Systems and methods for leaflet cutting using a hook catheter

Abstract

A system configured to cut leaflet tissue at a cardiac valve may comprise a guide catheter having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end of the guide catheter is steerable to a position above a cardiac valve. The system may also include a hook catheter having a proximal end and a distal end, the hook catheter configured to extend from the distal end of the guide catheter through a first orifice of the cardiac valve. Further, the system may comprise a cutting mechanism extending from the hook catheter, the cutting mechanism configured to cut a portion of leaflet tissue of the cardiac valve. Finally, the system may include a handle coupled to the proximal end of the guide catheter, the handle comprising at least one control operatively connected to the cutting mechanism.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The mitral valve controls blood flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle of the heart, preventing blood from flowing backwards from the left ventricle into the left atrium so that it is instead forced through the aortic valve for delivery of oxygenated blood throughout the body. A properly functioning mitral valve opens and closes to enable blood flow in one direction. However, in some circumstances the mitral valve is unable to close properly, allowing blood to regurgitate back into the atrium.

Mitral valve regurgitation has several causes. Functional mitral valve regurgitation is characterized by structurally normal mitral valve leaflets that are nevertheless unable to properly coapt with one another to close properly due to other structural deformations of surrounding heart structures. Other causes of mitral valve regurgitation are related to defects of the mitral valve leaflets, mitral valve annulus, or other mitral valve tissues.

The most common treatments for mitral valve regurgitation rely on valve replacement or repair including leaflet and annulus remodeling, the latter generally referred to as valve annuloplasty. One technique for mitral valve repair which relies on suturing adjacent segments of the opposed valve leaflets together is referred to as the “bowtie” or “edge-to-edge” technique. While these techniques can be effective, they usually rely on open heart surgery where the patient's chest is opened, typically via a sternotomy, and the patient is placed on cardiopulmonary bypass. The need to both open the chest and place the patient on bypass is traumatic and has an associated high mortality and morbidity rate.

In some patients, a fixation device can be installed into the heart using minimally invasive techniques. The fixation device can hold the adjacent segments of the opposed valve leaflets together and may reduce mitral valve regurgitation. One such device used to clip the anterior and posterior leaflets of the mitral valve together is the MitraClip® fixation device, sold by Abbott Vascular, Santa Clara, California, USA.

However, sometimes after a fixation device is installed, undesirable mitral valve regurgitation can still exist, or can arise again. For these patients requiring re-intervention, the presence of a fixation device in their mitral valves can obstruct transcatheter mitral valve replacement. These patients may also be considered too frail to tolerate open-heart surgery, so they are left with no viable options to further improve the function of their mitral valve.

Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide alternative and additional methods, devices, and systems for removing or disabling existing fixation devices in preparation for the installation of an artificial, replacement mitral valve. The methods, devices, and systems may be useful for repair of tissues in the body other than heart valves. At least some of these objectives will be met by the inventions described hereinbelow.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Implementations of the present invention solve one or more problems in the art with systems, methods, and apparatus configured to cut leaflet tissue at a cardiac valve. The system may comprise a guide catheter having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end of the guide catheter is steerable to a position above a cardiac valve. The system may also include a hook catheter having a proximal end and a distal end, the hook catheter configured to extend from the distal end of the guide catheter through a first orifice of the cardiac valve. Further, the system may comprise a cutting mechanism configured to cut a portion of leaflet tissue of the cardiac valve. Finally, the system may include a handle coupled to the proximal end of the guide catheter, the handle comprising at least one control operatively connected to the guide catheter, the hook catheter and/or the cutting mechanism.

A system for cutting leaflet tissue at a cardiac valve may comprise a guide catheter having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end of the guide catheter is guided to a position above a cardiac valve transseptally or transapically. The system may further include a hook catheter having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the hook catheter is routable through the guide catheter and configured to selectively extend beyond the distal end of the guide catheter through a first orifice of the cardiac valve. Also, the system may comprise a cutting mechanism routable through the guide catheter and the hook catheter and configured to cut a portion of leaflet tissue of the cardiac valve.

