US6945978B1 — Heart valve catheter

Claim 1

Independent Claim 99 words

A medical device, comprising: an elongated catheter having a proximal portion and a distal portion; at least one needle disposed within said elongated catheter, said at least one needle having a slot formed along a needle length with a first opening and a second opening; and a fastener ejectable from said at least one needle, wherein said fastener includes a first end and a second end, said first end capable of ejecting from said first opening and said second end capable of ejecting from said second opening to fasten a body tissue pierced by said at least one needle.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 99 words

A medical device, comprising: an elongated catheter having a proximal portion and a distal portion; at least one needle disposed within said elongated catheter, said at least one needle having a slot formed along a needle length with a first opening and a second opening; and a fastener ejectable from said at least one needle, wherein said fastener includes a first end and a second end, said first end capable of ejecting from said first opening and said second end capable of ejecting from said second opening to fasten a body tissue pierced by said at least one needle.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 38 words

The medical device of claim 1 , further comprising at least one stabilizer deployable from said distal portion of said elongated catheter, wherein said at least one stabilizer is adapted to restrict a movement of said body tissue.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 42 words

The medical device of claim 1 , wherein said fastener has an elongated central portion with said first end and said second end, and when ejected from said at least one needle, holds said body tissue between said first and second ends.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 18 words

The medical device of claim 3 , wherein said body tissue comprises at least one mitral valve leaflet.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 23 words

The medical device of claim 4 , wherein said catheter is adapted for percutaneous advancement to said at least one mitral valve leaflet.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 12 words

The medical device of claim 3 , wherein said fastener is flexible.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 24 words

The medical device of claim 5 , further comprising a mandrel disposed within said at least one needle, wherein said mandrel ejects said fastener.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 16 words

The medical device of claim 7 , wherein said elongated catheter further comprises a guidewire lumen.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 25 words

The medical device of claim 7 , wherein said elongated catheter further comprising a control mechanism disposed near said proximal portion of said elongated catheter.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 13 words

The medical device of claim 1 , wherein said elongated catheter is steerable.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 113 words

A percutaneous mitral valve device, comprising: a catheter having a proximal portion, a steerable distal portion, and a portion adapted to be disposed through an aortic valve; at least one needle extendable from said distal portion, said at least one needle having a slot formed along an elongated central portion with a first opening and a second opening; and a fastener ejectable from said at least one needle, wherein said fastener includes a first end and a second end, said first end capable of ejecting from said first opening and said second end capable of ejecting from said second opening to fasten a first mitral valve leaflet to a second mitral valve leaflet.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 113 words

A percutaneous mitral valve device, comprising: a catheter having a proximal portion, a steerable distal portion, and a portion adapted to be disposed through an aortic valve; at least one needle extendable from said distal portion, said at least one needle having a slot formed along an elongated central portion with a first opening and a second opening; and a fastener ejectable from said at least one needle, wherein said fastener includes a first end and a second end, said first end capable of ejecting from said first opening and said second end capable of ejecting from said second opening to fasten a first mitral valve leaflet to a second mitral valve leaflet.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 28 words

The percutaneous mitral valve device of claim 11 , wherein said fastener holds said first leaflet and said second leaflet between said first end and said second end.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 26 words

The percutaneous mitral valve device of claim 12 , further comprising a mandrel disposed within said at least one needle, wherein said mandrel ejects said fastener.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 54 words

The percutaneous mitral valve device of claim 13 , further comprising a guidewire lumen formed within said catheter, and a first stabilizer extendable from said distal portion and adapted to hold said first mitral valve leaflet, and a second stabilizer extendable from said distal portion and adapted to hold said second mitral valve leaflet.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 17 words

The percutaneous mitral valve device of claim 12 , wherein said fastener is made of a polymer.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 18 words

The percutaneous mitral valve device of claim 12 , wherein said fastener is made of a biodegradable material.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 18 words

The percutaneous mitral valve device of claim 12 , wherein said fastener is made of a metallic material.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 18 words

The percutaneous mitral valve device of claim 12 , wherein said fastener is made of a flexible material.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 135 words

