阅读说明：本技术 用于治疗血管功能不全的装置和方法 (Device and method for treating vascular insufficiency ) 是由 L·R·弗雷斯乔夫 R·施耐德 于 2017-06-14 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及用于治疗血管功能不全的装置和方法。公开了小叶夹具装置和减少通过天然心脏瓣膜的反流的方法的实施例。小叶夹具装置能够包括具有第一端部部分和第二端部部分的伸长的夹持构件和联接到夹持构件的张紧机构。小叶夹具装置能够进一步包括设置在夹持构件的管腔内的一个或更多个张紧构件,其中一个或更多个张紧构件可操作地连接到张紧机构,以将夹持构件从递送构型变换成植入构型。(The present invention relates to devices and methods for treating vascular insufficiency. Embodiments of a leaflet clip device and method of reducing regurgitation through a native heart valve are disclosed. The leaflet clip device can include an elongated clip member having a first end portion and a second end portion and a tensioning mechanism coupled to the clip member. The leaflet clip device can further comprise one or more tensioning members disposed within the lumen of the clamping member, wherein the one or more tensioning members are operably connected to the tensioning mechanism to transform the clamping member from the delivery configuration to the implantation configuration.)

1. A leaflet clip device, comprising:

an elongated clamp member having a first end portion and a second end portion;

a tensioning mechanism coupled to the clamping member; and

one or more tensioning members disposed within the lumen of the gripping member, wherein the one or more tensioning members are operably connected to the tensioning mechanism to transform the gripping member from a delivery configuration to an implant configuration.

2. The leaflet clip device of claim 1, further comprising a retention mechanism disposed within the lumen of the clip member, wherein the retention mechanism retains the shape of the clip member in the implanted configuration.

3. The leaflet clip device of any of claims 1-2, wherein the gripping member comprises a shape memory material.

4. The leaflet clip device of any of claims 1-3, wherein the tensioning mechanism is centrally coupled to the clamping member relative to the first and second end portions.

5. The leaflet clip device of any of claims 1-4, wherein the one or more tensioning members comprise:

a first tensioning member secured at a distal end portion thereof to the first end portion of the gripping member and operably connected to the tensioning mechanism at a proximal end portion of the first tensioning member; and

a second tensioning member secured to the second end portion of the gripping member at a distal end portion thereof and operably connected to the tensioning mechanism at a proximal end portion of the second tensioning member.

6. The leaflet clip device of any of claims 1-5, wherein rotation of at least a portion of the tensioning mechanism causes tensioning of the one or more tensioning members.

7. The leaflet clip device of any of claims 1-6, wherein the implanted configuration comprises a primary clip region defined between two leg portions of the clip member.

8. The leaflet clip device of any of claims 1-7, wherein the tensioning mechanism comprises a retaining mechanism configured to retain the clamping member in the implanted configuration.

9. The leaflet clip device of any of claims 1-8, wherein the one or more tensioning members extend through a portion of the tensioning mechanism.

10. The leaflet clip device of any of claims 1-9, wherein the one or more tensioning members are secured at one end to a portion of the tensioning mechanism.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to devices and methods for treating heart valve insufficiency.

Background

Cardiac valve insufficiency typically involves regurgitation of blood through a heart valve that fails to close completely or properly, resulting in impaired cardiovascular function. Valve insufficiency can affect, for example, the mitral, aortic, or tricuspid valves, and can be associated with the dilation or deformation of calcified or prolapsed leaflets, and/or the annulus. One approach to treating heart valve insufficiency is to employ one or more leaflet clips to improve coaptation of the native valve leaflets. However, conventional leaflet clips can be difficult to implant, can interfere with or damage the function of associated valve structures, such as chordae tendineae, and are often limited to use with a single type of heart valve. Accordingly, improvements in devices and methods for treating heart valve insufficiency may be desirable.

Disclosure of Invention

An exemplary embodiment of a leaflet clip device can include an elongated clip member having a first end portion and a second end portion and a tensioning mechanism coupled to the clip member. The leaflet clip device can further comprise one or more tensioning members disposed within the lumen of the clamping member, wherein the one or more tensioning members are operably connected to the tensioning mechanism to transform the clamping member from the delivery configuration to the implantation configuration. Some embodiments of the clamp device may further comprise a retention mechanism disposed within the lumen of the gripping member, wherein the retention mechanism retains the shape of the gripping member in the implanted configuration.

In some embodiments of the clamp device, the gripping member can damage the shape memory material. Additionally and/or alternatively, the tensioning mechanism can be centrally coupled to the clamp member relative to the first and second ends. In some embodiments, the one or more tensioning members can include a first tensioning member fixed at a distal end portion thereof to the first end portion of the clamp member and operably connected to the tensioning mechanism at a proximal end portion of the first tensioning member, and a second tensioning member fixed at a distal end portion thereof to the second end portion of the clamp member and operably connected to the tensioning mechanism at a proximal end portion of the second tensioning member. In some embodiments of the clamp device, rotation of at least a portion of the tensioning mechanism can tension one or more tensioning members.