A method of cutting cardiac valve tissue at a cardiac valve within a body may include positioning a guide catheter, having a proximal and a distal end, within the left atrium transseptally such that the distal end of the guide catheter is positioned above a cardiac valve. The method may also comprise routing a hook catheter through the guide catheter such that the hook catheter extends distally beyond the distal end of the guide catheter through a first orifice of the cardiac valve, wherein the cardiac valve is associated with an interventional implant that approximates adjacent leaflets of the cardiac valve, and a cutting mechanism extends from the hook catheter. The method may further comprise positioning the hook catheter to place the cutting mechanism into contact with leaflet tissue located adjacent to the interventional implant and actuating the cutting mechanism to cut at least one leaflet of the approximated adjacent leaflets.

Additional features and advantages of exemplary embodiments of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by the practice of such exemplary embodiments. The features and advantages of such embodiments may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other features will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims or may be learned by the practice of such exemplary embodiments as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and features of the invention can be obtained, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a delivery system that may be utilized for guiding and/or delivering a cutting mechanism to a cardiac valve;

FIG. 2 is perspective view of an embodiment of a cutting mechanism according to the present disclosure shown in use in association with a human heart;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a cutting mechanism according to the present disclosure shown in use in association with a human heart;

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the cutting mechanism of FIG. 3 shown in use in association with a human heart; and

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a leaflet cutting system according to the present disclosure shown in use in association with a human heart.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Implementations of the present invention solve one or more problems in the art with systems, methods, and apparatus configured to cut leaflet tissue at a cardiac valve. More specifically, at least one embodiment of the present invention the system may comprise a guide catheter having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end of the guide catheter is steerable to a position above a cardiac valve. The system may also include a hook catheter having a proximal end and a distal end, the hook catheter configured to extend from the distal end of the guide catheter through a first orifice of the cardiac valve. Further, the system may comprise a cutting mechanism extending from the hook catheter, the cutting mechanism configured to cut a portion of leaflet tissue of the cardiac valve. Finally, the system may include a handle coupled to the proximal end of the guide catheter, the handle comprising at least one control operatively connected to the cutting mechanism.

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a leaflet cutting system 100, which can include a delivery system 102 that may be utilized for guiding and/or delivering a cutting mechanism to the cardiac valve. In at least one embodiment, the delivery system 102 includes a guide catheter 105 having a proximal end 140 and a distal end 115. The delivery system may comprise a handle 110 positioned on the proximal end 140 of the guide catheter 105. The guide catheter 105 may be operatively coupled to the handle 110. The guide catheter 105 may include a steerable portion 117 near the distal end 115 that can be steerable to enable the guiding and orienting of the guide catheter 105 through a patient's vasculature to a targeted treatment site, such as a mitral valve. For example, the handle 110 may include at least one control 120 (e.g., a dial, a switch, a slider, a button, etc.) that can be actuated to control the movement and curvature of the steerable portion 117 of the guide catheter 105.

In at least one embodiment, the at least one control 120 is operatively coupled to one or more control lines 125 (e.g., pull wires) extending from the handle 110 through the guide catheter 105 to the distal end 115 of the guide catheter (e.g., through one or more lumens in the guide catheter 105). Actuation of the at least one control 120 may adjust the tensioning of one or more of the control lines 125 to steer the guide catheter 105 in a desired curvature and/or direction. FIG. 1 shows the handle 110 as having a single control 120, however, additional controls can be provided, as needed, to curve/steer the steerable portion 117 in multiple directions and/or planes. Alternatively, a handle 110 may comprise more than one control 120 associated with any number of control lines 125. In at least one embodiment, the at least one control 120 can adjusts four or more control lines 125 to selectively control directional movement and/or curvature of the steerable portion 117 of the guide catheter 105.

While control lines or wires are described at various points in this application, it should be understood that references made throughout this application to control lines or wires may be a single wire or plurality of wires including or made of steel, titanium alloy, aluminum alloy, nickel alloy, other metals, a shape memory material (such as a shape memory alloy or shape memory polymer), inorganic polymer, organic polymer, ceramic, carbon materials, or other flexible material with sufficient tensile strength. For example, a control line 125 may be a steel cable. In another example, a control line 125 may be a monofilament suture. In another example, a control line 125 may be a multifilament suture. In yet another example, a control line 125 may be a braided suture.

