the leaflet membranes. Moreover, positioning may be more precise than with a balloon expandable device, such as a stent. Additionally, and also unlike a stent, the positioning may potentially be repeated (e.g., until the desired implantation position and/or orientation is achieved). The heart valve prosthesis described herein may also allow anchoring relative to the valve annulus in states of the diseased valve in which a stent may not encounter sufficient tissue to which to adhere (e.g., as is commonly the case with respect to mitral valve disease).
In accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the heart valve prosthesis may be placed squarely at the site of a diseased heart valve, as distinct from certain existing heart valve prosthesis implementations characterized by the use of stents configured for placement in the connecting blood vessels adjacent to and/or near the diseased heart valve, and, as such, are designed to be disposed in spaced relation therewith, whether during or after implantation, or during in situ operation. As a result, the ability of the operator or surgeon to reposition and/or re-anchor the heart valve prosthesis in order to more accurately position the heart valve prosthesis in the opening of the diseased heart valve, such as may be provided in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, may be of increased significance.
The positioning elements 120 of the present disclosure may be implemented by one or more of a plurality of variations, including those depicted in
Another variation of the positioning element 120 is embodied by the positioning element 800 of
A modified version of the valve prosthesis 102 is embodied by the valve prosthesis 900, the latter being shown partially and schematically in
Respective alternative modified versions of the valve prosthesis 102 are further embodied by the valve prostheses 1000, 1100, and 1200, shown partially and schematically in
The valve prosthesis 1100 of
The valve prosthesis 1200 of
A variation of the above-discussed flexible ring 106 is embodied by a flexible ring 1300 illustrated in
A variation of the valve prosthesis 102 in accordance with the present disclosure is embodied by a valve prosthesis 1500 illustrated in
A modified version of the valve prosthesis system 100 in accordance with the present disclosure is embodied by a valve prosthesis system 1600 illustrated in various stages of operation in
Among other functions that may be provided thereby, the tower 1624 may at least participate in defining a central axis 1625 of the valve prosthesis system 1600, and may further introduce an axial (e.g., vertical or lengthwise) separation between an elevation (e.g., generally indicated at 1626 in
As is particularly evident in
A variation of the valve prosthesis system 100 is embodied by a valve prosthesis system 2100 illustrated in
Referring now to
The delivery structure 2104 may still further include a fitting 2214. The fitting 2214 may extend entirely through the hub 2202 and the sleeve 2200 such that at least an upper portion 2216 of the fitting 2214 is disposed above the hub 2202, and at least a lower portion 2218 of the fitting 2214 is disposed below the sleeve 2200. The fitting 2214 may include a central lumen 2220 via which the guide wire 2108 and the deployment cables 2208 may pass through the fitting 2214 (and, thereby, through the hub 2202). The upper portion 2216 of the fitting 2214 may be sized and shaped (e.g., via external circumferential ribs 2222) for press-fit insertion within the central lumen 2212 of the delivery tube 2210, and/or to receive a corresponding end of the cable guide tube 2206 for press-fit termination thereof within the central lumen 2220. The lower portion 2218 of the fitting 2214 may form a tower 2224. The tower 2224 may be a variation of the above-described tower 1624 (
The delivery tube 2210 and the fitting 2214 may be keyed to each other to prevent relative rotation therebetween. For example, an end of the delivery tube 2210 adjacent the hub 2202 may include one or more slots 2226, and the fitting 2214 may include one or more complementary radially-protruding tabs (not separately shown) to mate with the slots 2226 upon the fitting 2214 being press-fit within the central lumen 2212 of the delivery tube 2210. Other anti-rotation solutions and/or features are possible.
The cable guide tube 2200 may have multiple components, including an internal length of metal tubing 2228, and an external length of shroud-type tubing 2230. The internal length of metal tubing may be thin-walled and braided for stiffness and/or resistance to kinking. The external length of shroud-type tubing may be sized, shaped and configured to facilitate formation of a press-fit termination within the central lumen 2220 of the fitting 2214.