In some embodiments of the clamp device, the implanted configuration can include a primary clamping region defined between two leg portions of the clamping member. Additionally and/or alternatively, the tensioning mechanism can include a retaining mechanism configured to retain the clamping member in the implanted configuration. Additionally and/or alternatively, one or more tensioning members can extend through a portion of the tensioning mechanism. Additionally and/or alternatively, one or more tensioning members are secured at one end to a portion of the tensioning mechanism.

Additionally and/or alternatively, an exemplary leaflet clip device can comprise: a clamping member comprising a tubular body having a lumen and two leg portions, wherein the clamping member is transitionable between a substantially linear delivery configuration and an implantation configuration in which the leg portions are drawn toward each other to capture a pair of leaflets between the leg portions; and a tensioning mechanism configured to transform the clamping member from the delivery configuration to the implantation configuration. Additionally and/or alternatively, the clamp device can further include one or more cords disposed within the lumen of the clamping member, wherein the one or more cords are operably connected to the tensioning mechanism to transform the clamping member from the delivery configuration to the implantation configuration. Additionally and/or alternatively, rotation of at least a portion of the tensioning mechanism can tension one or more cords, which causes the clamping member to transition from the delivery configuration to the implantation configuration.

In some embodiments of the clamp device, the tensioning mechanism can include a screw and a nut to which the one or more cords are connected such that rotation of the screw moves the nut axially along the screw and applies tension to the one or more cords. In some embodiments, the leaflet clip device can further comprise a retention mechanism disposed within the lumen of the clip member, wherein the retention mechanism retains the clip member in the implanted configuration.

Additionally and/or alternatively, the tubular body can comprise a metal tube having circumferential slots axially spaced along a length of the tubular body. Additionally and/or alternatively, in the implanted configuration, the clamping member can have the shape of the greek letter Ω. Additionally and/or alternatively, the leg portions can extend from respective ends of the intermediate portion of the tubular body towards each other when the clamping member is in the implanted configuration to define a clamping region for capturing a pair of leaflets, wherein the leg portions extend away from each other in a direction away from the clamping region.

An exemplary method of reducing regurgitation through a native heart valve can comprise positioning a leaflet clip device adjacent to the coaptation edges of two adjacent leaflets of the heart valve, wherein the leaflet clip device comprises a clamping member and first and second tensioning members disposed within a lumen of the clamping member, the first tensioning member being secured to a first end portion of the clamping member and the second tensioning member being secured to a second end portion of the clamping member; and applying tension to the tensioning member to transform the gripping member from a delivery configuration to an implanted configuration in which the apposed edges of the leaflets are captured between the two leg portions of the gripping member.

Additionally and/or alternatively, applying tension can include rotating a tensioning mechanism operably coupled to the first and second tensioning members. In some embodiments, the method can include engaging a retention mechanism to retain the clamping member in the implanted configuration. Additionally and/or alternatively, in the delivery configuration, the gripping member can have a substantially linear shape.

The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a representative embodiment of a leaflet clip device with a portion of a tensioning mechanism broken away for illustration purposes.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged portion showing a gripping member of the clamp device of fig. 1 partially broken away for illustrative purposes.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged portion of the leaflet clip device of fig. 1 shown partially detached for illustration purposes.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of another representative embodiment of a leaflet clip device having a plurality of unitary clip members for engaging a plurality of pairs of leaflets.

Fig. 5 is a front elevation view of another representative embodiment of a leaflet clip device.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a representative embodiment of a leaflet clip device implanted in a native aortic valve.

Fig. 7 is a side view of a delivery apparatus and a leaflet clip device loaded in the delivery apparatus for delivery into a patient.

Fig. 8 is a front elevation view of another representative embodiment of a leaflet clip device.

Fig. 9 is a front elevation view of another representative embodiment of a leaflet clip device.

Fig. 10 is a front elevational view of the screws of the leaflet clip device shown in fig. 9.

Fig. 11 is a front elevation view of another representative embodiment of a leaflet clip device.

Fig. 12 is a front elevation view of another representative embodiment of a leaflet clip device.

FIG. 13 is a front view of a clamping member formed from a laser cut metal tube according to one embodiment.

Fig. 14 illustrates a cutting pattern for laser cutting a metal tube to form a gripping member such as that shown in fig. 13.

Fig. 15 is an enlarged view of a portion of the cutting pattern shown in fig. 14.

Fig. 16 is a front view of a clamping member formed from a laser cut metal tube according to another embodiment.

FIG. 17 is an enlarged view of a portion of a cutting pattern for laser cutting a metal tube to form a gripping member such as that shown in FIG. 16.

Detailed Description

For the purposes of this specification, certain aspects, advantages and novel features of the embodiments of the disclosure are described herein. The disclosed methods, apparatus, and systems should not be construed as limiting in any way. Rather, the present disclosure is directed to all novel and non-obvious features and aspects of the various disclosed embodiments, alone and in various combinations and subcombinations with one another. The methods, apparatus and systems are not limited to any specific aspect or feature or combination thereof, nor do the disclosed embodiments require that any one or more specific advantages be present or problems be solved.