It is desirable for guide catheter 105 to provide an adjustable distal end 115, which is capable of being positioned within a target body cavity in a desired orientation. Guide catheter 105 should have a large lumen diameter to accommodate the passage of a variety of devices, such as the various embodiments of the cutting mechanisms discussed hereinafter, and should have good wall strength to avoid kinking or collapse when bent around tight curves, and should have good column, tensile, and torsional strength to avoid deformation when the devices are passed through the lumen and torqued or translated. Guide catheter 105 should provide for a high degree of controlled deflection at its distal end 115, but should not take up significant lumen area to allow for passage of interventional devices, such as the cutting mechanisms discussed below. Further, guide catheter 105 should be able to be positioned in a manner which allows compound curves to be formed, for example curvature within more than one plane. Such manipulation should also allow fine control over distal end 115 to accommodate anatomical variations within the same type of body cavity and for use in different types of body cavities.

The guide catheter 105 may comprise a main body made of or including a flexible material. The main body may be made of or include a variety of flexible materials, such as thermoplastic elastomers (TPE). In some embodiments, the main body may be a polyether block amide (PEBA or PEBAX). The main body may have a constant durometer or may have varying durometer that varies along its longitudinal length or that varies in different portions of the body. For example, the main body of guide catheter 105 may be made of or include a body material having a durometer of 25D to 75D. In another example, the main body of guide catheter 105 may be made of or include a body material that has a durometer of about 45D. In at least one embodiment, the body material may include PEBAX 4533. In at least another embodiment, the body material may include PEBAX 3533.

The guide catheter 105 preferably defines a central lumen, extending axially through its entire length, through which other elongate elements, such as the cutting mechanisms may be inserted for accessing a treatment site. The central lumen may also include a central lumen lining on an inner surface thereof. In some embodiments, the central lumen lining may be a protective material that protects the interior walls from damage due to another element of the elongated member moving through or within the central lumen. In other embodiments, the central lumen lining may include a lubricious coating that reduces friction between the interior wall and another element of the elongated member moving through or within the central lumen. The central lumen lining may include PEBA, polytetrafluoroethylene (“PTFE”), polyetheretherketone (“PEEK”), other polymers, thermoplastic polyurethane (“TPU”), polyethylene with pebble stone surface, silicone oil stainless steel, Nitinol, other metals, or combinations thereof. In at least one embodiment, the central lumen lining may include a plurality of PEBA materials having different durometers.

In other embodiments, the guide catheter 105 may also have an outer layer. In some embodiments, the outer layer may be made of or include a single material or may be made of or include different materials to impart different handling characteristics to the guide catheter 105. For example, the outer layer may be made of or include softer materials to promote flexibility of the guide catheter 105. In other examples, the outer layer may be made of or include stiffer materials to promote pushability and/or torqueability of the guide catheter 105. In yet other examples, the outer layer may include lubricious materials to reduce friction between the guide catheter 105 and the body lumen of the patient. The outer layer may include PEBA, polytetrafluoroethylene (“PTFE”), polyetheretherketone (“PEEK”), other polymers, thermoplastic polyurethane (“TPU”), polyethylene with pebble stone surface, silicone oil stainless steel, Nitinol, other metals, or combinations thereof. In at least one embodiment, the outer layer may include a plurality of PEB A materials having different durometers.

In some embodiments, the outer layer of guide catheter 105 may also include a radiopaque marker to improve visualization of guide catheter 105 during a medical procedure. For example, the outer layer may include a barium sulfate (BaSO4), gold, platinum, platinum iridium, iodine, other radiopaque materials, or combinations thereof on a distal portion of guide catheter 105. In at least one embodiment, one or more additional radiopaque markers may be longitudinally located at one or more intermediate locations along the length of guide catheter 105.

The curves of guide catheter 105 may be formed by any suitable means. In some embodiments, one or more of the curves are preset so that the curve is formed by shape memory. For example, guide catheter 105 may be comprised of a flexible polymer material in which a curve is preset by heating. When guide catheter 105 is loaded on a guidewire, dilator, obturator or introductory device, the flexibility of guide catheter 105 can allow it to follow the shape or path of the introductory device for proper positioning within the body. When the introductory device is pulled back and/or removed, guide catheter 105 can then resume the shape memory configuration which was preset into the catheter.

