Patent Grant
11701225
Some applications of the present invention relate in general to valve replacement. More specifically, some applications of the present invention relate to prosthetic cardiac valves and techniques for implantation thereof.
Dilation of the annulus of a heart valve, such as that caused by ischemic heart disease, prevents the valve leaflets from fully coapting when the valve is closed. Regurgitation of blood from the ventricle into the atrium results in increased total stroke volume and decreased cardiac output, and ultimate weakening of the ventricle secondary to a volume overload and a pressure overload of the atrium.
For some applications, prosthetic heart valve implants are described that comprise an upstream frame, a downstream frame that is distinct from the upstream frame, and a flexible sheet that connects and provides fluid communication between the upstream and downstream frames. For some applications, snares are alternatively or additionally coupled to the valve frame by a flexible sheet.
The implants described are typically secured to tissue of a native heart valve by sandwiching the tissue between elements of the implant, such as between frames or frame components. The sandwiching is typically facilitated by elastic coupling between the frames or frame components. The elastic coupling may be provided by the flexible sheet, or may be provided by other means, such as by one or more of the frames, or by an additional elastic member.
There are therefore provided, in accordance with some applications of the invention, the following inventive concepts:
1. Apparatus, for use with a valve of a heart of a subject, the apparatus including:
a rod, transfemorally advanceable to the heart, and having a distal portion;
an implant, including:
an extracorporeal controller, coupled to a proximal portion of the rod, and operably coupled to the distal portion of the rod such that operating the extracorporeal controller bends the distal portion of the rod at at least the second longitudinal site causing articulation between the first frame and the second frame.
2. The apparatus according to inventive concept 1, further including a sheath, disposed over the implant, and being sufficiently flexible to passively bend in response to the bending of the rod and the articulation between the first frame and the second frame.
3. Apparatus, for use with a valve of a heart of a subject, the apparatus including:
a rod, transfemorally advanceable to the heart, and having a distal portion;
a prosthetic valve, including:
an extracorporeal controller, coupled to a proximal portion of the rod, and operably coupled to the distal portion of the rod such that operating the extracorporeal controller bends the distal portion of the rod at at least the second longitudinal site causing articulation between the first frame and the second frame.
4. The apparatus according to inventive concept 3, further including a sheath, disposed over the implant, and being sufficiently flexible to passively bend in response to the bending of the rod and the articulation between the first frame and the second frame.
5. An implant, for use with a subject, the apparatus including:
a first frame having a compressed state in which the frame is transluminally advanceable into the subject, and having a tendency to radially expand from the compressed state toward an expanded state;
a flexible sheet; and
a second frame coupled, via the flexible sheet, to the first frame, in tandem with the first frame, along a longitudinal axis of the implant,
wherein the coupling of the second frame to the first frame via the flexible sheet is such that the radial expansion of the first frame pulls the second frame longitudinally into the first frame by pulling the sheet radially outward.
6. An implant, for use with a subject, the apparatus including:
a first frame having a compressed state in which the frame is transluminally advanceable into the subject, and having a tendency to radially expand from the compressed state toward an expanded state; and
a second frame distinct from the first frame, and coupled to the first frame in tandem with the first frame along a longitudinal axis of the implant,
wherein the coupling of the second frame to the first frame is such that a radially outward force of the first frame during its expansion is converted into a longitudinal force that pulls the second frame into the first frame.
7. Apparatus, including:
a delivery tool including:
an implant, including a first frame articulatably coupled to a second frame, and coupled to a distal portion of the delivery tool, distal to a distal end of the first catheter and to a distal end of the second catheter,
wherein the one or more extracorporeal controllers are actuatable to transition the apparatus between:
a first state in which the first catheter and the second catheter are straight, and the first frame is articulated with respect to the second frame, and
a second state in which a distal portion of at least one of the first catheter and the second catheter is bent, and the first frame is collinear with the second frame.
8. Apparatus for use with a native valve of a heart of a subject, the apparatus including:
a support frame, having a compressed state, and an expanded state in which the support frame defines an opening therethrough, and is dimensioned to be placed against an upstream surface of the native valve such that the opening is disposed over an orifice defined by the native valve;
a flexible sheet; and
a valve frame:
the valve frame is coupled to the support frame via a flexible sheet, and
the apparatus is configured such that:
the apparatus includes an implant including the support frame, the valve frame, and the sheet, and further includes a delivery tool, and
the apparatus has a delivery state in which (i) the support frame is in its compressed state, and is coupled to a distal portion of the delivery tool, and (ii) the valve frame is in its compressed state, and is coupled to the distal portion of the delivery tool in tandem with the support frame, the apparatus is bendable at the articulation zone.
15. The apparatus according to inventive concept 14, wherein the delivery tool includes a rod, the distal portion of the delivery tool is a distal portion of the rod, and in the delivery state, the support frame and the valve frame both circumscribe the distal portion of the rod.
16. The apparatus according to inventive concept 15, wherein the delivery tool includes an extracorporeal controller, operably coupled to the distal portion of the rod such that in the delivery state, operating the extracorporeal controller bends the distal portion of the rod, causing articulation between the valve frame and the support frame.
17. Apparatus including an implant, the implant being percutaneously implantable, and including:
a first frame;
a second frame; and
a plurality of flexible sheets including at least a first flexible sheet and a second flexible sheet, at least the first sheet coupling the first frame to the second frame, and the plurality of flexible sheets being coupled to the first frame and the second frame such that a closed chamber is disposed between the first sheet and the second sheet, and at least one of the sheets being at least partially blood-permeable.
18. The apparatus according to inventive concept 17, wherein the chamber circumscribes at least part of the second frame, and at least part of the first frame circumscribes the chamber.
19. The apparatus according to inventive concept 17, wherein at least one of the sheets is configured to promote blood coagulation within the chamber.
20. The apparatus according to any one of inventive concepts 17-19, wherein the second frame includes a prosthetic valve frame, dimensioned to be positioned through a native heart valve of a subject, and wherein the first frame includes an upstream support, configured to be placed against an upstream surface of the heart valve.
21. Apparatus including an implant, the implant being percutaneously implantable, and including:
a metallic frame; and
a closed chamber:
the chamber is delimited by a boundary of the fabric, and
at least a portion of the boundary does not contact the metallic frame.
22. The apparatus according to inventive concept 21, wherein at at least one position of the revolution, at least part of the boundary contacts the metallic frame.
23. The apparatus according to inventive concept 21, wherein at every position of the revolution, at least part of the boundary contacts the metallic frame.
24. Apparatus for use with a native atrioventricular valve of a heart of a subject, the apparatus including:
a prosthetic valve frame:
a plurality of prosthetic leaflets, coupled to the prosthetic valve frame so as to facilitate downstream movement of blood of the subject through the lumen;
an upstream support:
a flexible sheet that couples the upstream support to the valve frame,
the apparatus:
having a central longitudinal axis extending from an upstream end of the apparatus to a downstream end of the apparatus,
having a first state in which the valve frame is in the compressed state of the valve frame, and the upstream support is in the compressed state of the upstream support, and
the flexible sheet couples the valve frame to the upstream support in a manner in which movement of the apparatus toward a second state thereof pulls the valve frame longitudinally in an upstream direction such that the upstream end of the valve frame is disposed longitudinally upstream of the opening.
25. The apparatus according to inventive concept 24, wherein the flexible sheet couples the valve frame to the upstream support in a manner in which expansion of the upstream support toward the expanded state thereof pulls the valve frame longitudinally in an upstream direction such that the upstream end of the valve frame is disposed longitudinally upstream of the opening.
26. The apparatus according to inventive concept 24, wherein in the compressed state of the apparatus, the flexible sheet extends longitudinally between the valve frame and the upstream support, and articulatably couples the valve frame to the upstream support.
27. The apparatus according to any one of inventive concepts 24-26, wherein in the expanded state of the apparatus, the prosthetic valve frame has a diameter that is smaller than a diameter of the opening, and the flexible sheet is annular, and provides fluid sealing between the upstream support and the valve frame.
28. The apparatus according to inventive concept 27, wherein:
the flexible sheet includes a first flexible sheet,
the apparatus further includes a second flexible sheet, and
in the expanded state of the apparatus:
a first catheter, dimensioned for transfemoral and transseptal advancement into a left atrium of a heart of a subject, and having a lumen that has an internal diameter;
a second catheter, having an external diameter that is smaller than the internal diameter, the second catheter being sufficiently long to extend through the first catheter such that a steerable distal portion of the second catheter extends out of a distal end of the first catheter; and
a prosthetic valve, having a compressed state in which the implant is transfemorally and transseptally advanceable into the left atrium by the first catheter and the second catheter, and in which a width of the implant is greater than the internal diameter.
33. Apparatus for use with a heart of a subject, the apparatus including:
a prosthetic valve, including a plurality of prosthetic leaflets, and a plurality of metallic struts disposed around the leaflets; and
a delivery tool,
wherein the apparatus has a delivery state in which:
the apparatus is percutaneously advanceable to the heart along a longitudinal axis of the apparatus,
a first cross-section through the apparatus shows concentric layers including, respectively, from inside outwardly: polymer, fabric, metal, and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE),
a second cross-section through the apparatus shows concentric layers including, respectively, from inside outwardly: polymer, fabric, and PTFE, without a metal layer between the polymer and the fabric of the second cross-section, or between the fabric and the PTFE of the second cross-section, and
a third cross-section through the apparatus shows concentric layers including, respectively, from inside outwardly: polymer, pericardial tissue, metal, and PTFE,
wherein the second cross-section is disposed longitudinally between the first cross-section and the third cross section.
34. The apparatus according to inventive concept 33, wherein the first cross-section shows another concentric layer including fabric between the layer including metal and the layer including PTFE.
35. The apparatus according to inventive concept 33, wherein the third cross-section shows another concentric layer including fabric between the layer including pericardial tissue and the layer including metal.
36. The apparatus according to inventive concept 33, wherein, for each cross-section, the layer including polymer is a component of the delivery tool.
37. The apparatus according to inventive concept 33, wherein, for each cross-section, the layer including PTFE is a component of the delivery tool.
38. The apparatus according to inventive concept 33, wherein, for each cross-section, the layer including metal is a component of the implant.
39. The apparatus according to inventive concept 33, wherein, for each cross-section, the layer including fabric is a component of the implant.
40. The apparatus according to inventive concept 33, wherein the second cross-section shows concentric layers including, respectively, from inside outwardly: polymer, fabric, and PTFE, without struts between the polymer and the fabric of the second cross-section, or between the fabric and the PTFE of the second cross-section.
41. The apparatus according to any one of inventive concepts 33-40, wherein the second cross-section shows concentric layers including, respectively, from inside outwardly: polymer, fabric, and PTFE, without any metal between the polymer and the fabric of the second cross-section, or between the fabric and the PTFE of the second cross-section.
42. Apparatus for use with a heart of a subject, the apparatus including:
a prosthetic valve, including a plurality of prosthetic leaflets, and a plurality of metallic struts disposed around the leaflets; and
a delivery tool,
wherein the apparatus has a delivery state in which:
the apparatus is percutaneously advanceable to the heart along a longitudinal axis of the apparatus,
a first cross-section through the apparatus shows concentric layers including, respectively, from inside outwardly: polymer, fabric, metal, and a material 100-300 microns thick,
a second cross-section through the apparatus shows concentric layers including, respectively, from inside outwardly: polymer, fabric, and the material 100-300 microns thick, without a metal layer between the polymer and the fabric of the second cross-section, or between the fabric and the material 100-300 microns thick of the second cross-section, and
a third cross-section through the apparatus shows concentric layers including, respectively, from inside outwardly: polymer, pericardial tissue, metal, and the material 100-300 microns thick,
wherein the second cross-section is disposed longitudinally between the first cross-section and the third cross section.