Features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not limited to the details of any disclosed embodiment. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Although the operations of some of the disclosed methods are described in a particular, sequential order for convenient presentation, it should be understood that this manner of description encompasses rearrangement, unless a particular ordering is required by specific language set forth below. For example, in some cases, operations described sequentially may be rearranged or performed concurrently. Moreover, for the sake of simplicity, the attached figures do not show the various ways in which the disclosed methods can be used in conjunction with other methods. Additionally, this specification sometimes uses terms like "provide" or "implement" to describe the disclosed methods. These terms are high-level abstractions of the actual operations that are performed. The actual operations that correspond to these terms may vary depending on the implementation and are readily recognizable to those of ordinary skill in the art.

As used in this application and the claims, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include the plural forms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In addition, the term "comprising" means "including". Further, the terms "coupled" and "associated," without the use of specific opposing language, generally refer to being electrically, electromagnetically, and/or physically (e.g., mechanically or chemically) coupled or connected and do not exclude the presence of elements intermediate to those coupled or associated items.

As used herein, the term "proximal" refers to a location, direction, or portion of the device that is closer to the user and further away from the implantation site. As used herein, the term "distal" refers to a location, direction, or portion of the device that is further away from the user and closer to the implantation site. Thus, for example, proximal movement of the device is movement of the device toward the user, while distal movement of the device is movement of the device away from the user. The terms "longitudinal" and "axial" refer to an axis extending in a proximal direction and a distal direction unless clearly defined otherwise.

As used herein, the terms "integrally formed" and "unitary structure" refer to a construction that does not include any welds, fasteners, or other means for securing separately formed pieces of material to one another.

Fig. 1 illustrates a representative embodiment of a leaflet clip device 10. The clamp device 10 in the illustrated embodiment includes an elongated clamping member 12 and a tensioning mechanism 14. The gripping member 12 can comprise an elongated generally tubular or cylindrical body having a first end portion 16, a second end portion 18, a lumen 20 extending from the first end portion 16 to the second end portion 18. Tensioning mechanism 14 can include one or more cords or tensioning members 22 disposed within lumen 20 of gripping member 12. As used herein, the term "tension member" or "cord" refers to an elongated material that can be formed from a single wire, thread, fiber, or filament, or can include multiple wires, threads, fibers, or filaments.

The clamping member 12 is capable of transforming from a delivery configuration to an implantation configuration and vice versa. In the delivery configuration, the gripping member 12 can be in a substantially longitudinally extending or straightened configuration (see fig. 7). In the implanted configuration (see fig. 1), the two portions of the clamping member 12 are drawn towards each other, forming a primary clamping region 24, such that a portion of one or more native valve leaflets can be captured or compressed between the two portions of the clamping member within the primary clamping region (see fig. 6).

In the implanted configuration, the clamping member 12 in the illustrated embodiment has a shape similar to the Greek letter "Ω". In particular, the clamping member 12 can have an intermediate portion 26 (which can extend linearly as shown or can be bent) and first and second leg portions 28, 30, the first and second leg portions 28, 30 respectively extending toward one another so as to move in a direction extending away from respective ends of the intermediate portion 26 to form the clamping region 24. The leg portions 28, 30 then extend away from each other, moving in a direction extending away from the clamping area 24. Other delivery configurations for the gripping member 12 are also possible. For example, in the delivery configuration, the clip member 12 can be folded in half such that the first and second leg portions 28, 30 are straightened and extend parallel and edge-to-edge with respect to each other.

The leaflet clip device 10 and any other leaflet clip embodiments described herein can be used to treat valve insufficiency or regurgitation by reshaping the annulus and/or leaflets of a heart valve. For example, fig. 6 shows the leaflet clip device 10 positioned in a native aortic valve 200. The native aortic valve 200 can include three valve leaflets 210, 212, 214 attached to an annulus 216. The valve leaflets 210 and 212 can form a first commissure 218, the leaflets 212 and 214 can form a second commissure 220, and the leaflets 210 and 214 can form a third commissure 222.

The leaflet clip device 10 is shown positioned adjacent to the first commissure 218 such that the leaflet clip device 10 engages the leaflets 210 and 212. The leaflet clip device 10 is also shown positioned adjacent to the wall of the annulus 216. In this manner, the leaflet clip 10 can improve coaptation of the leaflets 210, 212 at the commissures 218, thereby reducing regurgitation through the valve 200 due to valve insufficiency. In addition, although the leaflet clip 10 is shown clipping to the respective leaflet adjacent the annulus 216, the leaflet clip 10 can clip to the leaflet at any suitable location along the leaflet, including at the center of the native valve, as desired.