Alternatively, the curves may be formed or enhanced with the use of one or more steering mechanisms. In some embodiments, the steering mechanism comprises at least one control wire or pull wire attached to one of the guide catheter 105, wherein actuation of the steering mechanism applies tension to the at least one pull wire whereby the curve is formed. The pull wires can extend through the central lumen or through individual lumens in the wall of guide catheter 105. It may be appreciated that more than one pull wire may extend through any given lumen. The presence of each pull wire allows curvature of guide catheter 105 in the direction of the pull wire. For example, when pulling or applying tension to a pull wire extending along one side of the catheter, the catheter will bend, arc or form a curvature toward that side. To then straighten the catheter, the tension may be relieved for recoiling effects or tension may be applied to a pull wire extending along the opposite side of the catheter. Therefore, pull wires are often symmetrically placed along the sides of the catheter.

Thus, in some embodiments at least two pull wires are attached in diametrically opposed locations wherein applying tension to one of the pull wires curves the catheter in one direction and applying tension to the pull wire attached in the diametrically opposed location curves the catheter in another direction opposite to the one direction. The diametrically opposed pull wires may be considered a set. Any number of sets may be present in a catheter to provide unlimited directions of curvature. In some embodiments, the steering mechanism can comprise at least four pull wires wherein two of the at least four pull wires are attached to the guide catheter in diametrically opposed locations and another two of the at least four pull wires are attached to the guide catheter in diametrically opposed locations. In other words, the catheter may include two sets of pull wires, each set functioning in an opposing manner as described. When the two sets of pull wires are positioned so that each pull wire is 90 degrees apart, the catheter may be curved so that the distal end is directed from side to side and up and down. In other embodiments, the steering mechanism comprises at least three pull wires, each pull wire symmetrically positioned approximately 120 degrees apart. When tension is applied to any of the pull wires individually, the catheter is curved in the direction of the pull wire under tension. When tension is applied to two pull wires simultaneously, the catheter is curved in a direction between the pull wires under tension. Additional directions may also be achieved by various levels of tension on the pull wires. It may be appreciated that any number, combination and arrangement of pull wires may be used to direct the catheters in any desired direction.

In some embodiments, a portion of one of guide catheter 105 can comprise one or more articulating members. In this case, the at least one pull wire is attached to one of the articulating members so that the curve is formed by at least some of the articulating members. Each pull wire is attached to the catheter at a location chosen to result in a particular desired curvature of the catheter when tension is applied to the pull wire. For example, if a pull wire is attached to the most distal articulating member in the series, applying tension to the pull wire will compress the articulating members proximal to the attachment point along the path of the pull wire. This results in a curvature forming in the direction of the pull wire proximal to the attachment point. It may be appreciated that the pull wires may be attached to any location along the catheter and is not limited to attachment to articulating members. Typically, the articulating members comprise inter-fitting domed rings but may have any suitable shape.

It may also be appreciated that curves in guide catheter 105 may be formed by any combination of mechanisms. For example, a portion of guide catheter could form a curve by shape memory while a different portion of guide catheter could form a curve by actuation of a steering mechanism.

The steering mechanisms may be actuated by manipulation of actuators located on handle 110. The handle 110 can be connected with the proximal end of the guide catheter 105 and remains outside of the body. One or more actuators or controls 120 can be provided on handle 110 and may have any suitable form, including buttons, levers, knobs, switches, toggles, dials, or thumbwheels, to name a few. When pull wires are used, each actuator may apply tension to an individual pull wire or to a set of pull wires. The handle may also include one or more locking mechanisms configured to interface with, and selectively lock into place, one or more of the controls 120.

As further illustrated in FIG. 1, the leaflet cutting system 100 can also include a hook catheter 130, which is positioned coaxially within, and extends through the length of the guide catheter 105. The hook catheter 130 has a proximal end, which can also be operatively coupled to handle 110, and a distal end portion 135, which can be selectively advanced beyond the distal end 115 of guide catheter 105. The hook catheter 130 can also include one or more control lines (not shown) that can be operatively connected to control 120 of handle 110 for selectively applying a curve to the distal end portion 135 of hook catheter 130 once it has been advanced to extend beyond the distal end 115 of the guide catheter 105 (as discussed in additional detail below).