43. A method for use with a valve of a heart of a subject, the method including;
transfemorally advancing to the heart a rod and an implant compressed around a distal portion of the rod, the implant including a first frame, a second frame, a valve member disposed within the second frame, and a flexible sheet coupling the first frame to the second frame, wherein the first frame and the second frame are in tandem;
subsequently, articulating the second frame with respect to the first frame by bending the distal portion of the rod by operating an extracorporeal controller; and
subsequently, implanting the implant at the valve such that at least part of the first frame is disposed on a first side of the valve and at least part of the second frame is disposed on a second side of the valve.
44. The method according to inventive concept 43, wherein advancing the implant includes advancing the implant while a sheath is disposed over the implant, and wherein the step of articulating includes articulating the second frame with respect to the first frame by bending the rod such that the sheath passively bends in response to the articulation.
45. A method for use with a body of a subject, the method including:
percutaneously delivering into the body an implant in a compressed state, the implant:
subsequently, radially expanding the first frame such that the first frame pulls the second frame longitudinally into the first frame by pulling the sheet radially outward.
46. A method, including:
transluminally advancing an implant to a heart of a subject while the implant is disposed within a sheath, the implant including (i) an expandable valve frame in a compressed state, (ii) a valve member disposed within the valve frame, and (iii) a plurality of snares coupled to the valve frame;
subsequently, entirely unsheathing the valve frame and the snares from the sheath;
subsequently, extending the snares radially outward from the valve frame while retaining the valve frame in the compressed state; and
subsequently, expanding the valve frame radially outward.
47. A method, including:
transluminally advancing an implant to a heart of a subject, the implant including (i) a valve frame at a downstream portion of the implant, (ii) a valve member disposed within the valve frame, (iii) a flexible sheet, and (iv) a support frame at an upstream portion of the implant, coupled to the valve frame via the flexible sheet, wherein the valve frame and the support frame are constrained in respective compressed states during the advancing; and
within the heart, (i) releasing the valve frame such that the valve frame automatically expands from its compressed state, while (ii) maintaining the support frame in its compressed state such that the support frame limits expansion of an upstream portion of the valve frame via tension on the sheet.
48. The method according to inventive concept 47, wherein maintaining the support frame in its compressed state includes maintaining the support frame in its compressed state such that, via tension on the sheet, the support frame limits expansion of the upstream portion of the valve frame more than expansion of a downstream portion of the valve frame.
49. A method, including:
using a delivery tool, percutaneously advancing toward a heart of a subject a prosthetic valve implant coupled to a distal portion of the delivery tool, the implant including a first frame coupled to a second frame;
subsequently, articulating the first frame with respect to the second frame by bending the distal portion of the delivery tool;
subsequently, reducing the articulation of the first frame with respect to the second frame by reducing the bending of the distal portion of the delivery tool; and
subsequently, implanting the implant in the heart of the subject.
50. The method according to inventive concept 49, further including, between the step of articulating the first frame and the step of implanting, bending another portion of the delivery tool, the other portion being proximal to the distal portion.
51. A method for use with a mitral valve disposed between a left atrium and a left ventricle of a heart of a subject, the method including:
transfemorally and transseptally advancing an implant into the left atrium, the implant including:
placing the support frame against an upstream surface of the valve; and
placing at least part of the lumen within the opening, without placing the valve frame in contact with the support frame.
52. The method according to inventive concept 51, wherein the placing at least the part of the lumen within the opening includes positioning, within the opening, at least part of each leaflet of the plurality of leaflets.
53. The method according to inventive concept 51, wherein the valve frame is coupled to the support frame via a flexible sheet, and placing at least the part of the lumen within the opening includes placing at least the part of the lumen within the opening such that the flexible sheet extends radially outward from the valve frame to the support frame.
54. The method according to inventive concept 51, wherein the valve frame is coupled to the support frame via a flexible sheet, and placing at least the part of the lumen within the opening includes longitudinally pulling at least the part of the lumen into the opening by tensioning the sheet by radially expanding the support frame such that the support frame applies tension to the sheet.
55. The method according to inventive concept 51, wherein placing at least the part of the lumen within the opening includes placing at least the part of the lumen within the opening such that the valve frame does not apply a radially-expansive force to the support frame.
56. The method according to inventive concept 51, wherein the opening has an opening diameter, a tubular body of the valve frame defines the lumen, and the method further includes expanding the tubular body such that the tubular body has a body diameter that is less than 75 percent as great as the opening diameter.
57. The method according to any one of inventive concepts 51-56, wherein advancing the implant includes, while the support frame is in a compressed state thereof, and the valve frame is in a compressed state thereof and is coupled to the support frame, articulating the valve frame with respect to the support frame.
58. The method according to inventive concept 51, wherein advancing the implant includes advancing the implant while the implant is in a compressed state in which the support frame and the valve frame are both compressed, and are coupled in tandem.
59. The method according to inventive concept 58, wherein:
the valve frame is coupled to the support frame via a flexible sheet which provides an articulation zone between the valve frame and the support frame while the implant is in its compressed state, and
advancing the implant includes:
a sealed product container; and
an implant including a first frame, a flexible sheet, a second frame coupled to the first frame via the flexible sheet, and a valve member disposed within the second frame, wherein:
while the second frame is coupled to the first frame, compressing the second frame into a compressed state for percutaneous advancement into a subject;
without compressing the first frame, percutaneously advancing the implant into the subject; and
expanding the first frame and the second frame inside the subject.
63. The method according to inventive concept 62, wherein the first frame is coupled to the second frame by a flexible sheet, and wherein expanding the first frame and the second frame includes expanding the first frame and the second frame such that the expansion increases tension in the flexible sheet.
64. Apparatus for use with a native valve of a heart of a subject, the apparatus including:
a valve body:
an upstream support:
one or more snares, configured to protrude radially outward from the second frame, and to ensnare leaflets of the native valve; and
a flexible sheet that couples the upstream support and the one or more snares to the valve body.
65. Apparatus for use with a native valve of a heart of a subject, the apparatus including:
the apparatus includes an implant that includes the valve body, the snare frame and the flexible sheet,
the apparatus further includes a delivery tube,
the implant has a compressed state for percutaneous delivery to the native valve while disposed inside the delivery tube, and
in the compressed state the implant has an articulation zone, between the valve body and the snare frame, in which the flexible sheet is disposed, and at which the snare frame is articulatable with respect to the valve body.
67. The apparatus according to inventive concept 66, wherein in the compressed state the snares are disposed further from the valve body than is the articulation zone.
68. The apparatus according to any one of inventive concepts 66-67, wherein the snare frame is deployable from the delivery tube while the valve body remains disposed within the delivery tube, and the coupling of the snare frame to the valve body by the flexible sheet facilitates expansion of the snare frame into an expanded state thereof while the valve body remains compressed within the delivery tube.
69. The apparatus according to inventive concept 68, wherein the implant is configured such that, while the snare frame is in the expanded state thereof, expansion of the valve body into an expanded state thereof increases a rigidity of coupling between the valve body and the snare frame.
70. The apparatus according to inventive concept 68, wherein:
in the compressed state the snares are disposed closer to a downstream end of the implant than is the articulation zone, and
the snare frame is configured such that upon deployment of the snare frame from the delivery tube, the snare frame automatically inverts such that the snares become disposed further from the downstream end of the implant than is the articulation zone.
71. Apparatus for use at a native valve of a heart of a subject, the apparatus including an implant, the implant:
including an upstream frame; a downstream frame; a valve frame that defines a lumen; and a one-way valve member disposed within the lumen,
having an expanded state in which the one-way valve member facilitates one-way movement of fluid through the lumen, and
having a compressed state in which the valve frame is disposed collinearly between the upstream frame and the downstream frame, and is articulatably coupled to both the upstream frame and the downstream frame.
72. The apparatus according to inventive concept 71, wherein in the compressed state:
the upstream frame defines a first rigid segment,
the valve frame defines a second rigid segment,
the downstream frame defines a third rigid segment, and
the implant defines:
the catheter has an internal diameter through which the implant, in its compressed state, is advanceable to the heart, and
in its compressed state, the implant has a length of at least 25 mm, and a greatest width that is at least 75 percent of the internal diameter of the catheter.
84. A method for use with a valve of a heart of a subject, the method including:
providing an implant that includes:
percutaneously delivering the implant through a catheter to the heart while the valve frame is in a compressed state;
while at least a portion of the valve frame remains disposed within the catheter, deploying the snares from a distal end of the catheter such that the snares protrude radially outward and form (i) a first angle with the axis, and (ii) a second angle with the valve frame;
subsequently, engaging tissue of the native valve using the snares; and
subsequently, by deploying more of the valve frame from the catheter, reducing the second angle by at least 50 percent, while not changing the first angle by more than 10 percent.
85. Apparatus, including:
a percutaneously-advanceable delivery tube; and
an implant, having a compressed state in which the implant is advanceable through the delivery tube, and including:
providing (i) an implant that includes a first frame, a second frame, and an elastic coupling between the first frame and the second frame, and (ii) a transluminally-advanceable delivery tool;
coupling the second frame to the delivery tool by compressing the second frame against the delivery tool;
stretching the elastic coupling by increasing a distance between the first frame and the second frame subsequently to coupling the second frame to the delivery tool.
87. The method according to inventive concept 86, wherein increasing the distance includes increasing the distance using the delivery tool.
88. The method according to inventive concept 86, further including coupling the first frame to the delivery tool by compressing the first frame against the delivery tool.
89. The method according to any one of inventive concepts 86-88, further including transluminally advancing the implant through a catheter, while the implant is coupled to the delivery tool.
90. The method according to inventive concept 89, wherein transluminally advancing the implant includes transluminally advancing the implant subsequently to the step of stretching.
91. The method according to inventive concept 89, wherein transluminally advancing the implant includes transluminally advancing the implant prior to the step of stretching.
92. The method according to any one of inventive concepts 86-88, wherein the first frame is coupled to a first connector of the delivery tool, and coupling the second frame to the delivery tool includes coupling the second frame to a second connector of the delivery tool.
93. The method according to inventive concept 92, further including coupling the first frame to the first connector by compressing the first frame against the delivery tool.
94. The method according to inventive concept 92, wherein increasing the distance includes increasing the distance by increasing a distance between the first connector of the delivery tool and the second connector of the delivery tool.
95. Apparatus including a frame, the frame including:
a first plurality of struts, arranged to define a first annular portion;
a second plurality of struts, narrower and more flexible than the first plurality of struts, arranged to define a second annular portion, the second annular portion being coupled to the first annular portion at a perimeter of the frame, such that in an unconstrained state of the frame, an angle is defined between the first annular portion and the second annular portion;
the frame being configured such that (i) the angle is reducible by applying a deforming force to the frame, and (ii) the angle automatically increases upon subsequent removal of the deforming force.
96. The apparatus according to inventive concept 95, wherein the first annular portion defines a flexible sector that is more flexible than other portions of the first annular portion.
97. The apparatus according to inventive concept 95, wherein each strut of the first plurality of struts has a transverse cross-sectional area of 0.25-1 mm{circumflex over ( )}2, and each strut of the second plurality of struts has a transverse cross-sectional area of 0.04-0.2 mm{circumflex over ( )}2.
98. The apparatus according to inventive concept 95, wherein the perimeter of the frame defines a frame diameter of 50-70 mm.
99. The apparatus according to inventive concept 95, wherein in the unconstrained state of the frame, the angle is 45-90 degrees.
100. The apparatus according to any one of inventive concepts 95-99, wherein the first plurality of struts are arranged in a circumferentially-repeating chevron pattern.
101. The apparatus according to inventive concept 100, wherein the second plurality of struts are arranged in a circumferentially-repeating chevron pattern.
102. The apparatus according to inventive concept 100, wherein the second plurality of struts are individual rods that protrude radially inward from the perimeter of the frame.
