Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
ATRIOVENTRICULAR REGURGITATION REDUCTION SYSTEM ANCHORS

Abstract:

Devices for anchoring catheter systems, such as an atrioventricular heart valve regurgitation reduction system with a coapting element or spacer positioned within the atrioventricular valve leaflets. The spacer may be anchored above the atrioventricular valve with a rail that extends up into the subclavian vein, with tethers that attach to anchors around the annulus, or with a tether that connects to a stent expanded within an adjacent blood flow passage. The spacer may also be anchored below the atrioventricular valve with a rail that terminates in a tissue anchor within the ventricle, with tethers that attach to anchors around ventricle, or with a tether that connects to a stent expanded within an adjacent blood flow passage. The spacer may also be stabilized by a harness extending across the valve annulus or may be self-anchoring with an array of struts that extend into contact with the surrounding tissue.