In at least one embodiment, the handle 110 can also include at least one control 120 for actuating and/or adjusting one or more components of a hook catheter 130. As shown in FIG. 1, once the hook catheter 130 is advanced to extend beyond the distal end 115 of the guide catheter 105, control 120 can be actuated to apply a curve to the distal end portion 135 of hook catheter 130 to cause the distal end portion 135 to form a U-shaped or hook configuration. In at least one embodiment, the hook catheter 130 is routable through the guide catheter 105 and retractable into the guide catheter 105. The at least one control 120 may control the hook catheter's 130 extension from and retraction into the guide catheter 105. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one control 120 may control the curvature and/or extension of the distal end portion 135 of the hook catheter 130.

In an alternate embodiment, instead of providing a separate control and/or control lines for selectively controlling the curvature of the distal end portion 135 of hook catheter 130, the distal end portion 135 of hook catheter 130 can comprise a shape-memory alloy (e.g., nickel-titanium, copper aluminum-nickel, etc.) portion having a pre-defined shape-memory shape, such as a hook shape. When withdrawn within the lumen of guide catheter 105, the distal end portion 135 of hook catheter 130 may be constrained within, and conform to the relatively straight configuration of, guide catheter 105. However, when the distal end portion 135 of hook catheter 130 is advanced beyond the distal end 115 of guide catheter 105, the distal end portion 135 of hook catheter 130 may return to its pre-formed, shape-memory shape.

In this and other embodiments described herein, the inner or hook catheter 130 should preferably have sufficient flexibility as to be able to conform to bends formed by guide catheter 105. Additional flexibility to accommodate bending may be provided in certain regions of hook catheter 130 by a series of laser cuts formed in its outer wall. In addition, the inner or hook catheter 130 should also provide sufficient compressive and/or tensile strength to permit forces to be transmitted through catheter 130, from the proximal end to the distal end, sufficient to cause the cutting portions of catheter 130 to cut through the leaflet tissue.

In at least one embodiment, one or more cutting mechanisms (see FIG. 2) may be routed through the guide catheter 105 and/or hook catheter 130. A cutting mechanism may extend from the hook catheter 130. The handle 110 may include at least one control 120 that is operatively connected to the cutting mechanism. In at least one embodiment, the at least one control 120 is configured to provide selective actuation of the cutting mechanism. In this and other embodiments described herein, components of the cutting mechanism may be formed from the same or different materials, including but not limited to stainless steel or other metals, Elgiloy®, nitinol, titanium, tantalum, metal alloys or polymers.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a cutting mechanism shown in use in association with a human heart, specifically the mitral valve 205. The mitral valve 205 comprises an anterior mitral leaflet 210 and a posterior mitral leaflet 215. FIG. 2 also shows an interventional implant (e.g., MitraClip®) 220, which has previously been affixed to the leaflets in an effort to reduce regurgitation. As shown, the affixation of implant 220 to the leaflets creates a first orifice 222 and a second orifice 224 located on opposing sides of implant 220 and between the anterior mitral leaflet 210 and the posterior mitral leaflet 215. And, as discussed above, if further treatment is required in the form of the installation of an artificial, replacement mitral valve, the prior clip implant 220 must be detached from one or both of the leaflets before the replacement valve can be implanted.

As further illustrated in FIG. 2, the distal end 115 of the guide catheter 105 can extend through an interatrial septum 200 of the heart. Once the distal end 115 of guide catheter 110 is properly positioned above the mitral valve 205, the distal end portion 135 of the hook catheter 130 may be advanced to extend beyond the distal end 115 of guide catheter 110. In at least one embodiment, the hook catheter 130 is configured to extend from the distal end 115 of the guide catheter 105 through the first orifice 222 of the mitral valve 205 (from an atrial side to a ventricle side), as shown in FIG. 2. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the positioning of the guide catheter 105 and hook catheter 130 in FIG. 2 is merely exemplary and the present invention is not limited to the positioning shown.

With the distal end portion 135 of hook catheter 130 positioned within the left ventricle, a curve can be applied to the distal end portion 135 of hook catheter 130 to form a U-shape, a hook or other suitable shape. As discussed above, this curve can be formed either with the use of steering control lines provided within hook catheter 130 and operatively coupled to control 120 or by virtue of a pre-formed, shape-memory material from which the distal end portion 135 of hook catheter is formed. In either event, once the hook or U-shape has been effectuated, then guide catheter 105 and/or the hook catheter 130 can be further manipulated to pull the system in a proximal direction and thereby draw the distal end 132 of hook catheter 130 through the second orifice 224 (from the ventricle to the atrial side). As the hook catheter 130 is positioned, the curved or U-shaped portion is moved to one side or other of the clip implant 220, so that a cutting portion (discussed further below) of the hook catheter 130 is positioned to one side or the other of the clip implant 220 and into direct contact with the tissue of either the anterior or posterior leaflet located adjacent to the clip implant 220.