Although one clip device 10 is shown implanted in a native aortic valve, multiple leaflet clips 10 can be implanted to reduce dilation of the annulus 216 and/or address abnormalities in the shape of the annulus 216. For example, the leaflet clip 10 can be implanted on each pair of leaflets, e.g., at each commissure 218, 220, 222. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of the clip devices 10 can be implanted along the apposing edges of a pair of adjacent leaflets. For example, a plurality of clip devices 10 can be implanted along the coaptation edges of the leaflets 210, 212.

Referring again to fig. 1, the tensioning mechanism 14 can be operably coupled to the clamping member 12 via a tensioning member 22, the tensioning member 22 applying tension to the clamping member 12 to transform the clamping member 12 from the delivery configuration to the implanted configuration and/or to bring the leg portions 28, 30 together closer to the final implanted configuration after partial deployment from the delivery configuration, as further described below.

In a particular embodiment of the leaflet clip device 10, the clamping member 12 can be formed from a metal tube (e.g., laser cut), as shown in fig. 13 and 16. The tube can be formed with a plurality of slots or cuts along the length of the tube to facilitate bending of the tube from the delivery configuration to the implantation configuration.

In some embodiments, the clamping member 12 can be formed from a non-linear elastic, superelastic, and/or shape memory material, such as nitinol, and is shaped in the implanted configuration. The gripping member 12 can be maintained in the delivery configuration (e.g., using a sheath of the delivery apparatus) during delivery of the device within the patient, and when released from the delivery configuration, the gripping member 12 automatically returns toward the implanted configuration. In some embodiments, the gripping member 12 is capable of automatically self-expanding under its own resilience from the delivery configuration to the partially expanded configuration such that the leg portions 28, 30 are spaced apart from one another at the gripping region 24. The tensioning mechanism 14 can then be used to pull the leg portions 28, 30 together closer to the implanted configuration shown in fig. 1 with sufficient force to engage and anchor itself on a pair of native valve leaflets. In other embodiments, the gripping member can be shaped to a substantially linear or linear delivery configuration, and the tensioning mechanism 14 is used to deform or bend the gripping member from the delivery configuration to the implanted configuration.

In an alternative embodiment, the clamp device 10 does not have a tensioning mechanism 14, and the shape memory material of the clamping member 12 allows the clamping member 12 to transform from the delivery configuration to the implanted configuration under its own resilience and provides sufficient force against the native leaflets to anchor the clamping member 12 to a pair of native leaflets without the need for a separate tensioning mechanism.

In other embodiments, the clamping member 12 can be formed from a linear resilient material such as stainless steel or cobalt chrome. In such embodiments, the tensioning mechanism 14 can be used to transform or deform the clamping member 12 from the delivery configuration to the implantation configuration. Linear elastic metals such as stainless steel or cobalt chrome alloys also plastically deform after the applied force exceeds a predetermined threshold. In some embodiments, the tensioning mechanism 14 can be used to plastically deform the clamping member 12 as the clamping member 12 is deformed from the delivery configuration to the implantation configuration.

Fig. 13 shows an example of the gripping member 12 formed by laser-cutting a metal pipe. Fig. 14 illustrates an exemplary cutting pattern for forming the metal tube of the gripping member 12 shown in fig. 13. Fig. 15 is an enlarged view of a portion of the cutting pattern shown in fig. 14. Although not shown, the gripping member can include a covering that extends over and covers the outer surface of the metal tube. The covering can include a suitable fabric (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fabric), a non-woven polymeric material (e.g., polyurethane or silicone), or natural tissue (e.g., pericardial tissue).

As shown in fig. 14 and 15, a series of axially spaced circumferential cuts can be formed in the gripping member 12 at selected locations. Along the leg portions 28, 30, the cuts form a series of circumferential gaps 80 with protrusions 82 and notches 84 on opposite sides of a central portion of the gaps 80. In the illustrated embodiment, the clamping member 12 has no or substantially no shape memory toward the implanted configuration, and the clamping member 12 is shown in its natural resting state prior to being transformed into the implanted configuration in fig. 13. The clamping member in this example can comprise a stainless steel or cobalt chromium alloy metal tube, for example. As described further below, the clamping member is capable of being transformed from a substantially linear or linear configuration to the implanted configuration shown in fig. 1 by applying a force to clamping member 12. Gap 80 facilitates bending of the clamping member as it is bent into the implanted configuration. The protrusions 82 can reside in the corresponding recesses 84 to inhibit undesired twisting of the clamping member as it is transformed into the implanted configuration.

Fig. 16 shows another example of the gripping member 12 formed by laser-cutting a metal pipe. The clamping member 12 of fig. 16 can be substantially identical to the clamping member of fig. 13, except for mating features in the form of circumferential cuts that help maintain the shape of the clamping member as it transforms to the implanted configuration. Specifically, as shown in fig. 17, the cuts form a series of circumferential gaps 86 with protrusions 88 and notches 90 on opposite sides of a central portion of the gaps 86. The projection 88 has non-linear opposing edges 92, the edges 92 being configured to engage similarly shaped non-linear edges 94 of the notch 90 when the clamping member is bent toward the implanted configuration. An edge 92 of the projection 88 can frictionally engage an edge 94 of the notch 90 to inhibit the clamping member from straightening back toward the delivery configuration. Fig. 16 shows the clip member held in a partially deployed state by the retention features of the cutout without applying additional force to the clip member. In some embodiments, the retention feature of the incision can be configured to retain the shape of the gripping member in the implanted configuration shown in fig. 1.

