Abstract: A device for treatment of mitral annulus dilation is disclosed, wherein the device comprises two states. In a first of these states the device is insertable into the coronary sinus and has a shape of the coronary sinus. When positioned in the coronary sinus, the device is transferable to the second state assuming a reduced radius of curvature, whereby the radius of curvature of the coronary sinus and the radius of curvature as well as the circumference of the mitral annulus is reduced.

Abstract: A medical apparatus and method suitable for remodeling a mitral valve annulus adjacent to the coronary sinus. The apparatus comprises an elongate body having a proximal region and a distal region. Each of the proximal and distal regions is dimensioned to reside completely within the vascular system. The elongate body may be moved from a first configuration for transluminal delivery to at least a portion of the coronary sinus to a second configuration for remodeling the mitral valve annulus proximate the coronary sinus. A forming element may be attached to the elongate body for manipulating the elongate body from the first transluminal configuration to the second remodeling configuration. Further, the elongate body may comprise a tube having a plurality of transverse slots therein.

Abstract: A device effects the mitral valve annulus geometry of a heart. The device includes first and second anchors configured to be positioned within the coronary sinus of the heart adjacent the mitral valve annulus of the heart and a fixed length connecting member permanently attached to the first and second anchors. With the first anchor anchored in the coronary sinus, the second anchor may be displaced proximally to effect the geometry of the mitral valve annulus and released to maintain the effect on the mitral valve geometry.

Abstract: The present invention provides a valve configured for insertion on the proximal and distal sides of a heart valve annulus to replace the heart valve of a patient. The valve comprises a first substantially annular portion adapted to be positioned on a proximal side of the annulus of a patient and a second substantially annular portion adapted to be positioned on a distal side of the annulus of a patient, wherein at least one of the first and second substantially annular portions is movable towards the other portion to a clamped position to clamp around the annulus. The second portion has a flow restricting portion extending therefrom and is movable between a first position to permit the flow of blood and a second position to restrict the flow of blood. In one embodiment, the valve has a suture joining the first and second portions to draw the first and second portions into closer proximity and a cinch member to secure the suture to maintain the first and second portions in the clamped position.

Abstract: An assembly for effecting the condition of a mitral valve of a heart includes a mitral valve therapy device, a guide wire, and a guide tube. The mitral valve therapy device is configured to reshape the mitral valve annulus of the heart when placed within the coronary sinus adjacent the mitral valve annulus. The guide wire is configured to be fed into the coronary sinus of the heart adjacent the mitral valve annulus. The guide tube has a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending between the distal end and the proximal end. The guide tube further includes a side port, intermediate the distal and proximal ends which communicates with the lumen. This permits the guide tube to be slidingly received on the guide wire with the guide wire extending from the distal end, through the lumen, and out the side port. In use, the guide tube is slid along the guide wire into the coronary sinus.

Abstract: An assembly for effecting the condition of a mitral valve annulus includes a mitral valve therapy device, a coupling structure carried by the device, a catheter, a second coupling structure, and a locking member. To implant the device, the device is first releasably locked to a pushing member by the coupling structures and the locking member. When the device is positioned within the coronary sinus adjacent the mitral valve annulus and deployed, the coupling structures may be released from each other by the release of the locking member.

Abstract: An annuloplasty repair segment and template for heart valve annulus repair. The elongate flexible template may form a distal part of a holder that also has a proximal handle. Alternatively, the template may be releasably attached to a mandrel that slides within a delivery sheath, the template being released from the end of the sheath to enable manipulation by a surgeon. A tether connecting the template and mandrel may also be provided. The template may be elastic, temperature responsive, or multiple linked segments. The template may be aligned with the handle and form a two- or three-dimensional curve out of alignment with the handle such that the annuloplasty repair segment attached thereto conforms to the curve. The template may be actively or passively converted between its straight and curved positions.

Abstract: An intravascular support device includes a support or reshaper wire, a proximal anchor and a distal anchor. The support wire engages a vessel wall to change the shape of tissue adjacent the vessel in which the intravascular support is placed. The anchors and support wire are designed such that the vessel in which the support is placed remains open and can be accessed by other devices if necessary. The device provides a minimal metal surface area to blood flowing within the vessel to limit the creation of thrombosis. The anchors can be locked in place to secure the support within the vessel.