A percutaneous mitral valve device, comprising: a catheter having a proximal portion and a steerable distal portion; a first stabilizer extendable from said distal portion, said first stabilizer adapted to hold a first mitral valve leaflet; a second stabilizer extendable from said distal portion, said second stabilizer adapted to hold said second a second mitral valve leaflet; a needle extendable from said distal portion, said needle having a slot formed along a needle length with a first opening and a second opening; and a fastener ejectable from said first needle, wherein said fastener includes a first end and a second end, said first end capable of ejecting from said first opening and said second end capable of ejecting from said second opening to fasten said first mitral valve leaflet to said second mitral valve leaflet.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 135 words

A percutaneous mitral valve device, comprising: a catheter having a proximal portion and a steerable distal portion; a first stabilizer extendable from said distal portion, said first stabilizer adapted to hold a first mitral valve leaflet; a second stabilizer extendable from said distal portion, said second stabilizer adapted to hold said second a second mitral valve leaflet; a needle extendable from said distal portion, said needle having a slot formed along a needle length with a first opening and a second opening; and a fastener ejectable from said first needle, wherein said fastener includes a first end and a second end, said first end capable of ejecting from said first opening and said second end capable of ejecting from said second opening to fasten said first mitral valve leaflet to said second mitral valve leaflet.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 48 words

The percutaneous mitral valve device of claim 19 , wherein said fastener has an elongated central portion with said first end and said second end, and when ejected from said first needle, holds said first leaflet and said second leaflet between said first end and said second end.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 23 words

The percutaneous mitral valve device of claim 20 , further comprising a mandrel disposed within said needle, wherein said mandrel ejects said fastener.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 18 words

The percutaneous mitral valve device of claim 21 , further comprising a guidewire lumen formed within said catheter.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 17 words

The percutaneous mitral valve device of claim 20 , wherein said fastener is made of a polymer.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 18 words

The percutaneous mitral valve device of claim 20 , wherein said fastener is made of a biodegradable material.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 18 words

The percutaneous mitral valve device of claim 20 , wherein said fastener is made of a metallic material.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 23 words

The percutaneous mitral valve device of claim 22 , further comprising a control mechanism disposed near said proximal portion of said elongated catheter.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 22 words

The percutaneous mitral valve device of claim 20 , wherein said first end and said second end of said fastener are disk-shaped.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 22 words

The percutaneous mitral valve device of claim 20 , wherein said first end and said second end of said fastener are cylindrical-shaped.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 147 words

A percutaneous mitral valve device, comprising: a catheter having a proximal portion and a steerable distal portion; a first needle extendable from a housing disposed near said distal portion; a second needle extendable from said distal portion housing, wherein said housing forms a lumen extending into a first opening for said first needle and a second opening for said second needle, said lumen having a central portion extending between said first opening and said second opening; and a fastener having a first end capable of ejecting from said first needle and a second end capable of ejecting from said second needle, wherein said first needle is adapted to penetrate a first mitral valve leaflet and said second needle is adapted to penetrate said second mitral valve leaflet, and wherein said fastener, having a nonadjustable length, fastens said first mitral valve leaflet to said second mitral valve leaflet.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 147 words

A percutaneous mitral valve device, comprising: a catheter having a proximal portion and a steerable distal portion; a first needle extendable from a housing disposed near said distal portion; a second needle extendable from said distal portion housing, wherein said housing forms a lumen extending into a first opening for said first needle and a second opening for said second needle, said lumen having a central portion extending between said first opening and said second opening; and a fastener having a first end capable of ejecting from said first needle and a second end capable of ejecting from said second needle, wherein said first needle is adapted to penetrate a first mitral valve leaflet and said second needle is adapted to penetrate said second mitral valve leaflet, and wherein said fastener, having a nonadjustable length, fastens said first mitral valve leaflet to said second mitral valve leaflet.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 49 words

The percutaneous mitral valve device of claim 29 , wherein said fastener has an elongated central portion with said first end and said second end, and when ejected from said first and second needles, holds said first leaflet and said second leaflet between said first and said second ends.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 23 words

The percutaneous mitral valve device of claim 30 , further comprising a mandrel disposed within said needle, wherein said mandrel ejects said fastener.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 18 words

The percutaneous mitral valve device of claim 31 , further comprising a guidewire lumen formed within said catheter.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 23 words

The percutaneous mitral valve device of claim 32 , further comprising a control mechanism disposed near said proximal portion of said elongated catheter.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 17 words

The percutaneous mitral valve device of claim 30 , wherein said fastener is made of a polymer.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 18 words

The percutaneous mitral valve device of claim 30 , wherein said fastener is made of a biodegradable material.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 18 words

The percutaneous mitral valve device of claim 30 , wherein said fastener is made of a metallic material.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 22 words

The percutaneous mitral valve device of claim 30 , wherein said first end and said second end of said fastener are disk-shaped.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 22 words

The percutaneous mitral valve device of claim 30 , wherein said first end and said second end of said fastener are cylindrical-shaped.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 18 words

The percutaneous mitral valve device of claim 29 , wherein said first and said second needles are flexible.