As further illustrated in FIG. 2, hook catheter 130 also includes a cutting mechanism 230 that is adapted to selectively cut the tissue of one of the mitral valve leaflets adjacent to the clip implant 220. In one embodiment, the cutting mechanism 230 is disposed on the outside surface of the hook catheter 130 along the inner radius of the curved or U-shaped portion thereof. The cutting mechanism 230 may comprise an exposed, elongate electrode strip configured to selectively provide radio frequency current energy to a portion of leaflet tissue of the mitral valve 205, thereby cutting the portion of leaflet tissue. The electrode wire strip may comprise a metal material with low impedance. In at least one embodiment, the exposed electrode wire strip can comprise platinum, iridium, silver, gold, or other suitable metal material with relatively low impedance, or a combination thereof.

Hook catheter 130 can also include an electrical conductor (not shown) that extends along the its entire length, which conductor is electrically coupled at a distal end 135 to the exposed electrode and which is also electrically coupled at is proximal end 140 to a source for selectively applying electrosurgical energy, such as an electrosurgical generator. For example, the electrical conductor can extend through a lumen or recess formed in the side wall of the hook catheter 130 or could also take the form of an electrically conductive coating applied to the interior or exterior surface of the hook catheter. The exact form and location of the electrical conductor, as well as the electrical couplings at either end is well within the knowledge of those skilled in the art.

In use, once the leaflet cutting system 100 is positioned with the U-shaped or curved distal end portion 135 of hook catheter 130 extending through one orifice 222 and then back through the other orifice 224, then the system 100 is further manipulated to withdraw the entire system 100 in a proximal direction until the exposed electrode strip located on the inner radius of the U-shaped portion comes into contact with one of the leaflets located to one side or the other of the clip implant and, more particularly, until the exposed electrode strip comes in contact with the leaflet tissue that is located adjacent to the clip implant 220. At that point, electrosurgical energy is supplied to the exposed electrode strip to cut through the leaflet tissue, thereby separating the affected leaflet from the clip implant 220. In some cases, if may be necessary to continue to manipulate the hook catheter 130, during the application of electrosurgical energy, to cut through all of the leaflet tissue between the first orifice 222 and the second orifice 224. For example, such further manipulation may include further movement in a proximal direction, rotation of the hook catheter 130 about the long axis of guide catheter 105 and/or a combination of both. Once cutting of the leaflet is complete, the electrosurgical energy can be shut off, the hook catheter 130 can be withdrawn back into the guide catheter 105, and then the guide catheter 105 can be further withdrawn back through the septum and patient's other vasculature and removed entirely from the patient.

In other embodiments, instead of using an electrode and electrosurgical energy to effectuate the cutting of leaflet tissue, the hook catheter 130 may be provided with a sharpened, cutting edge or blade (not shown) formed in the inside radius of the curved or U-shaped portion. Then, when the system is moved in a proximal direction with the hook catheter 130 extending between the first orifice 222 and the second orifice 224, the sharpened, cutting edge or blade can mechanically cut through the leaflet tissue and thereby separate the clip implant 220 from the affected leaflet. In still other embodiments, the electrode, electrosurgical energy and a sharpened, cutting edge may be combined to provide cutting the leaflet tissue by a combination of mechanical cutting and/or by concentrating applied electrosurgical energy to the sharpened edge.

In any case, the hook catheter 130 is positioned against the targeted leaflet tissue, thereby positioning the cutting mechanism 230 for cutting. Additionally or alternatively, the cutting mechanism 230 may be positioned against the leaflet tissue by tightening the unexposed portion of the electrode wire strip that extends to the handle 110. The tightening may cause the exposed portion of the electrode wire strip to constrict, causing it to move away from the portion of the inner radius of the hook catheter 130 towards the leaflet tissue. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the cutting mechanism 230 shown in FIG. 2 is exemplary and therefore not limited to the size, shape, or positioning illustrated.