Abstract: An annuloplasty band comprising a sheath, and a generally arcuate stiffening element disposed within the sheath. The stiffening element extends from a first end to a second end, and preferably includes eyelets at its first and second ends adapted to receive sutures to secure the annuloplasty band to a valve annulus. The annuloplasty band preferably has a low profile (e.g., a thickness less than 3 mm). In embodiments intended for mitral valve repair, the eyelets are particularly adapted to receive sutures to secure the annuloplasty band to the antero-lateral trigone and postero-medial trigone. A holder and sizer device useful with the annuloplasty band are also provided.

Abstract: A mitral valve therapy device and method treats dilated cardiomyopathy. The device is configured to be placed in the coronary sinus of a heart adjacent to the mitral valve annulus. The device includes a force distributor that distributes an applied force along a pericardial wall of the coronary sinus, and a force applier that applies the applied force to one or more discrete portions of a wall of the coronary sinus adjacent to the mitral valve annulus to reshape the mitral valve annulus in a localized manner.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system used to fashion, size, and implant a tissue annuloplasty band. This system comprises (1) a device to cut tissue; (2) a device to fashion (i.e., roll, fold, bunch, etc.) the tissue into a band (i.e., the tissue annuloplasty band); and (3) a sizer that comprises an mounting ring which allows for determining and maintaining the proper size and shape of the tissue annuloplasty band while it is attached to the annulus of a heart valve. These components can be used alone, together as a system, or in any combination to fashion, size, and/or implant the tissue annuloplasty band.

Abstract: Clips of a self-closing type are used in annuloplasty procedures. Each clip is generally U-shaped with two end points separated from each other when it is constrained to be in an open configuration, but tends to coil up to assume its naturally closed configuration if the constraint is removed. A plurality of such clips in open configurations penetrate the tissue around the annulus circumferentially and then the constraint keeping them in the open configuration is removed such that they pull the tissue together between their two end points and this tends to reduce the diameter of the annulus. Such clips may be deployed each in the form of a clip assembly, having at least one of its end points connected to a needle through a flexible member and a release mechanism by which the clip can be easily released. The needle is caused to penetrate the tissue at one position and to come out therefrom at another circumferentially separated positions.

Abstract: A novel system for performing a heart valve annuloplasty. The system involves the use of a plication band. In one embodiment, the annulus of the valve is reduced by constriction of the plication band itself. More particularly, each plication band enters the tissue at two or more points which are spaced from one other by a distance which is dictated by the geometry of the plication band. Subsequent constriction of the plication band causes these points to move toward each other, thereby constricting the tissue trapped between these points and thus reducing the overall circumference of the valve annulus. In a second embodiment, the annulus of the valve is reduced by linking multiple plication bands to one other, using a linkage construct, and then using a shortening of the length of the linkage construct between each plication band so as to gather the tissue between each plication band, whereby to reduce the overall circumference of the valve annulus.

Abstract: An annuloplasty ring having a three-dimensional discontinuous form generally arranged about an axis with two free ends that are axially offset. The ring is particularly suited for repair of the tricuspid valve, and more closely conforms to the annulus shape. The ring is more flexible in bending about radially extending axes than about the central axis. The ring may have an inner structural support covered by a pliable sleeve and/or a fabric tube. The structural support may have a varying cross-section, such as a C-shaped cross-section in a mid-section between two free ends and a rectangular cross-section at the free ends. A deliver template having a mounting ring with about the same shape as the ring facilitates implant, and may be releasably attached to a delivery handle. The deliver template may include a plurality of cutting guides for releasably attaching the annuloplasty ring thereto while presenting maximum outer surface area of the ring.

Abstract: A device, system, and method effects mitral valve annulus geometry of a heart. The device includes a first anchor configured to be positioned within and fixed to the coronary sinus of the heart adjacent the mitral valve annulus within the heart. A cable is fixed to the first anchor and extends proximately therefrom and slidingly through a second anchor which is positioned and fixed in the heart proximal to the first anchor. A lock locks the cable to the second anchor when tension is applied to the cable for effecting the mitral valve annulus geometry.