103. Apparatus for use with a native atrioventricular valve of a heart of a subject, the apparatus including:
a prosthetic valve frame having an upstream end and a downstream end, and defining a lumen therebetween;
a plurality of prosthetic leaflets, coupled to the prosthetic valve frame so as to facilitate downstream movement of blood of the subject through the lumen; and
an upstream support:
a prosthetic valve, shaped to define a lumen therethrough, and configured to be placed at the native valve, and
a prosthetic valve support:
transluminally advancing an implant to the heart, the implant including:
placing the support frame against an upstream surface of the valve such that the support frame circumscribes an orifice defined by the valve; and
causing the support frame to move the valve frame in an upstream direction by releasing the valve frame such that the support frame rolls about the axis of revolution.
114. Apparatus for use with a heart of a subject, the apparatus including:
a prosthetic valve frame:
a plurality of prosthetic leaflets, coupled to the prosthetic valve frame so as to facilitate one-way downstream movement of blood of the subject through the lumen;
a support frame:
a flexible sheet, coupling the support frame to the prosthetic valve frame, and coupled to the support frame such that the force is applicable to the support frame by tensioning the sheet.
115. The apparatus according to inventive concept 114, wherein the flexible sheet is shaped to define a channel between the opening and the lumen.
116. Apparatus for use with a native valve of a heart of a subject, the apparatus including:
a prosthetic valve frame:
a plurality of prosthetic leaflets, coupled to the prosthetic valve frame so as to facilitate one-way downstream movement of blood of the subject through the lumen; and
a support frame:
an upstream frame:
a downstream frame, distinct from the upstream frame, and defining a lumen therethrough;
a flexible sheet, shaped to define a conduit, and coupled to the upstream frame and the downstream frame in a manner that provides closed fluid communication between the opening and the lumen; and
a plurality of prosthetic leaflets, configured to facilitate downstream movement of liquid through the conduit, and to inhibit upstream movement of liquid through the conduit.
119. The apparatus according to inventive concept 118, wherein the toroid shape is wider at the mid portion than at the upstream end, both with respect to an outer surface of the upstream frame, and with respect to an inner surface of the upstream frame.
120. The apparatus according to inventive concept 118, wherein the opening has a diameter that is greater than a diameter of the lumen.
121. The apparatus according to inventive concept 118, wherein each prosthetic leaflet of the plurality of prosthetic leaflets has an immobilized edge attached to the flexible sheet.
122. The apparatus according to any one of inventive concepts 118-121, wherein an upstream portion of the conduit is wider than a downstream portion of the conduit.
123. The apparatus according to inventive concept 122, wherein the sheet assumes a frustoconical shape.
124. The apparatus according to any one of inventive concepts 118-121, wherein the prosthetic leaflets are attached to at least one element selected from the group consisting of: the flexible sheet, and the downstream frame.
125. The apparatus according to inventive concept 124, wherein the prosthetic leaflets are attached to the flexible sheet.
126. The apparatus according to inventive concept 124, wherein the prosthetic leaflets are attached to the downstream frame.
127. The apparatus according to inventive concept 124, wherein the opening has a diameter that is greater than a diameter of the lumen.
128. The apparatus according to any one of inventive concepts 118-121, wherein the flexible sheet facilitates intracardiac positioning of the downstream frame at least in part independently of intracardiac placement of the upstream frame.
129. The apparatus according to inventive concept 128, wherein the upstream frame has a central longitudinal axis and the downstream frame has a central longitudinal axis, and wherein flexible sheet facilitates lateral movement of the central longitudinal axis of the downstream frame with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the upstream frame.
130. The apparatus according to inventive concept 128, wherein the upstream frame has a central longitudinal axis and the downstream frame has a central longitudinal axis, and wherein flexible sheet facilitates deflection of the central longitudinal axis of the upstream frame with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the downstream frame.
131. The apparatus according to any one of inventive concepts 118-121, wherein the upstream frame is shaped and dimensioned to be placed in an atrium of the heart that is upstream of the native valve, with the downstream end of the upstream frame disposed against an annulus of the native valve.
132. The apparatus according to inventive concept 131, wherein the downstream frame is shaped and dimensioned to be placed in a ventricle of the heart that is downstream of the native valve.
133. The apparatus according to inventive concept 132, wherein the downstream frame is shaped and dimensioned to be placed in the ventricle with an upstream portion of the downstream frame disposed against tissue of the native valve.
134. The apparatus according to inventive concept 131, wherein the upstream frame is shaped and dimensioned to be placed in the atrium with the downstream end of the upstream frame disposed against an annulus of the native valve, and the upstream end of the upstream frame not in contact with a roof of the atrium.
135. The apparatus according to inventive concept 131, wherein the upstream frame has a height between the upstream end and the downstream end, and the height of the upstream frame is smaller than a height of the atrium between the annulus and a roof of the atrium.
136. The apparatus according to any one of inventive concepts 118-121, wherein the apparatus has:
a compressed delivery state in which the apparatus is percutaneously deliverable to the heart, and
an expanded state in which:
a sheath:
a rod, configured to be disposed within the lumen, the conduit and the opening while the implant is in the compressed delivery state within the sheath, the upstream frame and the downstream frame being held immobile with respect to the rod while in the compressed delivery state.
138. The apparatus according to inventive concept 137, wherein the implant is configured to be advanced distally out of the sheath such that the upstream frame emerges from the sheath before the downstream frame, and the implant is further configured such that the upstream frame remains in the compressed delivery state thereof subsequently to emerging from the sheath.
139. The apparatus according to inventive concept 137, further including a plurality of control wires extending through the rod and out of the rod, coupled to the upstream frame, and configured to apply a control force to the upstream frame.
140. The apparatus according to inventive concept 139, wherein the control wires are configured to apply an upstream-directed force to the upstream frame while the downstream frame is in the expanded state thereof.
141. The apparatus according to any one of inventive concepts 118-121, wherein the toroid shape is describable as the result of revolving a plane geometrical figure about a central longitudinal axis of the upstream frame, and wherein the plane geometrical figure defines a concavity that faces radially inward toward the central longitudinal axis.
142. The apparatus according to inventive concept 141, wherein the plane geometrical figure is generally U-shaped.
143. The apparatus according to any one of inventive concepts 118-121, wherein the downstream frame includes a generally tubular body and a plurality of snares that protrude radially outward from the body.
144. The apparatus according to inventive concept 143, wherein the snares protrude radially outward from an upstream portion of the body.
145. The apparatus according to inventive concept 143, wherein the snares protrude radially outward from a downstream portion of the body.
146. The apparatus according to any one of inventive concepts 118-121, wherein the upstream frame is elastically coupled to the downstream frame such that, subsequent to application of a force that increases a distance between the upstream frame and the downstream frame, when the force is removed the distance becomes reduced.
147. The apparatus according to inventive concept 146, wherein the flexible sheet is elastic, and provides the elastic coupling.
148. The apparatus according to inventive concept 146, further including at least one tether attached at a first end thereof to the upstream frame and at a second end thereof to the downstream frame.
149. The apparatus according to inventive concept 148, wherein the at least one tether is elastic, and provides the elastic coupling.
150. The apparatus according to inventive concept 146, wherein the upstream frame defines at least one spring that provides the elastic coupling.
151. The apparatus according to inventive concept 150, wherein the at least one spring is coupled to a first end of a respective tether, and a second end of the respective tether is coupled to the downstream frame.
152. The apparatus according to inventive concept 150, wherein the at least one spring is defined by the upstream end of the upstream frame.
153. The apparatus according to inventive concept 150, wherein the shape of the sheet and the coupling of the sheet to the upstream frame and the downstream frame positions the at least one spring with respect to the sheet such that the at least one spring provides the elastic coupling by pulling the sheet in an upstream direction.
154. The apparatus according to inventive concept 150, wherein the at least one spring is defined by the downstream end of the upstream frame.
155. A method for use at a native valve of a heart of a subject, the native valve being disposed between an atrium and a ventricle of the heart, and having an annulus and native leaflets, the method including:
positioning a distal portion of a sheath at the native valve, such that the native leaflets coapt against the sheath, the sheath containing, in a compressed state, an implant including an upstream frame, a downstream frame distinct from the upstream frame, a flexible sheet that couples the upstream frame to the downstream frame, and a plurality of prosthetic leaflets;
exposing a portion of the downstream frame from the sheath such that the portion of the downstream frame expands, and the native leaflets coapt against the portion of the downstream frame;
moving the implant downstream until the leaflets coapt upstream of the portion of the downstream frame;
applying an upstream force to the native leaflets with the downstream frame by moving the implant upstream; and
expanding the upstream frame within the atrium.
156. The method according to inventive concept 155, wherein the portion of the downstream frame includes snares of the downstream frame, and wherein exposing the portion includes exposing the portion such that the snares protrude radially outward.
157. The method according to inventive concept 155, wherein:
the portion of the downstream frame includes snares of the downstream frame,
exposing the portion of the downstream frame includes exposing the portion of the downstream frame such that the snares protrude radially outward, and
applying the upstream force includes applying the upstream force with the snares.
158. The method according to inventive concept 155, wherein the portion of the downstream frame includes an upstream portion of the downstream frame, and wherein exposing the portion of the downstream frame includes exposing the upstream portion of the downstream frame.
159. The method according to inventive concept 155, wherein applying the upstream force with the downstream frame includes applying the upstream force with the portion of the downstream frame.
160. The method according to inventive concept 155, further including, subsequently to moving the step of moving the implant downstream, and prior to the step of applying the upstream force, further expanding the portion of the downstream frame by exposing more of the downstream frame from the sheath.
161. The method according to any one of inventive concepts 155-160, further including, subsequently to the step of expanding, applying a control force to the upstream frame.
162. The method according to inventive concept 161, wherein applying the control force includes applying the control force by adjusting tension on one or more control wires reversibly coupled to the upstream frame.
163. The method according to inventive concept 161, wherein applying the control force includes pulling the upstream frame in an upstream direction.
164. The method according to inventive concept 161 wherein applying the control force includes pulling the upstream frame radially inward.
165. The method according to any one of inventive concepts 155-160, wherein the step of exposing includes exposing the upstream frame, then the sheet, and then the portion of the downstream frame.
166. The method according to inventive concept 165, wherein the step of exposing includes withdrawing the sheath proximally.
167. The method according to any one of inventive concepts 155-160, further including, subsequently to the step of applying the upstream force to the native leaflets, sandwiching tissue of the native valve between the upstream frame and the downstream frame by reducing a distance between the upstream frame and the downstream frame by removing a separating force that maintains a distance between the upstream frame and the downstream frame.
168. The method according to inventive concept 167, further including, prior to removing the separating force, increasing the distance between the upstream frame and the downstream frame by applying the separating force to the implant.
169. The method according to inventive concept 167, wherein the step of expanding the upstream frame includes releasing the upstream frame such that the upstream frame automatically expands and the separating force is removed.
170. The method according to inventive concept 167, wherein the step of expanding the upstream frame includes releasing a restraining element that maintains the upstream frame in the compressed state thereof.
171. The method according to inventive concept 170, wherein releasing the restraining element includes disengaging a retaining member from the restraining element.
172. The method according to inventive concept 171, further including withdrawing the retaining member alongside the implant, and withdrawing the restraining element via the lumen.
173. The method according to any one of inventive concepts 155-160, further including, using imaging, observing coaptation of the native leaflets and the implant juxtaposed with respect to the native leaflets, and wherein the step of positioning includes observing the upstream frame disposed upstream of a level of coaptation of the native leaflets.
174. The method according to inventive concept 173, wherein observing the implant in a position in which the upstream frame is disposed upstream of a level of coaptation of the native leaflets includes observing the portion of the downstream frame disposed at the level of coaptation of the native leaflets.
175. The method according to inventive concept 173, wherein observing the implant in a position in which the upstream frame is disposed upstream of a level of coaptation of the native leaflets includes observing the sheet disposed upstream of a level of coaptation of the native leaflets and downstream of the upstream frame.