In
Referring now to
Another variation of the valve prosthesis system 100 is embodied by a valve prosthesis system 2500 illustrated in
The delivery structure 2504 may further include a set of deployment cables 2510, a delivery tube 2512 including a central lumen 2514, and a fitting 2516. The fitting 2516 may extend entirely through a hub 2518 of a resilient element 2520 of the valve prosthesis 2502 such that at least an upper portion 2522 of the fitting 2516 is disposed above the hub 2518, and at least a lower portion 2524 of the fitting 2516 is disposed below the hub 2518. The fitting 2516 may include a central lumen 2526 via which the guide wire 2508 and the deployment cables 2510 may pass through the fitting 2516 (and, thereby, through the hub 2518). The upper portion 2522 of the fitting 2516 may be sized and shaped (e.g., via external circumferential ribs 2528) for press-fit insertion within the central lumen 2514 of the delivery tube 2512. The lower portion 2524 of the fitting 2516 may form a tower 2530. The tower 2530 may be a variation of the above-described tower 1624 (
In
Referring now to
Still another variation of the valve prosthesis system 100 is embodied by a valve prosthesis system 2800 illustrated in
The delivery structure 2804 may include a release tube 2806 having a distal end 2808 adjacent the valve prosthesis 2802, a locking sleeve 2810 positioned adjacent the valve prosthesis 2802 and coupled to the release tube 2806 at the distal end 2808 thereof, and a tower 2812 extending through and beyond the valve prosthesis 2802. The tower 2818 may be a variation of the above-discussed tower 1624.
The delivery structure 2804 may further include a tool 2814. The tool 2814 may be configured to permit and/or facilitate a surgeon/clinician, among other functions described in more detail hereinafter, to move the valve prosthesis 2802 within and relative to an outer catheter (not shown) along a guide wire (not shown), to deliver and/or deploy the valve prosthesis 2802 adjacent a patient's diseased heart valve, to position the deployed valve prosthesis 2802 relative to such heart valve before and during a prosthesis implantation procedure, and/or to cause the valve prosthesis 2802 to be released after deployment and positioning thereof in situ., allowing the valve prosthesis 2802 to remain in place and the delivery structure 2804 to be entirely withdrawn from the patient's body.
The tool 2814 may include a body 2816 having a proximal end 2818 directed away from the patient and a distal end 2820 directed toward the patient, a gripping handle 2822 disposed between the proximal end 2818 and the distal end 2820, a prosthesis manipulation mechanism 2824 mounted with respect to the body 2816 at the proximal end 2818 thereof, and a prosthesis release mechanism 2826 mounted with respect to the body 2816 at the distal end 2820 thereof The prosthesis deployment mechanism 2824 may include an actuation arm 2828 movably mounted the body 2816, a cable mount 2830, and an attachment fitting 2832 for attaching the cable mount 2830 to the actuation arm 2828 for movement therewith relative to the body 2816. The cable mount 2830 may include a port 2834 for receiving and/or discharging a guide wire (not shown), and multiple instances of an attachment fitting 2836 for attaching a respective cable (not shown) to the cable mount 2830 for movement therewith relative to the body 2816. The prosthesis release mechanism 2826 may include an attachment fitting 2838 for attaching the release tube 2806 to the tool 2814, and an actuation wheel 2840 movably mounted to the body 2816 for moving the release tube 2806 and the locking sleeve 2810 relative to the body 2816, and/or relative to the valve prosthesis 2802.
As shown in
Referring now to
The wall 3202 of the hub 2900 extends axially to define the central lumen 3204. At an intermediate position along an axial extent of the hub 2900, an annular ledge 3206 extends outward from the wall 3202. The hub flange 2904 of the resilient element 2902 attaches to the hub 2900 at the circumferential skirt 3206. At an upper end of the axial extent of the hub 2900, the body 3200 further includes a coupling interface 3208. The coupling interface 3208 includes an annular protrusion 3210 extending outward from the wall 3202, which as shown in
Still referring to
Referring again to
Turning now to
Referring now to
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the cable guide tube 2908 may extend through the tool 2814, e.g., at least to an extent of the prosthesis deployment mechanism 2824. In at least some circumstances in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a surgeon/clinician may not necessarily require the cable guide tube 2908 to be or remain axially fixed with respect to the tool 2814. In such circumstances, the tool 2814 may include no particular securing mechanism with respect to the cable guide tube 2908, in which case a proximal end of the cable guide tube 2908 may extend into the tool 2814, wherein neither the proximal end nor or any other portion of the cable guide tube 2908 will necessarily be lodged in a corresponding fitting, or terminated in any particular way, facilitating axial relative motion between the cable guide tube 2908 and the tool 2814. By contrast, and in at least some circumstances in accordance with the present disclosure, a surgeon/clinician requiring the cable guide tube 2908 to at least temporarily be or remain axially fixed with respect to the tool 2814. In such circumstances, the surgeon/clinician may rely on an overall or locally substantial static or dynamic friction within the delivery structure 2804 (e.g., between the cable guide tube 2908 and other portions of the delivery structure 2804, such as the release tube 2806). Alternatively, and/or in addition, the tool 2814 may further include a clamp or fitting (not shown) or other similar mechanism or securing means to at least temporarily secure (e.g., axially fix) the cable guide tube 2908 with respect to the tool 2814, e.g., with respect to the body 2816 of the tool 2814, and/or to the prosthesis deployment mechanism 2824 thereof. Other configurations are possible.