Abstract: An apparatus for helping improve operation of a heart valve includes a generally arcuate base and a buttress extending generally from at least a portion of the base. The apparatus can be deformable to facilitate its implantation. When the apparatus is when implanted at an annulus of a heart valve, the buttress thereof cooperates with one or more leaflets of the heart valve to help control blood flow relative to the apparatus and heart valve.

Abstract: A mitral heart valve annuloplasty ring having a posterior bow that conforms to an abnormal posterior aspect of the mitral annulus. The ring may be generally oval having a major axis and a minor axis, wherein the posterior bow may be centered along the minor axis or offset in a posterior section. The ring may be substantially planar, or may include upward bows on either side of the posterior bow. The ring may include a ring body surrounded by a suture-permeable fabric sheath, and the ring body may be formed of a plurality of concentric ring elements. The ring is semi-rigid and the posterior bow is stiff enough to withstand deformation once implanted and subjected to normal physiologic stresses. The ring elements may be bands of semi-rigid material. A method of repairing an abnormal mitral heart valve annulus having a depressed posterior aspect includes providing a ring with a posterior bow and implanting the ring to support the annulus without unduly stressing the attachment sutures.

Abstract: The cardiac valve modification device of the present invention provides a catheter; an injection assembly disposed on the catheter, the injection assembly having lobes, and a neck disposed between the lobes; and at least one injector operably disposed at the neck. The injector can be an injection barb, made of a biodegradable material including a therapeutic agent, and deposited in the valve annulus, or an injection needle, which delivers a therapeutic agent to the valve annulus. The therapeutic agent can be a pro-fibrotic growth factor or a bulking agent. The cardiac valve modificaton method comprises inserting an injection catheter to the valve annulus; and injecting a therapeutic agent into the valve annulus with the injection catheter. The procedure can be repeated to modify the cardiac valve in a series of steps.

Abstract: A cardiac valve annulus compressor comprises a generally cylindrical main body having plain and barbed ends and an actuator portion. Barbs disposed on the barbed end are engageable with the valve annulus. The length of the circumference of the barbed end is responsive to movement of the actuator portion. The annulus compressor can be delivered percutaneously or surgically. A cardiac valve annulus compressor system and methods of use are also taught.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods employ an implant that is sized and configured to attach in, on, or near the annulus of a dysfunctional heart valve. In use, the implant extends either across the minor axis of the annulus, or across the major axis of the annulus, or both. The implant restores to the heart valve annulus and leaflets a more functional anatomic shape and tension. The more functional anatomic shape and tension are conducive to coaptation of the leaflets, which, in turn, reduces retrograde flow or regurgitation.

Abstract: A mitral valve therapy device and method treats dilated cardiomyopathy. The device is configured to be placed in the coronary sinus of a heart adjacent to the mitral valve annulus. The device includes a force distributor that distributes an applied force along a pericardial wall of the coronary sinus, and a force applier that applies the applied force to one or more discrete portions of a wall of the coronary sinus adjacent to the mitral valve annulus to reshape the mitral valve annulus in a localized manner.

Abstract: An assembly for effecting the condition of a mitral valve annulus includes a mitral valve therapy device, a coupling structure carried by the device, a catheter, a second coupling structure, and a locking member. To implant the device, the device is first releasably locked to a pushing member by the coupling structures and the locking member. When the device is positioned within the coronary sinus adjacent the mitral valve annulus and deployed, the coupling structures may be released from each other by the release of the locking member.

Abstract: An annuloplasty ring for repairing a cardiac valve includes an expandable support member having oppositely disposed proximal and distal end portions and a main body portion between the end portions. The proximal end portion of the support member includes a plurality of wing members that extend from the main body portion. Each of the wing members includes at least one hook member for embedding into a cardiac wall and the valve annulus to secure the annuloplasty ring in the valve annulus. The annuloplasty ring may be expanded into full contact engagement with the annulus of the cardiac valve by an inflatable balloon. Methods for repairing a cardiac valve using the annuloplasty ring are also provided.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods facilitate positioning of a cardiac valve annulus treatment device, thus enhancing treatment of the annulus. Methods generally involve advancing an anchor delivery device through vasculature of the patient to a location in the heart for treating the valve annulus, contacting the anchor delivery device with a length of the valve annulus, delivering a plurality of coupled anchors from the anchor delivery device to secure the anchors to the annulus, and drawing the anchors together to circumferentially tighten the valve annulus. Devices generally include an elongate catheter having at least one tensioning member and at least one tensioning actuator for deforming a distal portion of the catheter to help it conform to a valve annulus. The catheter device may be used to navigate a subannular space below a mitral valve to facilitate positioning of an anchor delivery device.