176. Apparatus for use at a native valve of a heart of a subject, the native valve being disposed between an atrium and a ventricle of the heart, and having an annulus, the apparatus including:
an upstream frame, shaped to define an opening, and configured to be placed in the atrium against the annulus;
a downstream frame, distinct from the upstream frame, and defining a lumen therethrough;
a flexible sheet, shaped to define a conduit and coupled to the upstream frame and the downstream frame such that, in an expanded state of the apparatus, the sheet is disposed upstream of the downstream frame and downstream of the upstream frame, and provides closed fluid communication between the opening and the lumen; and
a plurality of prosthetic leaflets:
at least one expandable frame, having a compressed state for percutaneous delivery to the native valve, and intracorporeally expandable into an expanded state;
a flexible sheet, coupled to the at least one frame, and shaped to define a conduit; and
a plurality of prosthetic leaflets:
percutaneously delivering an implant in a compressed state thereof to the native valve;
positioning the implant such that:
expanding at least a portion of the second frame; and
subsequently expanding the first frame.
179. The method according to inventive concept 178, wherein the step of expanding at least the portion of the second frame includes expanding at least the portion of the second frame prior to the step of positioning the implant.
180. The method according to inventive concept 178, wherein the step of expanding at least the portion of the second frame includes expanding at least the portion of the second frame subsequently to the step of positioning the implant.
181. The method according to any one of inventive concepts 178-180, wherein the portion of the second frame includes one or more snares of the second frame, and expanding at least the portion of the second frame includes expanding at least the snares.
182. The method according to inventive concept 181, further including, subsequently to expanding at least the snares, and prior to expanding the first frame, moving the implant upstream such that the snares apply an upstream force to tissue of the native valve.
183. The method according to any one of inventive concepts 178-180, further including sandwiching of the native leaflets between the first frame and the second frame by facilitating reduction of a distance between the first frame and the second frame.
184. The method according to inventive concept 183, wherein the second frame is elastically-coupled to the first frame, and facilitating reduction of the distance includes allowing the elastic coupling to reduce the distance.
183. A method for use at a native valve of a heart of a subject, the native valve being disposed between an atrium and a ventricle of the heart, and having an annulus and native leaflets, the method including:
percutaneously delivering to the native valve an implant having an upstream end, a downstream end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween;
subsequently, expanding a longitudinal portion of the implant that does not include the upstream end or the downstream end; and
subsequently, expanding the upstream end and the downstream end.
186. The method according to inventive concept 185, wherein the step of expanding the upstream end and the downstream end includes expanding the downstream end and subsequently expanding the upstream end.
187. The method according to any one of inventive concepts 185-186, wherein:
the implant includes an upstream frame, a downstream frame, and a flexible sheet that couples and provides fluid communication between the upstream frame and the downstream frame,
the longitudinal portion includes an upstream portion of the downstream frame and a downstream portion of the sheet, and
expanding the longitudinal portion includes expanding the upstream portion of the downstream frame and the downstream portion of the sheet.
The present invention will be more fully understood from the following detailed description of applications thereof, taken together with the drawings, in which:
Reference is made to
Frame 22 has a generally toroid shape, having an upstream end 32, a downstream end 34, and a mid portion 36 therebetween. Mid portion 36 has a width d1 that is greater than a width d2 of downstream end 34 or a width d3 of upstream end 32. That is, frame 22 is typically wider at mid portion 36 than at upstream end 32 or downstream end 34. Upstream and downstream portions of frame 22 curve radially inward to provide frame 22 with this shape. It is to be noted that, although d2 and d3 are shown as being generally equal, for some applications of the invention these widths are different. For some applications, width d1 is greater than 35 mm and/or less than 75 mm (e.g., 35-75 mm, such as 50-65 mm). For some applications, width d2 and/or width d3 is greater than 35 mm and/or less than 60 mm (e.g., 35-60 mm, such as 40-50 mm). Frame 22 (e.g., downstream end 34 thereof) defines an opening 28 therethrough.
Typically, and as shown, frame 22 is wider at mid portion 36 than at upstream end 32 or downstream end 34, both with respect to an outer surface of the upstream frame, and with respect to an inner surface of the upstream frame. Therefore, the inner surface of the frame typically defines a ring-shaped concavity 52 upstream of downstream end 34 (see
For some applications, when viewed from the side, frame 22 appears generally stadium-shaped, and/or as a rectangle with rounded corners.
It is to be noted that, in its expanded state, frame 22 defines at least two layers. That is, a line parallel with and lateral to axis ax1 (i.e., closer to the outer edge of frame 22) will pass through the frame at least twice. For example, in the configuration of frame 22 shown in the figures, upstream end 32 defines a first layer and downstream end 34 defines a second layer. It is hypothesized that such a configuration increases stiffness of frame 22 in its expanded state, in a manner similar to that of a structural channel (known in the construction art), mutatis mutandis. It is to be noted that the scope of the invention includes other configurations (e.g., structures) of frame 22 that define at least two layers.
Frame 24 defines a generally tubular valve body 40 and a lumen 30 therethrough. Frame 24 (e.g., body 40) has an upstream portion 42 (including an upstream end) and a downstream portion 44 (including a downstream end). A plurality of snares (e.g., protrusions) 46 protrude radially outward from tubular body 40, thereby defining a diameter d11 that is greater than a diameter 612 of body 40. Typically, snares 46 protrude outward in an upstream direction (i.e., toward upstream frame 22), e.g., at an angle alpha_1 greater than 10 degrees (e.g., greater than 15 degrees, e.g., greater than 25 degrees) and/or less than 90 degrees (e.g., less than 80 degrees, e.g., less than 55 degrees), such as 10-90 degrees (e.g., 15-80 degrees, e.g., 25-55 degrees), such as about 40 degrees. For some applications, and as shown, snares 46 are disposed at upstream portion 42. Typically, each snare 46 is defined by a cell of frame 24 that is bent out of plane to body 40. Alternatively, snares 46 may be disposed elsewhere on tubular body 40, such as at downstream portion 44 (e.g., as described hereinbelow with reference to
Frame 24 (and lumen 30) has a height that is typically greater than 8 mm and/or less than 40 mm, such as between 8 and 40 mm (e.g., between 12 and 25 mm, such as between 15 and 20 mm). For some applications this height is defined by a height of tubular body 40; this height is represented in
Frames 22 and 24 are typically thin-walled (e.g., having a thickness d14 (
Sheet 26 is shaped to define a conduit 48, and is coupled to frames 22 and 24 in a manner that provides closed fluid communication between opening 28 and lumen 30. Diameter d2 is typically greater than diameter d12, and the diameter of opening 28 is typically greater than the diameter of the lumen 30. Therefore an upstream portion of conduit 48 (i.e., a portion closer to upstream frame 22) is typically wider than a downstream portion of the conduit (i.e., a portion closer to downstream frame 24). For some applications, sheet 26 assumes a frustoconical or funnel shape, and may in fact serve as a funnel. The shape assumed by sheet 26 is typically at least partly guided by the expansion of frames 22 and 24.
Sheet 26 (i.e., a material thereof) may be a fabric, a film, and/or another sheet-like structure, and may comprise a natural material, a polymer, a biomaterial, and/or any other suitable material. Typically, sheet 214 comprises polyester, PTFE, and/or pericardial tissue.
For some applications, sheet 26 is coupled to frame 22 at a level that is upstream of opening 28, and for some applications the sheet is coupled to frame 24 at a level that is downstream of upstream portion 42. For example, portions of sheet 26 may line and/or cover at least part of (e.g., all of) frame 24, and at least part of frame 22. For example, and as shown, the sheet may line most of frame 22 and at least a downstream portion of frame 22 (including downstream end 34). The flexibility of such portions of the sheet is in effect reduced by being attached to the respective frame. Therefore, throughout this patent application, including the specification and the claims, unless specified otherwise, the term “flexible sheet” refers to portions of the sheet disposed between the frames (e.g., longitudinally between the frames), and typically not to portions of the sheet that line and/or cover the frames. It is to be noted that sheet 26 is not attached to snares 46.
Implant 20 comprises a valve member (e.g., a plurality of prosthetic leaflets) 50, configured to facilitate downstream movement of liquid (e.g., blood) through the apparatus (e.g., through opening 28, conduit 48, and lumen 30), and to inhibit upstream movement of the liquid through the apparatus. Leaflets 50 are shown in
For some applications, at least part of the immobilized edge of each leaflet is attached (e.g., sutured) to sheet 26 (i.e., within conduit 48).
Implant 20 is configured to be placed at a native heart valve of a subject, such as the mitral valve or tricuspid valve. Upstream frame 22 is shaped and dimensioned to be placed in an atrium of the heart that is upstream of the native valve, such as the left atrium, with downstream end 34 disposed against tissue of the native valve, such as against an annulus of the native valve. Typically, frame 22 is shaped and dimensioned to be placed in this position, with upstream end 32 not in contact with the roof of the atrium (i.e., the superior wall of the atrium). That is, frame 22 typically has a height d4 between upstream end 32 and downstream end 34 that is smaller than the height of the atrium between the annulus and the atrial roof. For some applications, height d4 is greater than 2 mm (e.g., greater than 7 mm) and/or less than 30 mm, e.g., between 2 and 30 mm (e.g., between 7 and 30 mm, such as between 10 and 20 mm). Examples of the positioning described in this paragraph are described in more detail hereinbelow, e.g., with reference to
Upstream frame 22 is typically elastically-coupled to downstream frame 24, such that a distance between the two frames is increasable to a distance d6 by applying a force, and in response to subsequent removal of that force, the distance automatically becomes reduced to a distance d7 (see
For some applications, distance d6 is greater than 0 mm and/or less than 35 mm (e.g., 0-35 mm, such as 5-18 mm). For some applications, distance d7 is greater than 0 mm and/or less than 25 mm (e.g., 0-25 mm, such as 0-10 mm). For some applications, in the absence of tissue disposed between frames 22 and 24, upstream portion 42 of frame 24 may actually be disposed within a space defined by frame 22 (e.g., may be disposed more than 1 mm and/or less than 10 mm (e.g., 1-10 mm, such as 1-5 mm) upstream of opening 28 of frame 22). For such applications, this distance upstream may be considered a negative value of distance d7, such that, overall, distance d7 may be greater than −10 mm and/or less than 25 mm (e.g., between −10 and 25 mm, such as between −5 and 10 mm).
For implant 20, the elastic coupling is provided by sheet 26. For example, sheet 26 may be a sheet of an elastic material, and/or may comprise one or more elastic threads embedded within, threaded through, and/or attached to the material of the sheet. For other systems similar to implant 20, other elements provide the elastic coupling, such as, but not limited to, those described with reference to
Reference is made to
Downstream frame 24 is shaped and dimensioned to be placed in ventricle 8, typically with upstream portion 42 and/or snares 46 in contact with tissue of the mitral valve, such as leaflets 12.
As described hereinbelow (e.g., with reference to
It is to be noted that throughout this application, including the specification and the claims, sandwiching of tissue between apparatus components means reducing a distance between the components while the tissue is disposed between the components (thereby typically increasing coupling to the tissue). Sandwiching does not necessarily require that the components move directly toward each other (e.g., having opposite but collinear vectors). For example, for applications in which diameter d11 is equal to or slightly larger than diameter d12, sandwiching may in fact occur as a result of snares 46 and downstream end 34 of frame 22 moving directly toward each other. However, for applications in which diameter d11 is smaller than diameter d12 (as shown), snares 46 and end 34 may not move directly toward each other, but may instead move as though they would eventually pass each other, nonetheless reducing the distance between these two components.
Inter alia,
Reference is now made to
A trocar 60 is transapically (e.g., intercostally) advanced into ventricle 8, and implant 20, in its compressed delivery state within a sheath 62, is delivered via the trocar (
Sheath 62 is subsequently partially withdrawn (i.e., moved downstream) such that upstream frame 22, sheet 26, and at least upstream portion 42 and/or snares 46 of downstream frame 24 are exposed from the sheath (
Due to the above-described position of implant 20, the leaflets coapt against upstream portion 42, and because of the expansion of this portion, during ventricular systole, a distance d9 between the leaflets at the point of this coaptation (e.g., between scallops a2 and p2) is greater than the distance when they previously coapted against sheath 62. This increased distance is observable by the operating physician using imaging techniques, e.g., as described hereinabove. For some applications, distance d9 is greater than 8 mm and/or less than 18 mm (e.g., 8-18 mm, such as 10-15 mm).