Referring again to
Referring to
Although implementations of the invention have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many additional modifications are possible without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the invention. Any such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.
Claims
1. A method of implanting a valve prosthesis with respect to an anatomical annulus, the method comprising:
- providing, in a vicinity of the anatomical annulus: a valve prosthesis including a resilient ring, a plurality of leaflet membranes mounted with respect to the resilient ring, and a plurality of positioning elements movably mounted with respect to the flexible ring; a first elongate element terminating at the valve prosthesis and manipulable by an operator to remotely rotate the positioning elements relative to the flexible ring; and a second elongate element terminating at the valve prosthesis and manipulable by an operator to remotely advance the valve prosthesis downward into the anatomical annulus;
- manipulating the first elongate element to remotely rotate the positioning elements relative to the flexible ring
- manipulating the second elongate element to remotely advance the valve prosthesis into the anatomical annulus to assume a position within the anatomical annulus suitable for supporting post-implantation function of the valve prosthesis in situ; and
- manipulating the first elongate element to remotely further rotate the positioning element relative to the flexible ring to cause the positioning element to engage tissue associated with the anatomical annulus for maintaining the post-implantation position of the valve prosthesis in situ.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first elongate element includes one or more filaments and the second elongate element is a delivery tube.
3. A delivery system for percutaneous delivery of a valve prosthesis, comprising:
- a valve prosthesis including a flexible ring, a plurality of leaflet members mounted with respect to the flexible ring, and a plurality of positioning elements (i) mounted with respect to the flexible ring for engaging tissue at an anatomical location, and (ii) rotatable relative to the flexible ring to facilitate delivery and implantation of the valve prosthesis;
- a first elongate element defining an internal lumen for accommodating a guide wire, the first elongate element being detachably mounted with respect to the valve prosthesis and manipulable by an operator to remotely position the valve prosthesis with respect to tissue at the anatomical location;
- one or more second elongate elements manipulable by an operator to remotely rotate the plurality of positioning elements with respect to the flexible ring; and
- a third elongate element manipulable by an operator to remotely decouple the first elongate element from the valve prosthesis after implantation thereof;
- wherein for purposes of being so manipulated, each of the second elongate element and the third elongate element is adapted to translate with respect to the first elongate element when at least partially disposed together with the first elongate element within a central lumen of a delivery catheter.
4. The delivery system in accordance with claim 3, wherein the first elongate element includes a delivery tube, the second elongate element includes a flexible cable, and wherein the flexible cable is at least partially contained within the delivery tube.
5. The delivery system in accordance with claim 3, wherein the first elongate element includes a delivery tube, the third elongate element includes a flexible sleeve, and the delivery tube is at least partially contained within the flexible sleeve.
6. The delivery system in accordance with claim 3, wherein the third elongate element terminates in a tool capable of coupling the first elongate element and the valve prosthesis together, and wherein the third elongate element is manipulable to decouple the first elongate element from the valve prosthesis at least in part by rendering the tool incapable of continuing to couple the first elongate element and the valve prosthesis.
7. The delivery system in accordance with claim 6, wherein the third elongate element is manipulable to decouple the first elongate element from the valve prosthesis by removing the tool from a corresponding interface between the first elongate element and the valve prosthesis.
8. The delivery system in accordance with claim 7, wherein the tool at least partially surrounds a corresponding portion of the valve prosthesis and is operable to engage and hold the corresponding portion against the first elongate element.
9. The delivery system in accordance with claim 8, wherein the tool is a force-bearing loop of a flexible cable.
10. The delivery system in accordance with claim 7, wherein the tool at least partially surrounds a corresponding portion of the first elongate element and is operable to engage and hold the corresponding portion against the valve prosthesis.
11. The delivery system in accordance with claim 10, wherein the tool is a collar and the corresponding portion of the first elongate element is a finger, the finger being associated with a spring bias and being adapted to engage the valve prosthesis upon the collar overcoming the spring bias.
12. The delivery system in accordance with claim 3, wherein the third elongate element terminates in a tool capable of preventing the first elongate element and the valve prosthesis from becoming decoupled, and wherein the third elongate element is manipulable to decouple the first elongate element from the valve prosthesis at least in part by rendering the tool incapable of continuing to prevent the first elongate element and the valve prosthesis from becoming decoupled.
13. The delivery system in accordance with claim 12, wherein the tool is at least partially surrounded by a corresponding portion of the first elongate element and is operable to block movement of the corresponding portion away from the valve prosthesis.