Abstract: An anchor anchors a therapeutic device having an elongated body within a body lumen. The anchor includes a fixation member carried on the device which is adjustable from a first configuration that permits placement of the device in the body lumen to a second configuration that anchors the device within the body lumen. The anchor further includes a lock that locks the fixation member in the second configuration. The fixation member may be locked in any one of a plurality of intermediate points between the first configuration and a maximum second configuration.

Abstract: Methods for reconfiguring an atrioventricular heart valve that may use systems comprising a partial or complete annuloplasty rings proportioned to reconfigure a heart valve that has become in some way incompetent, a pair of trigonal sutures or implantable anchors, and a plurality of staples which may have pairs of legs that are sized and shaped for association with the ring at spaced locations along its length. These systems permit relative axial movement between the staples and the ring, whereby a patient's heart valve can be reconfigured in a manner that does not deter subtle shifting of the native valve components. Shape-memory alloy material staples may have legs with free ends that interlock following implantation. Annuloplasty rings may be complete or partial and may be fenestrated. One alternative method routes a flexible wire, preferably of shape-memory material, through the bights of pre-implanted staples.

Abstract: An intravascular support device includes a support or reshaper wire, a proximal anchor and a distal anchor. The support wire engages a vessel wall to change the shape of tissue adjacent the vessel in which the intravascular support is placed. The anchors and support wire are designed such that the vessel in which the support is placed remains open and can be accessed by other devices if necessary. The device provides a minimal metal surface area to blood flowing within the vessel to limit the creation of thrombosis. The anchors can be locked in place to secure the support within the vessel.

Abstract: A tissue shaping device adapted to be disposed in a vessel near a patient's heart to reshape the patient's heart. In one embodiment, the tissue shaping device includes an expandable anchor adapted to contact a wall of the vessel with radially outward force, with the anchor including an expansion energy absorbing element, such as a bending point in a flexible wire anchor. The invention also includes a method of deploying a tissue shaping device in a vessel, in which the tissue shaping device includes an anchor and an expansion energy absorbing element. The method includes the steps of delivering the tissue shaping device to a treatment location within the vessel, expanding the anchor with anchor expansion energy to place a radially outward force on a wall of the vessel, and absorbing at least a portion of the expansion energy in the expansion energy absorbing element.

Abstract: A suture locking assembly for use with a heart valve repair device. The suture locking assembly including a rim and a suture band. The rim defines a first flange and a second flange spaced from the first flange. The rim is configured to extend at least partially around a periphery of the heart valve repair device. The suture band is maintained between the first flange and the second flange. The suture locking assembly is configured to securely maintain a suture segment that is pulled from a first position to a second position relative the suture locking assembly, the second position being at least partially defined near an outer periphery of the rim.

Abstract: An annuloplasty ring for correcting maladies of the mitral annulus that not only reshapes the annulus but also reconfigures the adjacent left ventricular muscle wall. The ring may be continuous and is made of a relatively rigid material, such as Stellite. The ring has a generally oval shape that is three-dimensional at least on the posterior side. A posterior portion of the ring rises or bows upward from adjacent sides to pull the posterior aspect of the native annulus farther up than its original, healthy shape. In doing so, the ring also pulls the ventricular wall upward which helps mitigate some of the effects of congestive heart failure. Further, one or both of the posterior and anterior portions of the ring may also bow inward.

Abstract: An assembly and method for effecting the condition of a mitral valve annulus of a heart includes a guide wire configured to be fed into the coronary sinus of the heart, and a mitral valve annulus therapy device configured to be slidingly received on the guide wire and advanced into the coronary sinus of the heart on the guide wire. A guide tube may further be employed for guiding the device into the coronary sinus. An introducer which may be employed for pushing the device into or pulling device out of the heart has a mechanism for releasably locking to the device. This enables substitution of the device if needed. Also, the crossover point of the circumflex artery and coronary sinus may be determined and avoided when the device is deployed.