Claim 44

Independent Claim 60 words

A method of treating a mitral valve, the method comprising: locating said mitral valve percutaneously; ejecting a first end of a fastener from a first slot of a needle through a first leaflet of said mitral valve; and ejecting a second end of a fastener from a second slot of said needle through a second leaflet of said mitral valve.

Claim 45

Independent Claim 60 words

A method of treating a mitral valve, the method comprising: locating said mitral valve percutaneously; ejecting a first end of a fastener from a first slot of a needle through a first leaflet of said mitral valve; and ejecting a second end of a fastener from a second slot of said needle through a second leaflet of said mitral valve.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 21 words

The method of claim 40 , wherein locating further comprises advancing a steerable catheter having said fastener to said mitral valve.

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 32 words

The method of claim 41 , wherein locating further comprises stabilizing a first and a second leaflet of said mitral valve to restrict a movement of said first and said second leaflets.

Claim 48

Dependent Claim 19 words

The method of claim 42 , wherein ejecting further comprises penetrating said needle through said first and said leaflets.

Claim 49

Dependent Claim 20 words

The method of claim 43 , wherein ejecting further comprises releasing said said first end and said second end simultaneously.

Claim 50

Dependent Claim 25 words

The method of claim 41 , wherein locating further comprises advancing a medical device across a septum and into the left atrium of a heart.

Claim 51

Dependent Claim 35 words

The method of claim 40 , wherein ejecting further comprises: piercing said first leaflet with a first needle and second leaflet with a second needle; and releasing said fastener from said first and second needles.

Claim 52

Dependent Claim 19 words

The method of claim 46 , wherein releasing comprises advancing a mandrel disposed within said first and second needles.

Claim 53

Dependent Claim 65 words

A medical device to treat a mitral valve, comprising: means for locating said mitral valve percutaneously; means for ejecting a first end of a fastener from a first slot of a needle through a first leaflet of said mitral valve; and means for ejecting a second end of said fastener from a second slot of said needle through a second leaflet of said mitral valve.

Claim 54

Dependent Claim 65 words

A medical device to treat a mitral valve, comprising: means for locating said mitral valve percutaneously; means for ejecting a first end of a fastener from a first slot of a needle through a first leaflet of said mitral valve; and means for ejecting a second end of said fastener from a second slot of said needle through a second leaflet of said mitral valve.

Claim 55

Dependent Claim 26 words

The medical device of claim 48 , wherein means for locating further comprises means for advancing a steerable catheter having said fastener to said mitral valve.

Claim 56

Dependent Claim 37 words

The medical device of claim 49 , wherein means for locating further comprises means for stabilizing a first and a second leaflet of said mitral valve to restrict a movement of said first and said second leaflets.

Claim 57

Dependent Claim 24 words

The medical device of claim 50 , wherein means for ejecting further comprises means for penetrating a needle through said first and said leaflets.

Claim 58

Dependent Claim 21 words

The medical device of claim 51 , wherein means for ejecting further comprises means for releasing said fastener from said needle.

Claim 59

Dependent Claim 30 words

The medical device of claim 49 , wherein means for locating further comprises means for advancing a medical device across a septum and into the left atrium of a heart.

Claim 60

Dependent Claim 42 words

The medical device of claim 48 , wherein means for ejecting further comprises: means for piercing said first leaflet with a first needle and second leaflet with a second needle; and means for releasing said fastener from said first and second needles.

Claim 61

Dependent Claim 24 words

The medical device of claim 54 , wherein means for releasing comprises means for advancing a mandrel disposed within said first and second needles.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	2008-09-19	2009-03-21	2009-09-20	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2012-09-19	2013-03-21	2013-09-20	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2016-09-19	2017-03-21	2017-09-20	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Heart valve catheter

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