Subsequently, implant 20 and sheath 62 are withdrawn slightly proximally (i.e., downstream), until leaflets 12 coapt above upstream portion 42 and/or snares 46 (e.g., against sheet 26 and/or upstream frame 22). Because frame 22 has not expanded, a distance d10 between the leaflets during systole is now smaller than distance d9. This reduced distance is observable by the operating physician using imaging techniques, e.g., as described hereinabove. For some applications, distance 410 is greater than 5 mm and/or less than 12 mm (e.g., 5-12 mm, such as 6-8 mm). Typically, the withdrawal of implant 20 and sheath 62 is performed slowly, while observing leaflets 12, and withdrawal is stopped as soon as the physician observes a reduction in the systolic distance between them. It is hypothesized that this facilitates identification of a position of implant 20 in which upstream portion 42 of downstream frame 24 is close to, but downstream of, the level of coaptation of leaflets 12.
For some applications, at this stage, sheath 62 is further withdrawn with respect to implant 20, exposing more of downstream frame 24 (e.g., including some of downstream portion 44 thereof), and thereby facilitating further automatic expansion of the downstream frame (
It is to be noted that, for some applications, a longitudinal portion of implant 20 other than an end of the implant (e.g., a generally middle portion of the implant—upstream portion 42 and/or snares 46) is expanded prior to expansion of either end of the implant.
Typically, movement of downstream frame 24 with respect to sheath 62 is controlled via a mount 72, which is slidable though the sheath. Mount 72 comprises a body portion 76, and one or more flanges 74 via which it is reversibly coupled to frame 24. Mount 72 is dimensioned such that, while flanges 74 are disposed close to (e.g., touching) the inner wall of sheath 62, a gap 78 having a width d13 exists between body portion 76 and the inner wall of the sheath. Width d13 is greater than thickness d14 of frame 24, e.g., more than twice as great and/or less than 20 times as great, e.g., 2-20 times as great, such as 2-6 times as great. Thus, flanges 74 typically protrude radially outward from body portion 76 by a distance that is greater than thickness d14 (e.g., more than twice as great and/or less than 20 times as great, e.g., 2-20 times as great, such as 2-6 times as great).
Frame 24 is thereby movable radially inward and outward within gap 78, such that when the upstream part of the frame expands radially outward, the downstream end of the frame moves radially inward, frame 24 thereby pivoting about flanges 74. It is hypothesized that this configuration thereby proximal portion 42 and/or snares 46 of frame 24 expanding radially outward further than they would in a similar configuration in which width d13 is generally the same as thickness d14, i.e., in a configuration in which frame 24 fits snugly between body portion 76 and sheath 62.
Implant 20 and sheath 62 are subsequently moved distally (i.e., upstream), such that upstream portion 42 and/or snares 46 contact and apply an upstream force to tissue of the native valve, such as leaflets 12 (
Subsequently, sheath 62 is withdrawn further thereby exposing downstream portion 44 of downstream frame 24, and frame 24 automatically expands fully into its expanded state (
Upstream frame 22 is subsequently allowed to expand by releasing restraining element 64 while maintaining contact between upstream portion 42 (and/or snares 46) and the tissue of the native valve (
Restraining element 64 may alternatively or additionally comprise any restraining element configured to reversibly restrain upstream frame 22 in its compressed state. For example, (1) element 64 may comprise a wrapper (e.g., comprising a fabric) that circumscribes upstream frame 22, and retaining member 66 comprises a ripcord that opens the wrapper when pulled, or (2) element 64 may comprise a capsule that is slid off of frame 22.
For some applications, when upstream frame 22 expands, it applies a radially-outward force against the atrial walls, but does not apply a radially-outward force against the annulus (e.g., due to the position of the upstream frame with respect to the native valve). For some applications, when upstream frame 22 expands it does not apply a radially-outward force against the atrial walls (e.g., width d1 may be less than a width of the atrium).
Before release and expansion of upstream frame 22, the upstream frame is disposed around and held immobile with respect to a central rod 68, which provides a separating force that maintains a given distance between frames 22 and 24. Typically, downstream frame 24 is also disposed around and held immobile with respect to rod 68 while in its compressed state within sheath 62. Rod 68 therefore serves as a delivery tool, and/or a component thereof. For some applications, implant 20 is delivered to the heart with frames 22 and 24 separated by that given distance. For some applications, implant 20 is delivered to the heart with frames 22 and 24 closer than that given distance, and prior to release of frame 22 (e.g., subsequently to placement of snares 46 against the tissue of the native valve), the distance is increased by moving frame 22 away from frame 24. For some applications, rod 68 is slidable with respect to (e.g., through) mount 72 (described hereinabove with reference to
When frame 22 is released, the elastic coupling of frame 22 to frame 24 reduces the distance between the frames generally at the same time that frame 22 expands. The arrows in
Due to the coupling of frame 22 to the upstream portion of sheet 26, expansion of frame 22 pulls the upstream portion of sheet 26 radially outward, typically tensioning the sheet. For some applications, this sandwiches a portion of one or more leaflets 12 between sheet 26 and frame 24 and/or snares 46. For some applications, sheet 26 comprises one or more elastically-deformable wire braces (not shown; e.g., disposed circumferentially around conduit 48) that facilitate the radially-outward movement of the sheet.
For some applications, and as shown, a plurality of control wires 70 are coupled to upstream frame 22 and pass through rod 68 to outside of the body of the subject. For some applications, the operating physician may, by controlling tension on control wires 70, control expansion of frame 22. Alternatively or additionally, the operating physician may adjust positioning of frame 22 subsequently to its expansion, e.g., as shown in
As described hereinabove, positioning of frame 22 with respect to frame 24, while maintaining fluid communication therethrough, is facilitated by sheet 26. For example, and as shown in
As described hereinabove, securing of implant 20 at mitral valve 10 is facilitated by the elastic coupling of frame 22 to frame 24 which sandwiches valve tissue between the two frames. It is to be noted that this “sandwiching” is typically possible even when diameter d11 is smaller than width d2 (see
Reference is again made to
It is to be noted that for some applications snares 46 are disposed at a longitudinal portion of downstream frame 24 other than upstream portion 42. For example, snares 46 may be disposed at downstream portion 44 (e.g., as described for implant 140 with reference to
Reference is made to
In the contracted state of implant 140, at least upstream portion 42 (e.g., an upstream end) of downstream frame 144 is disposed upstream of second opening 150′ (e.g., within a space 154 defined by upstream frame 22). Typically, in the extended state, less (e.g., none) of frame 144 is disposed upstream of opening 150′ (e.g., within space 154). During implantation of implant 140, tissue of the native valve becomes sandwiched between snares 148 and upstream frame 22, e.g., using one or more of the mechanisms described herein.
It is hypothesized that the coupling of sheet 146 to upstream end 32 of frame 22 provides improved blood flow compared to a similar device in which the sheet is coupled to downstream end 34 of frame 22, because in the latter a zone 152 may be defined in the vicinity of downstream end 34 in which blood flow is reduced, increasing the likelihood of thrombosis formation. For example, zone 152 may be within space 154, downstream of upstream portion 42 of frame 144, and upstream of downstream end 34 of frame 22. It is to be noted that the scope of the invention includes coupling of sheet 146 to other regions of frame 22, such as slightly downstream of upstream end 32 (e.g., a quarter, a third, halfway, two-thirds, or three-quarters of the way toward downstream end 34).
Reference is now made to
Reference is now made to
For some applications, snares 206 are used in combination with snares 46, described hereinabove. For example, an implant may comprise one snare 206 and a plurality of snares 46. Typically, when the implant comprises one or more snares 206 (as opposed to solely snares 46), the implant is placed in a particular rotational orientation with respect to the native valve, e.g., before deployment. For example, snares 206 may be aligned with the a2 and/or p2 scallops of leaflets 12 e.g., so as to reduce interaction with chordae tendineae. Typically, for the example in which the implant comprises one snare 206 and a plurality of snares 46, the snare 206 is aligned with the a2 scallop of the anterior leaflet.
Reference is made to
A catheter 220 (e.g., a sheath) is advanced transfemorally and via the inferior vena cava into right atrium 7 of the heart, and then into left atrium 6 via transseptal puncture, as is known in the art. Compared to the techniques described with reference to
The step shown in
Reference is again made to
For some applications, the upstream frame (e.g., the upstream frame of implant 140, or another upstream frame described herein) may be covered or lined (e.g., partially or entirely) with a covering, such as a fabric. For some applications, the covering may comprise the same material as the flexible sheet. For some such applications, a continuous piece of material may define the covering and the flexible sheet.
For some applications, in addition to or in place of elastic coupling of frame 22 to frame 24, sandwiching may be achieved by the operating physician actively reducing the distance between the frames, such as by tensioning one or more tethers. For some such applications, this may be achieved using apparatus and/or methods described in International Patent Application PCT/IL2014/050087, filed Jan. 23, 2014, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Reference is made to
In the expanded state of implant 240, upstream portion (e.g., an upstream end) 42 of downstream frame 244 is disposed longitudinally upstream of opening 150′ of upstream frame 22. That is, implant 240 has a central longitudinal axis, and upstream portion 42 is disposed further upstream along the longitudinal axis than is opening 150′. This typically occurs because expansion of upstream frame 22 toward its expanded state pulls valve frame 244 longitudinally in an upstream direction, by pulling sheet 246 radially outward. Typically, in the expanded state of implant 240, a diameter d15 of frame 244 is smaller than diameter d2 of frame 22, and sheet 246 is annular, extending radially inward from frame 22 to frame 244, and is circumferentially attached to frame 244 at a longitudinal site 254 of frame 244. Typically, sheet 246 provides fluid sealing between frames 22 and 244.
Implant 240 is percutaneously advanced, in its compressed state, to the native valve, and is deployed such that snares 248 are disposed downstream of the native valve (i.e., in the ventricle) and upstream frame 22 is disposed upstream of the native valve (i.e., in the atrium), e.g., sandwiching tissue of the native valve between the snares and the upstream frame (and/or between the snares and sheet 246).
Upstream frame 262 is similar to upstream frame 22 described hereinabove, except that frame 262 is not necessarily widest at a mid-portion thereof (compare to
In the expanded state of implant 260, upstream portion (e.g., an upstream end) 42 of downstream frame 264 is disposed longitudinally upstream of opening 150′ of upstream frame 262. That is, implant 260 has a central longitudinal axis, and upstream portion 42 is disposed further upstream along the longitudinal axis than is opening 150′. This typically occurs because expansion of upstream frame 262 toward its expanded state pulls valve frame 264 longitudinally in an upstream direction, by pulling sheet 266a and/or sheet 266b radially outward. Typically, in the expanded state of implant 260, a diameter of frame 264 is smaller than a diameter d2 of frame 262, e.g., as described for implant 240, mutatis mutandis. That is, the diameter of frame 264 is smaller than the opening defined by the downstream end of frame 262. Sheet 266a extends radially inward from frame 262 to frame 264, and is circumferentially attached to frame 264 at a first longitudinal site 274a of frame 264. For some applications, sheet 266a is identical to sheet 246 described hereinabove, mutatis mutandis.
Sheet 266b also extends radially inward from frame 262 (e.g., from the same or a different point of frame 262), and is circumferentially attached to frame 264 at a second longitudinal site 274b of frame 264. Typically, longitudinal site 274b is closer to upstream portion 42 than is longitudinal site 274b. For example, longitudinal site 274b may be at least 2 mm and/or less than 8 mm closer to upstream portion 42 than is longitudinal site 274b (e.g., 2-12 mm closer, or at least 3 mm closer, such as 3-10 mm closer). Further typically, longitudinal site 274b is at upstream portion 42.
