Tissue plication device and method for its use

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/194,671 filed on Sep. 12, 2008, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0002] Mitral regurgitation is an issue affecting millions of people worldwide. It is the backflow of blood from the left ventricle into the left atrium due to incomplete closure of the mitral valve. There are surgical options available that return the valve to a functional geometry, however, surgery presents many risks to the patient.

[0007] This invention generally provides devices that can be deployed into the annulus of the mitral valve, and be acted upon to reduce the annular circumference and/or desirably change the functional geometry of the mitral valve. A reduction in annular circumference can, for example, reduce the septal lateral dimension of the valve enough to ensure that functional leaflet coaptation returns. These devices can be delivered percutaneously, thus eliminating the need for open heart surgery. At the physician's discretion, these devices can be delivered surgically, as well. The devices may also be used in other surgical procedures.

[0008] An illustrative embodiment of a method of the invention involves placing two or more tissue fixation devices, referred to as anchors 10, on or near the posterior region of the mitral valve annulus “A”. Alternatively, the anchors 10 can be positioned on or near both the posterior and anterior regions, or at other locations of the heart. In one method, the anchors are tensioned together to reduce the distance between them (FIG. 1). This effectively pulls the posterior annulus in closer proximity to the anterior annulus of the mitral valve, reduces the septal lateral dimension, facilitates coaptation of the valve leaflets, and reduces or eliminates the mitral regurgitation (FIG. 2).

[0009] The specific anchor design is shown in FIG. 3 (Two examples of suture pattern 20, 22 are illustrated). It consists of a semi-rigid bar 12, ribbon of fabric 14 and a suture 16. The ribbon 14 has a first end 17 and a second end 18 and extends through the bar 12. In suture pattern 20, the suture 16 passes transversely through the first and second ends 17, 18 of the ribbon 14 and extends over the bar 12, while a tail end of the suture remains external to the ribbon 14. In suture pattern 22, the suture 16 passes transversley through the first and second ends 17, 18, of the ribbon 14, while a tail end of the suture remains external to the ribbon 14. As can be seen in FIG. 2, it is intended that the bar 12 portion is anchored on one side of the tissue “T” while the suture and fabric extend through the tissue. The sutures of two or more anchors are the means for tensioning the anchors together. A lock can be applied to the sutures in order to maintain the tension between the anchors.

[0010] In an alternative design (FIG. 4), the anchor could consist of two bars 12, located on opposing sides of a tissue structure. This configuration could serve to compress the tissue locally and increase the retention strength of the anchor. Like the previous description, the respective sutures of the anchors are the means for tensioning the anchors together.

[0011] The quantities and positions of these anchors can be adapted in response to anatomical and etiological variations. Examples of typical configurations of these anchors are: set of two anchors, two or more sets of two anchors, set of three anchors, along the posterior annulus, along the anterior annulus, along both the posterior and anterior annuli.

[0012] With respect to the components of the anchor 10, the bar 12 could exist in a number of cross-sections (e.g., cylindrical, rectangular, I-beam, annular, etc.) and materials (metals like platinum and its alloys, titanium, stainless steel, or polymers like polyester, polypropylene, or other materials that would provide the required functional properties and biocompatibility). The fabric 14 could also be a sheet, cord or other structure that would support the plication tensions of this tissue plication treatment and not damage the tissue. Materials such as polyester, polypropylene and polytetrafluoroethylene can be used to fabricate this ribbon. The suture 16 could be a monofilament or braided structure, a wire or other element that can connect and tension multiple anchors. Typical suture materials are polyester, polypropylene, silk, and stainless steel.

[0013] These anchors can be delivered to the mitral valve annulus through a delivery catheter with the anchor loaded inside the delivery catheter or mounted on the outside of the catheter. The mitral valve can be accessed with the catheter via trans-septal technique or retrograde approach. The catheter may be used in combination with guide wires and/or guide catheters per standard catheter technique, and guided and/or imaged with traditional visualization tools, such as echocardiography and fluoroscopy.

[0014] While the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.