Abstract: Devices and methods provide enhanced treatment of a cardiac valve annulus. Methods generally involve contacting an anchor delivery device with the valve annulus and releasing a plurality of coupled anchors from the anchor delivery device to secure the anchors to the annulus. Anchors, which in some embodiments are super-elastic or shape memory self-securing anchors, are then drawn together to tighten the annulus. Devices generally include an elongate catheter having a housing at or near the distal end for releasably housing a plurality of coupled anchors. The housing may be flexible, may conform to a valve annulus, and in some embodiments may be coupled with an expandable member to enhance contact of the housing with annular tissue. In one embodiment, self-securing anchors lie approximately flat within the delivery device housing, allowing anchors with relatively large deployed shapes to be housed in and deployed from a relatively narrow delivery device.

Abstract: A device, system, and method effects mitral valve annulus geometry of a heart. The device includes a first anchor configured to be positioned within and fixed to the coronary sinus of the heart adjacent the mitral valve annulus within the heart. A cable is fixed to the first anchor and extends proximately therefrom and slidingly through a second anchor which is positioned and fixed in the heart proximal to the first anchor. A lock locks the cable to the second anchor when tension is applied to the cable for effecting the mitral valve annulus geometry.

Abstract: A mitral valve therapy device effects the condition of a mitral valve annulus of a heart. The device includes an elongated member dimensioned to be placed in the coronary sinus of the heart adjacent the mitral valve annulus. The elongated member is flexible when placed in the heart in a first orientation to position the device in the coronary sinus adjacent the mitral valve annulus and relatively inflexible when rotated into a second orientation after the device is positioned in the coronary sinus adjacent to the mitral valve annulus to substantially straighten and increase the radius of curvature of the mitral valve annulus.

Abstract: An annuloplasty system including an annuloplasty prosthesis and a holder for the prosthesis. At least one rigid, downwardly extending penetrating member extends into the prosthesis. Preferably, at least one outwardly extending member extending alongside a lower surface of the prosthesis, preventing the prosthesis from moving downward and off of the penetrating member.

Abstract: An assembly for effecting the condition of a mitral valve annulus includes a mitral valve therapy device, a coupling structure carried by the device, a catheter, a second coupling structure, and a locking member. To implant the device, the device is first releasably locked to a pushing member by the coupling structures and the locking member. When the device is positioned within the coronary sinus adjacent the mitral valve annulus and deployed, the coupling structures may be released from each other by the release of the locking member.

Abstract: Apparatus for reducing mitral regurgitation, including a bendable elongated body adapted to be inserted into the coronary sinus of a patient in the vicinity of the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve, the elongated body being adjustable between a first configuration adapted to be delivered into the coronary sinus and a second configuration adapted to exert a force onto the posterior annulus. The body includes a flexible spine having a proximal end and a distal end, and a flexible wire mounted on the spine and having a distal end fixed to the spine proximate to the distal end of the spine, and having a proximal portion extending from the proximal end of the spine. Axial movement of the wire causes a change in the spine from the first configuration to the second configuration to exert the force on the posterior annulus and thereby reduce mitral regurgitation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cardiac prosthesis fixing device made up of a tubular element that can be accommodated inside a valve annulus of a heart and is provided with a bottom flange and top flange, between which the valve annulus can be accommodated. According to the invention the bottom flange is bent, or can be bent, reversibly, against a resilient force, from a first outward-pointing position into a second position in which the projection of the bottom flange on a radial transverse surface of the tubular element is located essentially on and/or within the periphery of the tubular element and the bottom flange is fixed or can be fixed in said second position in such a way that the fixing can be released in order to bend back the bottom flange towards the first position under the influence of said resilient force.

Abstract: An annuloplasty band comprising a sheath, and a generally arcuate stiffening element disposed within the sheath. The stiffening element extends from a first end to a second end, and preferably includes eyelets at its first and second ends adapted to receive sutures to secure the annuloplasty band to a valve annulus. The annuloplasty band preferably has a low profile (e.g., a thickness less than 3 mm). In embodiments intended for mitral valve repair, the eyelets are particularly adapted to receive sutures to secure the annuloplasty band to the antero-lateral trigone and postero-medial trigone. A holder and sizer device useful with the annuloplasty band are also provided.