A chamber 276 (e.g., a closed chamber) that circumscribes frame 264 is defined between sheets 266a and 266b (shown in cross-section in
Reference is made to
Implant 280 comprises an upstream support 282, a valve frame 284, a snare frame 288, and at least one flexible sheet 266. Sheet 286 couples snare frame 288 to valve frame 284, and as shown, typically further couples upstream support 282 to the valve frame. For some applications, the coupling of upstream support 282 to valve frame 284 via sheet 286 is similar to that of the coupling provided by sheet 266b of implant 260, mutatis mutandis. Sheet 286 typically provides fluid sealing between support 282 (e.g., the frame thereof) and frame 284, and further typically provides fluid sealing between frames 284 and 288. For some applications, a single sheet 286 extends from snare frame 288, along valve frame 284, and to upstream support 282, thereby coupling the three frames together in the configuration shown. The coupling of the frames via sheet 286 advantageously provides some limited movement (e.g., articulation) between the frames, at least in some states of the implant. For example, as described hereinbelow, this coupling facilitates expansion of snare frame 288 while valve frame 284 remains at least in part compressed.
Snare frame 288 typically comprises an annular portion 290 and a plurality of snares 292 that extend from the annular portion.
Valve frame 284 is a tubular frame that defines a lumen therethrough, e.g., as described herein for other valve frames. For some applications, valve frame 284 is identical to other valve frames described herein.
Upstream support 282 is annular, and defines two annular portions: an upper annular portion 294 and a lower annular portion 296 that is circumferentially coupled to the upper annular portion (e.g., at a perimeter of upstream support 282). Upper annular portion 294 may be considered to be a first layer of support 282, and downstream annular portion 296 may be considered to be a second layer of the support. For some applications, upstream support 282 is cut from a single piece of metal (typically Nitinol), and in a compressed state of the upstream support, struts that form lower annular portion 296 intercalate with struts that form upper annular portion 294. For some applications, and as shown, the struts that define upper annular portion 294 are arranged as chevrons that repeat in a circumferential pattern (e.g., a zigzag pattern). For some applications, and as shown, the struts that define lower annular portion 296 are arranged as chevrons that repeat in a circumferential pattern. For some applications, and as shown, each chevron of upper annular portion 294 is coupled to a chevron of lower annular portion 296 at the perimeter of support 282, and is slightly differently sized to that chevron of the lower annular portion.
As shown in
For some applications, upstream support 282 is coupled to valve frame 284 such that upper annular portion 294 extends, from first longitudinal site 298, radially outward in a downstream direction (e.g., as shown). For some applications, upstream support 282 is coupled to valve frame 284 such that lower annular portion 296 extends, from the upper annular portion, radially inward in a downstream direction (e.g., as shown).
Lower annular portion 296 is deflectable with respect to upper annular portion 294, and is typically more movable with respect to valve frame 284 than is upper annular portion 296. For example, lower annular portion 296 may be articulatably coupled to upper annular portion 294, and/or may be more flexible than the upper annular portion (e.g., struts that form the lower annular portion may be thinner than those that form the upper annular portion, as shown). As described in more detail hereinbelow, it is hypothesized that this configuration facilitates sealing of support 282 against the upstream surface of mitral valve 10 (e.g., the mitral annulus) by maintaining contact between lower annular portion 296 and the upstream surface of the mitral valve, irrespective of an angle that upper annular portion 294 is disposed with respect to valve frame 284.
For some applications, the struts of upper annular portion 294 have a transverse cross-sectional area 295 of 0.25-1 mm{circumflex over ( )}2. For some applications, the struts of lower annular portion 296 have a transverse cross-sectional area 297 of 0.04-0.2 mm{circumflex over ( )}2. For some applications, support 282 has a diameter (defined by its perimeter) of 50-70 mm.
For some applications, sheet 286 extends over an upper surface of upper annular portion 294, around perimeter 300, and over a lower surface of lower annular portion 296 (thereby serving as a covering of portions 294 & 296). While implant 280 is implanted at mitral valve 10, the above-described configuration of upstream support 282 thereby holds the covering against the upstream surface of the mitral valve, thereby facilitating sealing.
The bubble of
At a connection point 310, portion 286c (i) is connected (e.g., sutured) to portion 286a or 286b (whichever does not extend to the upper end of valve frame 284), and (ii) is typically also connected to the valve frame. (Typically, portion 286a is also connected to valve frame 284 at point 310.) At a connection point 312, portion 286a or 286b (whichever extends to support 282) (i) is connected (e.g., sutured) to portion 286c, and (ii) is typically also connected to support 282. (Typically, portion 286c is also connected to support 282 at point 312.) It is to be noted that such an arrangement results in valve frame 284 being coupled to support 282 via two flexible sheets 286 (each of the sheets being defined by one of the sheet portions).
It is hypothesized that such an arrangement of sheet portions, and such attachment of the sheet portions to the frames and to each other, provides strong and durable coupling of valve frame 284 to support 282 via a flexible sheet.
A technique for implanting implant 280 is now described with reference to
Once snare frame 288 is fully exposed from delivery tube 302, the snare frame automatically expands toward its expanded state, e.g., by re-inverting, such that snares 292 are upstream of annular portion 290 (
These increased angles facilitate engagement of tissue of mitral valve 10 (e.g., leaflets 12) when implant 280 is subsequently moved upstream (
Following the upstream movement of implant 280, upstream support 282, in its compressed state within delivery tube 302, is upstream of mitral valve 10 (i.e., in atrium 6). For some applications, the coupling of upstream support 282 to valve frame 284 via sheet 286 facilitates expansion of the valve frame while the upstream support 282 remains compressed.
It is to be noted that therefore, for some applications, when implanting implant 280 (or another implant in which snares are coupled to the valve frame in the manner described for implant 280), the following steps are performed: (i) The implant is percutaneously delivered via delivery tube 302, (ii) While at least a portion (e.g., an upstream portion) of the valve frame remains disposed within the delivery tube, the snares are deployed from the distal end of the delivery tube such that the snares protrude radially outward and form angle alpha_3 with the axis, and angle alpha_4 with the valve frame. (iii) Subsequently, tissue of the native valve is engaged using the snares (e.g., by moving the implant in an upstream direction). (iv) Subsequently, by deploying more of the valve frame (e.g., the remainder of the valve frame) from the catheter, angle alpha_4 is reduced by at least 30 percent (e.g., by at least 50 percent), while angle alpha_3 is not changed by more than 10 percent (e.g., angle alpha_3 is changed by less than 8 percent, e.g., by less than 5 percent), such as while angle alpha_3 remains constant.
For some applications, in the absence of lower annular portion 296, upstream support 282 would contact the upstream valve surface only at perimeter 300. Lower annular portion 296 increases the contact surface area between upstream support 282 and the upstream valve surface.
Upper annular portion 294 is resilient (e.g., has shape memory) and is thus biased to assume a particular shape. For example, and as shown, upper annular portion 294 may be frustoconical, with its wider base lower than (e.g., downstream of) its narrower base. This characteristic facilitates upstream annular portion 294 serving as a spring that is tensioned by sandwiching of tissue between the upstream annular portion and snare frame 288 during implantation, and thereby facilitates secure anchoring of the implant at the mitral valve. Upstream annular portion facilitates this anchoring via tension on sheet 286.
Tensioning of upper annular portion 294 typically results in deflection of upper annular portion 294 with respect to valve frame 284 (e.g., perimeter 300 becomes more upstream with respect to site 298). This may also occur during the cardiac cycle. The deflectability of lower annular portion 296 with respect to upper annular portion 294 facilitates the lower annular portion remaining in contact with the upstream valve surface despite the deflection of the upper annular portion with respect to the upstream valve surface. Thus, for some applications, an angle alpha_5 between upper annular portion 294 and lower annular portion 296 when the implant is in a rest state (e.g., an unconstrained shape, such as when the implant is on a table-top) (
It is to be noted that for some applications snares 292 (e.g., snare frame 288) may be coupled via a flexible sheet to other prosthetic valves (e.g., to other valve frames described herein), including those comprising a valve frame that is rigidly coupled to an upstream support, and those comprising a valve frame that is not coupled to an upstream support (e.g., prosthetic valves that are configured to be intracorporeally coupled to an upstream support, and prosthetic valves that are configured to be implanted without an upstream support).
It is to be noted that for some applications upstream support 282 may be used in combination with other prosthetic valves (e.g., with other valve frames described herein), including those comprising a valve frame that is rigidly coupled to snares or tissue-engaging elements. It is to be noted that for some applications upstream support 282 may be rigidly coupled to valve frame 284 (or to another valve frame).
Reference is now made to
For some applications, articulation zone 289a separates snare frame 288 from valve frame 284 by at least 1.5 mm (e.g., 1.5-10 mm, e.g., 1.5-5 mm, such as 2-5 mm). For some applications, articulation zone 289a separates valve frame 284 from upstream support 282 by at least 1.5 mm (e.g., at least 3 mm, e.g., 3-10 mm, e.g., 3-8 mm, such as 3-5 mm).
For some applications this articulation is hypothesized to facilitate percutaneous (e.g., transluminal) delivery of implant 280, by allowing the compressed implant to articulate as it passes bends in the percutaneous path to the heart.
For some applications, in its compressed state, implant 280 has a length of at least 25 mm (e.g., 25-50 mm), such as at least 30 mm. For some applications, in its compressed state, implant 280 has a greatest width that is at least 50 percent (e.g., 50-90 percent), such as at least 75 percent (e.g., 75-98 percent, such as 75-90 percent) of the internal diameter of delivery tube 302. For some applications, in the compressed state of implant 280, upstream support 282, valve frame 284, and snare frame 288, each have a respective width d21 that is at least 50 percent (e.g., 50-90 percent), such as at least 75 percent (e.g., 75-98 percent, such as 75-90 percent) of the internal diameter of delivery tube 302. It is hypothesized that an implant having the same length and width, but not having articulatable coupled segments, would not be advanceable through bend 291.
For some applications, in the compressed state of implant 280, no individual rigid segment has a length (measured along the longitudinal axis of the implant) that is greater than 22 mm. For some applications, in the compressed state of implant 280, a sum of (i) a length d20′ of the rigid segment defined by support 282, (ii) a length d20″ of the rigid segment defined by frame 284, and a length d20′″ of the rigid segment defined by frame 288, is at least 35 mm.
Typically, a delivery tool 304, reversibly couplable to implant 280, is used to advance the implant to the heart (e.g., via delivery tube 302). Typically, implant 280 is delivered with snare frame 288 disposed distally to valve frame 284, and upstream support 282 disposed proximally to the valve frame, e.g., such that snare frame 288 emerges from tube 302 first.
For some applications, implant 280 is delivered with frame 288 inverted and folded up against the outside of frame 284. For such applications, it is hypothesized that the coupling of these two frames via sheet 286 facilitates this folding. For example, for some applications frame 288 (e.g., the entire length of frame 288) may be disposed flat against frame 284, thereby resulting in a small maximum width of the implant in its compressed state. In contrast, a different sort of coupling might result in the fold between the frames having a radius of curvature that increases the width of the implant, at least in the area of coupling between frames 288 and 284.