When the clamping member 12 is in the implanted configuration, the clamping strength of the leaflet clip device can be determined. As used herein, the terms "clip retention force" and "clip strength" refer to the force in the proximal direction that can be withstood by the leaflet clip device without centrifuging the leaflets of the dirty valve when the clip member is in the implanted configuration. In some embodiments, the clamp device and/or the delivery apparatus for the clamp device can comprise a strain gauge or equivalent device operable to measure the retention force of the leaflet clamp device 10.

The tensioning mechanism 14 can be configured to allow slight closing movement of the leaflet clip device to the implanted configuration. In a particular embodiment, the clip retention force can be fully controlled via the tensioning mechanism 14. For example, in the embodiment shown in fig. 1 and 3, the tensioning mechanism 14 can include a screw 32 and a movable element such as a nut 34, the nut 34 threadably engaged with the screw 32 and movable along the length of the screw 32. The tensioning mechanism 14 can further include a housing 54 that houses the screw 32 and the nut 34, and two plates or bars 56 on opposite sides of the nut 34. The plate 56 contacts the adjacent surface of the nut 34 and prevents rotation of the nut 34 as the screw 32 is rotated. Thus, rotation of the screw 32 produces axial movement of the nut 34 within the housing 54 along the length of the screw.

The screw 32 can have a proximal end portion 58, the proximal end portion 58 can be releasably connected to a delivery apparatus or another tool that can be manipulated to rotate the screw 32. For example, a rotating shaft of a delivery device or another tool can have a distal end portion releasably connected to the proximal end portion 58 of the screw 32. The proximal end portion of the shaft can be rotated by the user (either manually or by activating a motor that rotates the shaft), which in turn rotates the screw 32.

First cord 22a can have a distal end portion 36 attached to first end portion 16 of clamp member 12, and second cord 22b can have a distal end portion 38 attached to second end portion 18 of clamp member 12. Distal end portions 36, 38 of cords 22a, 22b can be fixedly secured to portions of clamping member 12, such as by welding distal end portions 36, 38 to a luminal surface of clamping member 12. The proximal end portions 40, 42 of the first and second cords 22a, 22b can be fixedly secured to the nut 34, for example, by placing the proximal end portions 40, 42 in respective holes 60 in the nut 34 and welding them in place. Tension can be applied to the first and second cords 22a, 22b by moving the nut 34 in a proximal direction away from the clamping member 12 along the length of the screw 32, as indicated by arrow 62. As indicated by arrow 64, the tension on the first and second cords 22a, 22b can be released or relieved by moving the nut 34 in a distal direction toward the clamping member 12.

The tensioning of the cords 22a, 22b effectively applies a compressive or bending force to the leg portions 28, 30 which causes the leg portions to bend at the clamping region 24 and/or causes the leg portions to be drawn closer together to the clamping region and apply sufficient retention force against the native leaflet along the coaptation edge of the leaflet. Further tensioning of the strands 22a, 22b can allow manipulation of the intermediate portion 26 of the clamping member to perform reshaping of the native valve cusp region. As mentioned above, the gripping member 12 can include a flex cut and/or thinning of the tube material at predetermined locations along the gripping member 12 where bending of the gripping member 12 is desired, such as thinning or flex cuts 44 at bends 44, 66. The length, location, frequency and number of material removals of the flexion cuts can allow for a variety of options to produce flexion in a particular region in a defined order, position, resolution and defined curvature.

The fine closing movement of the leaflet clip device 10 can depend on the thread pitch of the screw 32. For example, a relatively smaller pitch will increase the amount of control over the spacing between the leg portions 28, 30 at the clamping region 24 and the retention force applied to a pair of native leaflets.

Instead of or in addition to locking the flexion cuts (as shown in fig. 17), some embodiments of the leaflet clip device 10 can include one or more retention features to help retain the clip member 12 in its implanted configuration. For example, the gripping member 12 can include a retaining mechanism 46 at each bend 44, the retaining mechanism 46 retaining the portion of the gripping member in its deformed state once a predetermined bend angle in the gripping member 12 is reached. As shown in fig. 2, each locking mechanism 46 can be disposed within the lumen of gripping member 12 at bend 44. Each locking mechanism 46 can include at least a first locking member 48 and a second locking member 50, the first and second locking members 48, 50 configured to move relative to each other when the clamping member is transformed from the delivery configuration to the implantation configuration. The locking members 48, 50 can have opposing edges having complementary shapes that nest against one another in the implanted configuration. For example, the first locking member 48 can have a notch 68 that receives a protrusion 70 of the second locking member 50.