Abstract: Devices for repairing and replacing a heart valve in various embodiments, the devices include at least first and second support rings connected together in a coiled configuration to abut opposite sides of a valve annulus. A replacement valve may be secured to the coil-shaped device. Various alternative fastening systems include suture fastening systems, mechanical fastening systems, shape memory alloy fastening systems and other fastening systems relying only on the resilience between adjacent coils. A method generally includes inserting a first end of the coil-shaped member through a valve annulus, rotating a first ring of the coil-shaped member into position on one side of the valve annulus and positioning at least a second ring of the coil-shaped member on an opposite side of the valve annulus.

Abstract: A method of implanting a resilient self-molding annuloplasty ring including stretching it to an expanded diameter and attaching it to a heart valve annulus, then permitting the ring 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. The 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 of the invention may further comprise integral attachment devices to aid in the implantation process.

Abstract: A device for correcting mitral and tricuspid valve regurgitation. The device connects the leaflet bases of the posterior and anterior mitral leaflets to each other with a stabilizing element extended transversely across the valve annulus. The stabilizing element is by first and second ends secured into a first and a second position respectively at the valve annulus using sutures, anchors or clips. Coaptation is attained, by reducing the length of the stabilizing element.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of implanting a mitral valve therapy device in a patient's coronary sinus adjacent the patient's mitral valve annulus. The method includes the steps of positioning the mitral valve therapy device within the coronary sinus of the patient adjacent to the mitral valve annulus, evaluating effectiveness of the device, and assessing arterial perfusion of the heart.

Abstract: An assembly for effecting the condition of a mitral valve of a heart includes a mitral valve therapy device, a guide wire, and a guide tube. The mitral valve therapy device is configured to reshape the mitral valve annulus of the heart when placed within the coronary sinus adjacent the mitral valve annulus. The guide wire is configured to be fed into the coronary sinus of the heart adjacent the mitral valve annulus. The guide tube has a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending between the distal end and the proximal end. The guide tube further includes a side port, intermediate the distal and proximal ends which communicates with the lumen. This permits the guide tube to be slidingly received on the guide wire with the guide wire extending from the distal end, through the lumen, and out the side port. In use, the guide tube is slid along the guide wire into the coronary sinus.

Abstract: A device, particularly useful for reconstructing heart valves, that includes:

Abstract: A medical apparatus and method for remodeling a mitral valve annulus adjacent to the coronary sinus includes an elongate body having a proximal end and a distal end. The elongate body is movable from a first, flexible configuration for transluminal delivery to at least a portion of the coronary sinus to a second configuration for remodeling the mitral valve annulus.

Abstract: Devices and methods for improving the function of a valve (e.g., mitral valve) by positioning an implantable device outside and adjacent the heart wall such that the device alters the shape of the heart wall acting on the valve. The implantable device may alter the shape of the heart wall acting on the valve by applying an inward force and/or by circumferential shortening (cinching). The shape change of the heart wall acting on the valve is sufficient to change the function of the valve, and may increase coaptation of the leaflets, for example, to reduce regurgitation.

Abstract: Devices and methods for improving the function of a valve (e.g., mitral valve) by positioning a spacing filling device outside and adjacent the heart wall such that the device applies an inward force against the heart wall acting on the valve. A substantially equal and opposite force may be provided by securing the device to the heart wall, and/or a substantially equal and opposite outward force may be applied against anatomical structure outside the heart wall. The inward force is sufficient to change the function of the valve, and may increase coaptation of the leaflets, for example. The space filling device may be implanted by a surgical approach, a transthoracic approach, or a transluminal approach, for example. The space filling portion may be delivered utilizing a delivery catheter navigated via the selected approach, and the space filling portion may be expandable between a smaller delivery configuration and a larger deployed configuration.

Abstract: The present invention is a group of medical devices designed to improve heart valve function. The medical devices may be used individually, or in combination to supplement damaged valves, replace damaged valves, or improve damaged valves function. The medical devices include leaflet retainers, a neo-annulus, neo-leaflet, and a framework. In addition, the present invention is novel methods for surgically treating heart valves.

Abstract: A medical apparatus and method for remodeling a mitral valve annulus adjacent to the coronary sinus includes an elongate body having a proximal end and a distal end. The elongate body is movable from a first, flexible configuration for transluminal delivery to at least a portion of the coronary sinus to a second configuration for remodeling the mitral valve annulus.