It is to be noted that for some applications the apparatus and techniques described with reference to
Reference is made to
Upstream support 642 is typically identical to upstream support 282 except where noted otherwise. Upstream support 642 is annular, and defines two annular portions: an upper annular portion 654 and a lower annular portion 656 that is circumferentially coupled to the upper annular portion (e.g., at a perimeter of upstream support 642). As described for support 282, for some applications struts 655 that form upper annular portion 654 of support 642 are arranged as chevrons that repeat in a circumferential pattern (e.g., a zigzag pattern). In contrast to support 282, struts 657 that form lower annular portion 656 of support 642 are typically individual rods 658 that protrude radially inward from the point at which they are coupled to upper annular portion 654 (e.g., from the perimeter of the frame). It is to be noted that the frame of support 642 (e.g., the struts of its upper and lower annular portions) is typically covered with a covering (e.g., described for support 282), such that the support generally resembles support 282 (e.g., as shown in
Support 442 generally functions as described for support 282. It is hypothesized that, for some applications, the different configuration of the lower annular portion of support 642 compared to that of support 282 facilitates independent movement of different regions of lower annular portion 656, thereby improving its conformation to the anatomy and/or sealing against the anatomy. For some applications, this is further facilitated by each rod 658 being shaped as a spring (as shown), thereby increasing flexibility of the rod.
Upstream support 662 is typically identical to upstream support 642 except where noted otherwise. Upstream support 662 is annular, and defines two annular portions: an upper annular portion 674 and a lower annular portion 676 that is circumferentially coupled to the upper annular portion (e.g., at a perimeter of upstream support 662). As described for support 282 and 642, for some applications struts 675 and 679 that form upper annular portion 674 of support 662 are arranged as chevrons that repeat in a circumferential pattern (e.g., a zigzag pattern). For some applications, and as shown, struts 677 that form lower annular portion 676 of support 662 are individual rods 678 that protrude radially inward from the point at which they are coupled to upper annular portion 664 (e.g., as described for support 642). For some applications (not shown), the struts that form lower annular portion 676 are arranged as chevrons that repeat in a circumferential pattern (e.g., as described for support 282). It is to be noted that the frame of support 662 (e.g., the struts of its upper and lower annular portions) is typically covered with a covering (e.g., described for support 282), such that the support generally resembles support 282 (e.g., as shown in
Upstream annular portion 674 of support 662 has a flexible sector 663 that is more flexible than other portions of the upstream annular portion. For example, struts 679 that form sector 663 may be more flexible (e.g., by being thinner) than struts 675 that form other portions of upstream annular portion 674. As shown in
Reference is made to
A valve member (e.g., plurality of prosthetic leaflets) is disposed within the lumen defined by valve frame 384, so as to facilitate one-way downstream movement of blood through the lumen, e.g., as described herein for other valve members. For clarity, the valve member is not shown in
Implant 380 has a compressed state for percutaneous (e.g., transluminal) delivery to the heart, and is intracorporeally expandable into an expanded state. In the compressed state of implant 380, frames 382 and 384 are in respective compressed states thereof.
Support frame 382 has a generally toroid shape, defining an opening 390 through the support frame, and dimensioned to be placed against an upstream surface of the native heart valve such that the support frame circumscribes the valve orifice. Typically, support frame 382 is dimensioned to be placed on the annulus of the native valve. It is to be noted that the term toroid (including the specification and the claims) is describable as the result of revolving a plane geometric figure about a central longitudinal axis. The generally toroid shape of support frame 382 is describable as the result of revolving a plane geometric figure about a central longitudinal axis ax3 of the support frame (and/or of implant 380 as a whole). That is, an axis of revolution ax4 of the toroid shape circumscribes axis ax3, and the toroid shape is describable as the result of moving the plane geometric figure along the axis of revolution. It is to be noted that the position of axis of revolution ax4 is merely an illustrative example, and may pass through another part of the plane geometric figure.
For some applications, and as shown, the plane geometric figure is U-shaped or V-shaped (e.g., as shown in the cross-sections of
When valve frame 384 is moved in a downstream direction, a force is applied to support frame 382 via sheet 386, and the support frame 382 responsively rolls inward (e.g., about axis of revolution ax4) such that an orientation of the plane geometric figure with respect to opening 390 changes (e.g., the plane geometric figure deflects and/or rotates). For example, in
Support frame 382 is biased to assume its relaxed state, such that removal of the force (e.g., releasing of valve frame 384) results in implant 380 returning to the state shown in
For some applications support frame 382 defines an inner ring 394 and an outer ring 396, each ring defined by a circumferential arrangement of cells, each cell of the inner ring coupled to adjacent cells of the inner ring, and to a corresponding cell of the outer ring. The inner ring defines one arm of the U-shape, the outer ring defines the other arm of the U-shape, and the inner ring cells are coupled to the outer ring cells at a trough 398 of the U-shape. The rolling of frame 382 in response to the applied force compresses the inner ring cells and outer ring cells, at least in part, i.e., reducing a width d17 of the inner ring cells and a width d18 of the outer ring cells. Upon removal of the force, the cells re-widen, thereby causing support frame 382 to roll back toward its relaxed state.
The mechanics described in the above paragraph may be alternatively described as follows: The rolling of the frame moves at least part of inner ring 394 and at least part of outer ring 396 radially inward, such that a diameter of each ring becomes smaller. Upon removal of the force each ring re-expands toward its original diameter, thereby causing support frame 382 to roll back toward its relaxed state. That is, support frame 382 defines at least one ring that is compressed as the frame rolls inward, and expands as the frame rolls outward. This is illustrated in the cross-sections of
The biasing of support frame 382 to assume its relaxed state is typically achieved by forming the support frame from a shape-memory material such as Nitinol.
For some applications, and as shown, sheet 386 extends over the lip of inner ring 394, and covers at least part of the inner ring. For some such applications, sheet 386 is circumferentially attached to support frame 382 at least at trough 398.
The rolling inward of support frame 382 typically involves a most-radially-inward point of contact between the support frame and sheet 386 moving in a downstream direction, and further typically involves the most-radially-inward point of contact moving radially inward. For example, and as shown in the cross-sections of
Reference is made to
Prior to implantation, implant 402 is coupled to a delivery tool 410, which typically comprises a central rod (e.g., as described elsewhere herein, mutatis mutandis). For some applications, implant 402 is provided pre-coupled to the delivery tool (e.g., by being compressed, or “crimped”, onto the delivery tool, as is known in the art, mutatis mutandis). For some applications, part or all of implant 402 is coupled to delivery tool 410 soon before implantation (e.g., by the operating physician, or by a technician at the operating institution). For example, for applications in which one of the frames (e.g., frame 408) comprises a prosthetic valve frame that comprises prosthetic leaflets, it may be desirable that the prosthetic valve frame not remain compressed for an extended period, and so at least that frame is compressed against the delivery tool soon before implantation.
Once frames 404 and 408 are coupled to the delivery tool (e.g., to respective connectors of the delivery tool), the elastic coupling between the frames is stretched by increasing a distance between the frames, such as by increasing a distance between the connectors to which the frames are coupled (
Reference is now made to
Implant 460 comprises an upstream frame 462, a downstream frame 464, and at least one flexible sheet 466 that couples the upstream frame to the downstream frame. Typically, implant 460 comprises two flexible sheets 466, such as a flexible sheet 466a and a flexible sheet 466b, which each couple upstream frame 462 to downstream frame 464. Downstream frame 464 comprises a tubular body that defines a lumen therethrough (e.g., as described hereinabove for other downstream frames), and a plurality of snares 468. As shown, snares 468 typically meet the valve body defined by frame 464 toward a downstream end of the valve body, and do not extend in an upstream direction as far as the upstream end of frame 464. Implant 460 comprises a valve member (e.g., a plurality of prosthetic leaflets) 50 disposed within the lumen defined by downstream frame 464, e.g., as described hereinabove, mutatis mutandis.
As described for upstream frame 22, mutatis mutandis, upstream frame 462 (and other upstream frames described herein, such as upstream frame 262) may be considered to define an upstream opening 150 (i.e., an opening defined by an upstream end of the upstream frame) and a downstream opening 150′ (i.e., an opening defined by a downstream end of the upstream frame). An upstream end 492 of frame 462 defines upstream opening 150 of frame 462, and a downstream end 494 of frame 462 defines downstream opening 150′ of frame 462. It is to be noted that throughout this application (including the specification and the claims), in the absence of further definition, the “opening” of any of the upstream frames typically refers to the downstream opening of the upstream frame.
As described for implant 260, mutatis mutandis, in the expanded state of implant 460, a diameter of frame 464 is smaller than a diameter of opening 150′ defined by downstream end 494 of frame 462. Sheet 466a extends radially inward from frame 462 to frame 464, and is circumferentially attached to frame 464 at a first longitudinal site 474a of frame 464. For some applications, sheet 466a is identical to sheet 266a described hereinabove, mutatis mutandis. Sheet 466b also extends radially inward from frame 462, and is circumferentially attached to frame 464 at a second longitudinal site 474b of frame 464.
Typically, longitudinal site 474b is closer to upstream portion 42 than is longitudinal site 474b. For example, longitudinal site 474b may be at least 4 mm and/or less than 10 mm closer to an upstream end of frame 464 than is longitudinal site 474b (e.g., 4-10 mm closer, or at least 3 mm closer, such as 3-10 mm closer, e.g., about 6 mm closer). For some applications, longitudinal site 474b is at the upstream end of frame 464, although is shown in
Typically, sheet 466b is attached to upstream frame 462 further upstream than is sheet 466a. For example, and as shown, sheet 466a may be attached to (i.e., may extend from) downstream end 494 of frame 462, whereas sheet 466b may be attached to (i.e., may extend from) upstream end 492 of frame 462. The sites of attachment of sheets 466 to frames 462 and 464 (i) facilitates the longitudinal pulling of frame 464 into frame 462 (e.g., via opening 150′) by the radial expansion of frame 462, (ii) facilitate smooth bloodflow from opening 150 into the lumen of downstream frame 464, and/or (iii) defines, between sheets 466a and 466b, a chamber 476 (e.g., a closed chamber) that circumscribes frame 464. Chamber 476 is typically toroidal. Subsequently to implantation of implant 460, tissue formation typically occurs within chamber 476, e.g., due to blood entering the chamber 476 by passing through the flexible sheets (e.g., at least one of the sheets is at least partially blood-permeable). For some applications this tissue formation is hypothesized to gradually increase rigidity of implant 460.
Therefore, as described with reference to implants 260 and 460, percutaneously-implantable apparatus is provided, comprising (i) a first frame; (ii) a second frame; and (iii) plurality of flexible sheets comprising at least a first flexible sheet and a second flexible sheet, at least the first sheet coupling the first frame to the second frame, and the plurality of flexible sheets being coupled to the first frame and the second frame such that a closed chamber is disposed between the first sheet and the second sheet, and at least one of the sheets being at least partially blood-permeable.
As described hereinabove for other implants, mutatis mutandis, frames 462 and 464 (or at least portions thereof) are typically covered and/or lined, and flexible sheets 466a and 466b may extend over portions of the frames so as to perform this function. For example, and as shown, sheet 466a typically extends from longitudinal site 474a of frame 464, to downstream end 494 of frame 462, and over an outer surface of frame 462. Sheet 466a may continue to extend around upstream end 492 of frame 462 and line part of an inner surface of frame 462, as shown. Frame 464 is typically at least partly lined, e.g., with a fabric, which may be the same material as sheet(s) 466. For some applications, and as shown, frame 464 has unlined zones, e.g., positioned where leaflets 50 deflect outward to allow fluid flow.
There is therefore provided, in accordance with some applications of the invention, apparatus comprising: (i) a first catheter (e.g., catheter 504), dimensioned for transfemoral and transseptal advancement into a left atrium of a heart of a subject, and having a lumen that has an internal diameter; (ii) a second catheter (e.g., catheter 506), having an external diameter that is smaller than the internal diameter, the second catheter being sufficiently long to extend through the first catheter such that a steerable distal portion (e.g., portion 507) of the second catheter extends out of a distal end of the first catheter; and (iii) an implant (e.g., implant 460), having a compressed state in which the implant is transfemorally and transseptally advanceable into the left atrium by the first catheter and the second catheter, and in which a width of the implant is greater than the internal diameter of the first catheter.