When the clamping member 12 is substantially straightened in the delivery configuration, the locking members 48, 50 are placed in an overlapping position relative to each other and are able to slide against each other when the clamping member 12 is moved towards the implantation configuration. When the bend 44 reaches a predetermined curvature, such as when the implanted configuration is reached, the protrusion 70 moves into engagement within the recess 68, as shown in fig. 2. The locking members 48, 50 can be biased laterally against each other to force the projections 70 to engage the notches 68. Engagement of the locking members 48, 50 prevents the clamping members from further bending at the bend 44 beyond the implanted configuration and prevents the clamping members from bending back to the delivery configuration at the bend 44. The retaining member 46 can reduce the load placed on the cords 22a, 22b and can enhance the ability of the clip device to maintain consistent retention force on the leaflets for a longer period of time.

Additionally and/or alternatively, tensioning mechanism 14 can also include a retaining or locking mechanism for retaining clip member 12 in the implanted configuration. For example, the tensioning mechanism 14 can maintain the clamping member in the implanted configuration due to a balance of tension in the one or more cords 22 and friction between the screw 32 and the nut 34. In this manner, the screw 32 and the nut 34 function as a retaining mechanism. Additionally and/or alternatively, the variable pitch screw can provide a retaining mechanism whereby the nut 34 can travel along a first portion of the screw having a first pitch and then lock onto or form a mechanical interference with a second portion of the screw having a second pitch different from the first pitch, as further described below in connection with fig. 9-10.

Fig. 7 illustrates a distal end portion of a delivery apparatus 400 for percutaneously delivering and implanting the clamp device 10 within a patient, according to one embodiment. The delivery device can include an outer sheath 402, a first shaft 404 extending through the sheath 402, and a second shaft 406 extending through the first shaft 404. The sheath 402 has a lumen sized to receive and retain the clamp device 10 in a delivery configuration for delivery through the body of a patient. The inner shaft 404 can be releasably attached to a convenient location on the clamp device, as shown in the tensioning mechanism 14. The shaft 404 can be used to manipulate or adjust the position of the clamp device 10 relative to the sheath 402 and the implantation position. For example, the shaft 404 can be used to deploy the clamp device 10 from the sheath 402, move the clamp device distally and proximally relative to the implantation site, and/or rotate the clamp device relative to the implantation site. The second shaft 406 may be releasably coupled to the proximal end portion 58 of the screw 32 of the tensioning mechanism 14. The second shaft 406 is rotatable by the user relative to the first shaft 404 to rotate the screw 32 and adjust the tension on the cords 22a, 22 b. The proximal end portions of the sheath 402, the first shaft 404, and the second shaft 406 can be coupled to a handle of the delivery apparatus, which can include suitable controls (e.g., knobs) that allow a user to control the movement of the sheath 402, the first shaft 404, and the second shaft 406.

The delivery apparatus 400 and clip device 10 housed within the sheath 402 can be introduced into the vasculature of a patient (e.g., via the femoral artery or other suitable access point) and percutaneously advanced to the heart of the patient using the leaflet clip device 402 using any of a variety of delivery techniques. In a transfemoral procedure, the delivery device 400 can be inserted into the heart through the femoral artery and aorta in a retrograde direction (typically, but not exclusively, for deploying a clip over the aortic or mitral valve leaflets). Similarly, the delivery device 400 can be inserted in an antegrade direction through the femoral and vena cava to the right side of the heart (typically, but not exclusively, for deploying a clip over the leaflets of the lung or tricuspid valve). In a transcentricular procedure, the delivery device 400 can be inserted through a surgical incision made at the bare point on the chest and lower anterior ventricular wall (typically but not exclusively for deploying a clip over the leaflets of the aorta or mitral valve). Similarly, the delivery device 400 can be inserted through a surgical incision in the right ventricle wall to access the lung or tricuspid valve. In transatrial procedures, delivery device 40 can be inserted through a surgical incision made in the wall of the left or right atrium to access a native valve on the left or right side of the heart, respectively. In transarterial surgery, the delivery device 400 can be inserted through a surgical incision made in the ascending aorta and advanced toward the heart (typically, but not exclusively, for deploying a clip over the aortic or mitral valve leaflets). In a transseptal procedure, the delivery device 400 can be advanced into the right atrium, such as via the femoral vein, and through the septum separating the right and left ventricles (typically, but not exclusively, for deploying the clip over the aortic or mitral valve). Further details of delivery techniques for accessing a native valve of the heart are disclosed in U.S. patent publication No. 2014/0067052.

Once positioned proximal to the desired heart valve, the leaflet clip device 10 can be deployed from the sheath 402, such as by pushing the clip device 10 distally from the sheath 402 using the shaft 404 and/or retracting the sheath 402 relative to the clip device. Once the clip device is deployed from the sheath, the clip device can be advanced distally, retracted proximally and/or rotated as needed to position the leaflet clip device 10 such that a pair of first and second leaflets are positioned generally within the primary clip region 24 with the first leg portion 28 adjacent one of the leaflets and the second leg portion 30 adjacent the other leaflet.