14. The delivery system in accordance with claim 12, wherein the tool is a collar and the corresponding portion of the first elongate element is a finger, the finger being associated with a spring bias and being adapted to disengage the valve prosthesis when the collar no longer blocks movement of the finger away from the valve prosthesis and upon a concurrent defeat of the spring bias.
15. The delivery system in accordance with claim 14, wherein the third elongate element is manipulable to decouple the first elongate element from the valve prosthesis at least in part by removing the collar from a vicinity of the finger.
16. The delivery system in accordance with claim 14, wherein the third elongate element further includes a flexible cable extending upward from the force-bearing ring and extending alongside the first elongate element, and wherein the third elongate element is manipulable to decouple the first elongate element from the valve prosthesis at least in part by employing the flexible cable to pull the collar away from a vicinity of the finger.
17. The delivery system in accordance with claim 3, wherein the third elongate element includes a flexible cable terminating in a loop in a vicinity of the valve prosthesis for transmitting a force to at least one of the first elongate element and the valve prosthesis.
18. The delivery system in accordance with claim 17, wherein the flexible cable is adapted to transmit a coupling force whereby the loop thereof engages the valve prosthesis for pulling the valve prosthesis against the first elongate element, and wherein the third elongate element is manipulable to remotely decouple the first elongate element from the valve prosthesis via an operator withdrawing the coupling force, such that the loop of the flexible cable is caused to cease so engaging the valve prosthesis.
19. The delivery system in accordance with claim 17, wherein the flexible cable is adapted to transmit a decoupling force, whereby the loop engages a coupling element of the first elongate element for pulling the coupling element away from a corresponding coupling element of the valve prosthesis, and wherein the third elongate element is manipulable to remotely decouple the first elongate element from the valve prosthesis via an operator applying the decoupling force, such that the loop of the flexible cable is caused to engage the coupling element.
20. The delivery system in accordance with claim 3, wherein the third elongate element terminates in a displaceable ring at least partially surrounding the first elongate element in a vicinity of the valve prosthesis.
21. The delivery system in accordance with claim 20, wherein the displaceable ring is effective to maintain the first elongate element and the valve prosthesis in coupled engagement, and wherein the third elongate element further includes a flexible sleeve extending upward from the force-bearing ring, and at least partially surrounding the first elongate element.
22. The delivery system in accordance with claim 20, wherein the displaceable ring is effective to prevent the first elongate element and the valve prosthesis from being disengaged, and wherein the third elongate element further includes a flexible cable extending upward from the displaceable ring, extending alongside the first elongate element.
23. A tool for facilitating percutaneous delivery of a valve prosthesis to an anatomical location, comprising:
- a body defining a longitudinal axis, a distal end disposed on the longitudinal axis, and a proximal end disposed on the longitudinal axis opposite the distal end;
- a first actuator mounted with respect to the body at one of the distal end thereof and the proximal end thereof, the first actuator being configured to receive and engage a first elongate element manipulable to remotely rotate a positioning element associated with a valve prosthesis, and being reciprocally actuatable with respect to the body for manipulating the first elongate element by causing the first elongate element to translate with respect to a delivery tube along the longitudinal axis; and
- a second actuator mounted with respect to the body at the other of the distal end thereof and the proximal end thereof, the second actuator being configured to receive and engage a second elongate element manipulable to remotely detach the delivery tube from the valve prosthesis, and being reciprocally actuatable with respect to the body for manipulating the second elongate element by causing the second elongate element to translate with respect to the delivery tube along the longitudinal axis.
24. The tool according to claim 23, wherein the valve prosthesis includes a flexible ring, a plurality of leaflet members mounted with respect to the flexible ring, and a plurality of positioning elements (i) mounted with respect to the flexible ring for engaging tissue associated with the anatomical structure and (ii) rotatable relative to the flexible ring to facilitate delivery and implantation of the valve prosthesis.
25. The tool according to claim 24, further comprising a delivery tube detachably coupled to the valve prosthesis and defining an internal lumen for accommodating a guide wire.
Type: Application
Filed: Oct 10, 2007
Publication Date: Aug 28, 2008
Applicants: ENDOVALVE, INC. (Princeton, NJ), THE TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA (Philadelphia, PA)
Inventors: Joseph D. Antocci (Leominster, MA), David G. Lamphere (Framingham, MA), Salvatore Castro (Milford, MA), Gregorio Ramon M. Abesames (North Andover, MA), Howard C. Herrmann (Bryn Mawr, PA)
Application Number: 11/870,001
International Classification: A61F 2/24 (20060101);