It is to be noted that the term “steerable” (including the specification and the claims) means actively steerable, e.g., by using an extracorporeal controller to effect bending. (This is in contrast to a flexible but non-steerable element, which may bend in response to encountering forces during advancement through the body of the subject.) Bending of portion 505 of catheter 504 is performed by actuating a controller 565 (e.g., on a handle 555 at a proximal end of catheter 504) that is operably coupled (e.g., via pull-wires) to portion 505. Bending of portion 507 of catheter 506 is performed by actuating a controller 567 (e.g., on a handle 557 at a proximal end of catheter 506) that is operably coupled (e.g., via pull-wires) to portion 507. Bending of portion 509 of rod 508 is performed by actuating a controller 569 (e.g., on a handle 559 at a proximal end of rod 508) that is operably coupled (e.g., via pull-wires) to portion 509. Typically, a bending plane of portion 507 is orthogonal to a bending plane of portion 505. Thereby together catheters 504 and 506 provide movement in two dimensions. Portion 509 of rod 508 may be steerable on one or more bending planes (e.g., on two bending planes). As well as being steerable, rod 508 is typically slidable longitudinally with respect to the catheters (e.g., by sliding handle 559, such as along a track 558).
As shown in sub-views C and B, implant 460, in its compressed state, is disposed around steerable distal portion 509 of rod 508, with frames 464 and 462 in tandem with each other. Sub-view C shows implant 460 including sheets 466 (which also serve as coverings for the frames of implant 460, e.g., as described elsewhere hereinabove, mutatis mutandis), and sub-view B shows the implant in the absence of sheets 466, thereby more clearly showing the positions of frames 462 and 464. Frame 462 is disposed around rod 508 (e.g., around distal portion 509 thereof) at a first longitudinal site 560a, sheet 466 is disposed around rod 508 at a second longitudinal site 560b, and frame 464 is disposed around rod 508 at a third longitudinal site 560c. Distal portion 509 is bendable at least at second longitudinal site 560b, which serves as an articulation zone.
As shown in sub-view A (as well as the primary view), a sheath 510 is disposed over at least implant 460 (and typically over at least portions 507 and 509 of catheters 506 and 508). Sheath 510 is thin (e.g., greater than 100 microns and/or less than 300 microns, e.g., 100-300 microns, such as about 200 microns thick), typically has insignificant compressive, torsional, or deflective strength, and is sufficiently flexible to passively bend in response to the bending of rod 508 and the articulation between frames 462 and 464. Sheath 510 comprises a low-friction material (e.g., is formed from the low-friction material, or is coated in the low-friction material) such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).
A second cross-section (
A third cross-section (
It is to be noted that in this context, the term “layer” (including in the specification and in the claims) may refer to a continuous layer (such as that defined by sheath 510) or an interrupted layer (such as that which might defined by the struts of frames 462 and 464, when viewed in cross-section).
It is to be noted that no guide catheter is advanced to the heart prior to advancing implant 460. Rather, system 500 is advanced as-is, through the vasculature. Rather, sheath 510 slides through the vasculature simultaneously with implant 460, and reduces friction between implant 460 and the vasculature.
It is to be further noted, that implant 460 is not disposed within a steerable (i.e., actively bendable) catheter for any part of the implantation process. Rather, and as can be understood from
System 500 is advanced transseptally into left atrium 6 (
System 500 is then advanced between leaflets 12 of mitral valve 10, typically such that (within sheath 510) at least part of frame 464 is disposed in left ventricle 8, and at least part of frame 462 is disposed within left atrium 6 (
There is therefore provided, in accordance with some applications of the invention, a method comprising (i) using a delivery tool, percutaneously advancing toward a heart of a subject a prosthetic valve implant coupled to a distal portion of the delivery tool, the implant comprising a first frame coupled to a second frame; (ii) subsequently, articulating the first frame with respect to the second frame by bending the distal portion of the delivery tool; (iii) subsequently, reducing the articulation of the first frame with respect to the second frame by reducing the bending of the distal portion of the delivery tool; and (iv) subsequently, implanting the implant in the heart of the subject. For some applications, between the step of articulating the first frame and the step of implanting, another portion of the delivery tool, proximal to the distal portion, is bent.
There is therefore also provided, in accordance with some applications of the invention, apparatus, comprising: (i) a delivery tool (e.g., tool 502) comprising: (a) a first catheter (e.g., catheter 504), (b) a second catheter (e.g., catheter 506) extending through the first catheter, and (c) one or more extracorporeal controllers (e.g., controllers 565, 567, and 569), coupled to a proximal end of at least one of the first catheter and the second catheter; and (ii) an implant (e.g., implant 460), comprising a first frame (e.g., frame 462) articulatably coupled to a second frame (e.g., frame 464), and coupled to a distal portion of the delivery tool, distal to a distal end of the first catheter and to a distal end of the second catheter, and the one or more extracorporeal controllers are actuatable to transition the apparatus between: (i) a first state in which the first catheter and the second catheter are straight, and the first frame is articulated with respect to the second frame, and (ii) a second state in which a distal portion of at least one of the first catheter and the second catheter is bent, and the first frame is collinear with the second frame.
Subsequently, implant 460 is unsheathed (
As shown in
First restraint 530a, which restrains snares 468 in their compressed state, is disengaged, thereby allowing the snares to extend radially away from frame 464 (e.g., from the valve body thereof) (
Second restraint 530b remains in place, restraining frame 464 (e.g., the valve body thereof) in its compressed state, and third restraint 530c remains in place, restraining frame 462 in its compressed state. Typically, at this stage, one or more imaging techniques fluoroscopy) are used to determine, and optionally adjust, the position of implant 460, and in particular of snares 468 thereof.
There is therefore provided (e.g., as described with reference to
As shown in
There is therefore provided, in accordance with some applications of the invention, a method, comprising: (i) transluminally advancing an implant to a heart of a subject, the implant including (a) a valve frame at a downstream portion of the implant, (b) a valve member disposed within the valve frame, (c) a flexible sheet, and (d) a support frame at an upstream portion of the implant, coupled to the valve frame via the flexible sheet, wherein the valve frame and the support frame are constrained in respective compressed states during the advancing; and (ii) within the heart, (a) releasing the valve frame such that the valve frame automatically expands from its compressed state, while (b) maintaining the support frame in its compressed state such that the support frame limits expansion of an upstream portion of the valve frame via tension on the sheet.
Tissue of the native valve (e.g., leaflet tissue) is engaged using snares 468 by moving implant 460 upstream (e.g., by withdrawing rod 508 into catheter 506) (
Subsequently, restraint 530c is disengaged (e.g., using restraint controller 532c), thereby allowing upstream frame 462 to expand toward its expanded state (
Subsequently, delivery tool 502 is withdrawn from the subject, leaving implant 460 implanted at the native valve, and serving as a prosthetic valve (
There is therefore provided, in accordance with some applications of the invention, a method comprising (i) transfemorally advancing to the heart a rod (e.g., rod 508) and an implant (e.g., implant 460) compressed around a distal portion of the rod, the implant including a first frame (e.g., frame 462), a second frame (e.g., frame 464), a valve member (e.g., leaflets 50) disposed within the second frame, and a flexible sheet (e.g., sheet 466a) coupling the first frame to the second frame, wherein the first frame and the second frame are in tandem; (ii) subsequently, articulating the second frame with respect to the first frame by bending the distal portion of the rod by operating an extracorporeal controller (e.g., controller 569); and (iii) subsequently, implanting the implant at the valve such that at least part of the first frame is disposed on a first side of the valve and at least part of the second frame is disposed on a second side of the valve.
As described for implant 460, and for other implants, there is also provided, in accordance with some applications of the invention, a method, comprising (i) percutaneously delivering into the body an implant in a compressed state, the implant (a) having a longitudinal axis, and (b) including a first frame, a flexible sheet, and a second frame coupled, via the flexible sheet, to the first frame in tandem along the longitudinal axis; and (ii) subsequently, radially expanding the first frame such that the first frame pulls the second frame longitudinally into the first frame by pulling the sheet radially outward.
There is also provided, in accordance with some applications of the invention, apparatus comprising (i) a first frame having a compressed state in which the frame is transluminally advanceable into the subject, and having a tendency to radially expand from the compressed state toward an expanded state; and (ii) a second frame distinct from the first frame, and coupled to the first frame in tandem with the first frame along a longitudinal axis of the implant, and the coupling of the second frame to the first frame is such that a radially outward force of the first frame during its expansion is converted into a longitudinal force that pulls the second frame into the first frame.
Although transfemoral and transseptal delivery is described, for some applications a retrograde approach (i.e., via the aortic valve) is used, mutatis mutandis. For such applications, as well as other differences, implant 460 is disposed on delivery tool 502 in the inverse orientation (i.e., with frame 464 disposed proximally to frame 462).
It is to be noted that delivery tool 502 may be used to deliver prosthetic heart valves other than implant 460. For some applications, tool 502 is used to deliver a prosthetic valve that, in its delivery state, does not have an articulation zone between two frames. For some applications, tool 502 is used to deliver a prosthetic valve that, in its delivery state, is rigid. For such applications, rod 508 is typically used to orient the compressed prosthetic valve with respect to the native valve.
Reference is again made to
Therefore apparatus is provided, in accordance with some applications of the invention, comprising (i) a support frame, having a compressed state, and an expanded state in which the support frame defines an opening therethrough, and is dimensioned to be placed against an upstream surface of the native valve such that the opening is disposed over an orifice defined by the native valve; (ii) a flexible sheet; and (i) a valve frame that (a) has a compressed state, and an expanded state in which the valve frame defines a lumen therethrough, (b) comprises a valve member disposed within the lumen, and (c) is coupled to the support frame via the flexible sheet such that when the support frame is in its expanded state, and the valve frame is in its expanded state, at least part of the lumen is disposed within the opening, and the valve frame is not in contact with the support frame.
Reference is again made to
Reference is again made to
Reference is again made to
For some applications, the apparatus and techniques described herein may be used in combination with apparatus and techniques described in one or more of the following references, which are incorporated herein by reference:
It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather, the scope of the present invention includes both combinations and subcombinations of the various features described hereinabove, as well as variations and modifications thereof that are not in the prior art, which would occur to persons skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description.
The present application is a Continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 16/656,790 to Hammer, filed Oct. 18, 2019, and entitled “ANCHORING OF A PROSTHETIC VALVE,” which is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 15/703,385 to Hammer et al., filed on Sep. 13, 2017, and entitled “ANCHORING OF A PROSTHETIC VALVE,” which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,492,908, and which is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 15/329,920 to Hammer et al., filed on Jan. 27, 2017, and entitled “ARTICULATABLE PROSTHETIC VALVE,” which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,524,910, and which is the US National Phase of PCT application IL2015/050792 to Hammer et al., filed Jul. 30, 2015, and entitled “ARTICULATABLE PROSTHETIC VALVE,” which published as WO 2016/016899, and which claims priority from: (i) U.S. Provisional Patent Application 62/030,715 to Hammer et al., filed Jul. 30, 2014, and entitled “PROSTHETIC VALVE WITH CROWN”; and (ii) U.S. Provisional Patent Application 62/139,854 to Hammer et al., filed Mar. 30, 2015, and entitled “PROSTHETIC VALVE WITH CROWN.” The present application is related to (i) PCT patent application IL2014/050087 to Hammer et al., filed Jan. 23, 2014, entitled “VENTRICULARLY-ANCHORED PROSTHETIC VALVES”, which published as WO 2014/115149, and (ii) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/763,004 to Hammer et al., entitled “VENTRICULARLY-ANCHORED PROSTHETIC VALVES”, which is a US National Phase of PCT IL2014/050087. All of the above are incorporated herein by reference.
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| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20200146824 A1 | May 2020 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62139854 | Mar 2015 | US | |
| 62030715 | Jul 2014 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 16656790 | Oct 2019 | US |
| Child | 16746489 | US | |
| Parent | 15703385 | Sep 2017 | US |
| Child | 16656790 | US | |
| Parent | 15329920 | US | |
| Child | 15703385 | US |