The delivery apparatus can be used to adjust the tensioning mechanism 14 until the desired predetermined implant configuration is achieved in which the leaflets engage and are compressed between the leg portions 28, 30. For example, the user can rotate the shaft 406, and the shaft 406 rotates the screw 32, thereby increasing the tension on the cords 22a, 22b until the implanted configuration is achieved.

In an alternative embodiment, the clamp device can include a plurality of clamp members configured to engage a plurality of pairs of native leaflets. As shown in fig. 4, for example, the leaflet clip device 300 comprises an annular ring having three clip members 302, 304, 306 spaced approximately 120 degrees apart from each other, each clip member configured to be implanted on a pair of native leaflets, such as at the commissures of a native valve. The clamp device 300 can comprise a tubular structure and be formed of, for example, a shape memory material (e.g., nitinol) or a plastically deformable material (e.g., stainless steel or cobalt chromium alloy). In other embodiments, the clamp device can include an annular ring having two clamping members spaced approximately 180 degrees apart from each other, such as for implantation on a leaflet of a native mitral valve.

In yet another alternative embodiment, the clamp device can include an open ring (i.e., a ring that extends less than 360 degrees) having a number of clamping members that is less than the number of native leaflets of the valve in which the device is to be implanted. For example, the clamp device can include an open ring having two clamping members spaced approximately 120 degrees apart from each other and configured to engage two pairs of native leaflets instead of three pairs of native leaflets.

The leaflet clip device can include any of a plurality of different tensioning mechanisms configured to apply tension to one or more cords disposed within the gripping member and/or transform the gripping member from a delivery configuration to an implant configuration. For example, fig. 5 and 8-12 illustrate various embodiments of leaflet clip devices having different tensioning mechanisms.

Fig. 5 shows a leaflet clip device 500 according to another embodiment. The leaflet clip 500 includes a tensioning mechanism 502 and a clamping member 504 that defines a lumen 506. The tensioning mechanism 502 can include one or more fasteners 508. One or more cords 510 can be disposed within lumen 506 and can be attached at a distal end portion 512 thereof to a corresponding location on clamping member 504, as described above in connection with the embodiment of fig. 1. One or more cords 510 can pass through the fastener 508 and can have a proximal end portion that connects to a delivery device and/or extends outside the patient's body. A fastener 508, such as a suture clip, can be advanced onto the cord 510 in the direction indicated by arrow 516 and pushed against the intermediate portion 514 of the clamping member 504 to maintain tension on the cord. The portion of the cord proximal to the gripping member 504 can be severed with a delivery device or another tool.

The fastener 508 can be a suture clip or another type of fastener that can be deployed from a catheter and secured to a suture in a patient. Various suture clips and deployment techniques for suture clips that can be used in the methods disclosed in this application are disclosed in U.S. publication nos. 2014/0031864 and 2008/0281356 and U.S. patent No.7,628,797. In the case of a slidable fastener, the fastener 508 may be moved in a distal direction along the cord 510 toward the gripping member and configured to resist movement in a proximal direction along the cord in an opposite direction. Thus, once placed against the clamping member, the fastener 508 can prevent the cord 510 from being pulled through the fastener under the tension of the cord. In this manner, fastener 508 acts as a retaining member to help retain the shape of the clamping member in the implanted configuration.

The delivery device can include a mechanism configured to adjust the tension applied to the cord 510 until a desired predetermined implant configuration is achieved. For example, the cords 510 can be releasably coupled to a respective shaft or other component that can be controlled by a user. The delivery device can also include a mechanism for deploying the fastener 508 onto the cord and/or advancing the fastener 508 over the cord until it abuts the gripping member.

Fig. 8 shows a leaflet clip device 600 according to another embodiment. Clamp device 600 includes a tensioning mechanism 602 and a clamping member 604 defining a lumen 606. The tensioning mechanism 602 can include one or more fasteners 608 (e.g., suture clips) and a pulley system 610, the pulley system 610 including one or more pulleys or sheaves 612 disposed within the lumen 606. One or more cords 614 can be disposed within lumen 606 and attached at their distal end portions 616 to respective locations on clamping member 604, as described above in connection with the embodiment of fig. 1. One or more cords 614 can be threaded through the fastener 608, the fastener 608 allowing movement of the cords 614 in one direction by the fastener. As shown, the cord 614 is able to weave around the pulley 612 as the cord 614 extends through the lumen.

The delivery apparatus can include a mechanism that allows tension to be applied to the cord 614 within the gripping member 604 until the desired predetermined implant configuration is reached, and a mechanism that deploys and advances the fastener 608 over the cord 614, as described above in connection with the embodiment of fig. 5. An advantage of using pulley 612 to support the cord 614 is that by exerting a pulling force on the cord, it significantly reduces the force required to deform the gripping member into the implanted configuration. Pulleys 612 are also positioned at strategic locations within the lumen to promote buckling of the gripping members at desired locations when tension is applied on the cord. Other uses of the pulley system may further distribute tension/load on the cord as desired for the procedure.

Fig. 9 shows a leaflet clip device 700 according to another embodiment. Clamp device 700 includes a tensioning mechanism 702 and a clamping member 704 defining a lumen 706. Similar to the tensioning mechanism 14 of fig. 1, the tensioning mechanism 702 can include a screw 708 and a nut 710 disposed on the screw. Instead of a separate housing for the tensioning mechanism, a screw 708 can be at least partially disposed within the lumen 706 of the clamping member. Two walls or protrusions 718 can be located on opposite sides of the nut 710 within the lumen 706 to contact the nut 710 and prevent the nut 710 from rotating as the screw 708 is rotated.

As described above, one or more cords 712 can be disposed within lumen 706 and can be attached at their distal end portions 714 to respective locations on clamping member 704. The cords 712 can be attached to the nut 710 at their proximal end portions. Thus, rotation of the screw 708 effectively moves the nut 710 axially along the screw to adjust the tension on the cord, as described in detail above in connection with the embodiment of FIG. 1.

The tensioning mechanism 702 can include a retaining or locking mechanism in the form of a variable pitch screw. As best shown in fig. 10, for example, the screw 708 can include a first threaded portion 720 having threads defining a first pitch and a second threaded portion 722 having threads defining a second pitch that is less than the first pitch. The nut 710 has an internal thread corresponding to the thread of the first threaded portion 720 and is axially movable along the screw when the screw is rotated. The internal threads of the nut 710 are substantially different from the threads of the second threaded portion 722 (e.g., the internal threads of the nut 710 are larger and/or have a smaller pitch than the threads of the second threaded portion) such that when the nut 710 reaches the second threaded portion 722, a mechanical interference occurs that prevents further movement of the nut to help maintain the clamping member in its deformed state.

Fig. 11 shows a leaflet clip device 800 according to another embodiment. Clamp device 800 includes a tensioning mechanism 802 and a clamping member 804 that defines a lumen 806. The tensioning mechanism 802 can include a worm screw 808 and a worm gear or gear 810 engaged with the screw 808. Screw 808 and worm gear 810 can be mounted within lumen 806 with a proximal end portion of screw 808 exposed outside of the clamping member for connection to a delivery device or tool that rotates the screw. The rotation or torque on the worm screw 808 is converted to rotation or torque on the worm gear 810.

As previously described, one or more cords 812 can be disposed within the lumen 806 and can be attached at their distal ends 814 to respective locations on the gripping member 804. One or more cords 812 can be attached at their proximal end portions to a central shaft 816 of the worm gear 810. A mechanism (e.g., a torque shaft) in the delivery system can rotate screw 808, thereby rotating worm gear 810 and shaft 816. As worm gear 810 rotates, tension is applied to one or more cords 812 as the cords relax to wrap around shaft 816. As shown, a single worm gear 810 can be used to apply tension to multiple cords 812. In an alternative embodiment, first and second worm gears 810 can be mounted on respective shafts on opposite sides of the screw 808, with each worm gear 810 connected to a respective cord 810 extending through that side of the clamping member. Tension can be applied to one or more cords 812 within the gripping member 804 until a desired predetermined implanted configuration is achieved.

Fig. 12 shows a leaflet clip device 900 according to another embodiment. The clamp device 900 can include a tensioning mechanism 902 and a clamping member 904 defining a lumen 906. The tensioning mechanism 902 can include a central bevel gear 908 and one or more side bevel gears 910 disposed, for example, on either side of the central bevel gear 908. Each side gear 910 can be mounted on a respective shaft 916 or common shaft that extends through both side gears 910. The gears 908, 910 can be mounted in the lumen 906 in addition to a shaft portion 909 that can be exposed outside the clamp member for connection to a sun gear 908 of a delivery apparatus or tool for rotating the screw. The rotation or torque of the sun gear 908 (by rotating the shaft portions 909) is converted into rotation or torque on the two side gears 910.

As previously described, one or more cords 912 can be disposed within lumen 906 and can be attached at their distal end portions 914 to respective locations on clamping member 904. Each of the one or more cords 912 can be attached at their proximal end portions to the shaft 916 of the respective side gear 910. A mechanism (e.g., a torque shaft) in the delivery system can rotate the sun gear 908, thereby rotating the side gears 910. As the side gears 910 rotate, tension is applied to one or more cords 912 as each cord is unwound to wrap around a respective shaft 916. Tension can be applied to one or more cords 912 within gripping member 904 until a desired predetermined implantation configuration is achieved.

In view of the many possible embodiments to which the principles of the disclosed technology can be applied, it should be recognized that the illustrated embodiments are only preferred examples and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the disclosure. Rather, the scope of the disclosure is defined by the appended claims.