As further illustrated in FIG. 2, an optional stabilizing catheter 225 may also be used to provide additional stability to the system, which can aid in the proper movement, manipulation, positioning and placement of the hook catheter 130 relative to the mitral valve 205 and clip implant 220. Stabilizing catheter 225 can be configured to extend from the distal end 135 of the hook catheter 130 and engage against tissue at the mitral valve 205, thereby stabilizing the distal end 135 of the hook catheter 130 relative to the mitral valve. The stabilizing catheter 225 is not limited to the size, shape, or positioning of that shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of leaflet cutting system 100. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3 is similar in all respects to the embodiment discussed above in connection with FIG. 2, except that the form and location of the cutting electrode is different. Similar to FIG. 2, FIG. 3 shows the distal end 115a of the guide catheter 105a extending through the interatrial septum 200a of the heart. The hook catheter 130a may be routed through and extending from the guide catheter 105a. In at least one embodiment, the distal end portion 135a of hook catheter 130a is configured to extend from the distal end 115a of the guide catheter 105a through the first orifice 222a of the mitral valve 205a (from an atrial side to a ventricle side). One skilled in the art will appreciate that the positioning of the guide catheter 105a and hook catheter 130a in FIG. 3 is mere exemplary and the present invention is not limited to the positioning shown.

FIG. 3 shows that the distal end portion 135a of the hook catheter 130a may not extend through the second orifice 224a of the mitral valve 205a (from the ventricle side to the atrial side). In at least one embodiment, the hook catheter 130a can also extend back through or partially through the second orifice 224a. In this embodiment, however, the cutting mechanism 230a is not located within the inner radius of the U-shaped portion. Rather, the cutting electrode 230a extends from the distal end 135a of the hook catheter 130a, thereby engaging with the leaflet tissue. In at least one embodiment, the cutting mechanism 230a is routed through the guide catheter 105a and hook catheter 130a. As stated above, at least one control may be operatively connected to the cutting mechanism and may additionally be configured to provide selective actuation of the cutting mechanism 230a. In at least one embodiment the at least one control is further configured to rotate the hook catheter 130a around a horizontal arc such that leaflet tissue is cut in a horizontal arc (as schematically indicated by the dotted line 232a shown in FIG. 4).

In at least one embodiment the cutting mechanism 230a can comprise a wire. The wire may comprise a sharp edge or be configured to selectively provide radio frequency current energy to the leaflet tissue, thereby cutting the leaflet tissue. The wire may comprise a metal material with low impedance (e.g., platinum iridium, silver, gold, or other suitable metal material with low impedance, or a combination thereof).

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3. Similar to FIG. 3, FIG. 4 shows the distal end 115a of the guide catheter 105a extending through the interatrial septum 200a of the heart, and the hook catheter 130a routed through and extending from the distal end 115a of guide catheter 105a. FIG. 4 also shows the hook catheter 130a extending through the first orifice 222a of the mitral valve 205a (from an atrial side to a ventricle side). One skilled in the art will appreciate that the positioning of the guide catheter 105a and hook catheter 130a in FIG. 4 is mere exemplary and the present invention is not limited to the positioning shown.

Like FIG. 3, FIG. 4 shows that the distal end 132a of the hook catheter 130a does not extend through the second orifice 224a of the mitral valve 205a (from the ventricle side to the atrial side). Rather, only the cutting mechanism or electrode 230a in FIG. 4 extends from the distal end 132a of the hook catheter 130a and through the second orifice 224a, thereby engaging with the leaflet tissue. In at least one embodiment the cutting mechanism 230a comprises a wire. The wire may comprise a sharpened, cutting edge and/or be configured to selectively provide radio frequency current energy to the leaflet tissue, thereby cutting the leaflet tissue. The wire may comprise a metal material with low impedance (e.g., platinum iridium, silver, gold, or other suitable metal material with low impedance, or a combination thereof). Once the hook catheter 130a and cutting electrode 230a are properly positioned, electrosurgical energy can then be applied to cutting electrode 230a, and hook catheter 130a can be rotated about its axis. As will be appreciated, rotation of hook catheter 130a about its axis will cause cutting electrode to travel in an arcuate path (as graphically illustrated at 232a in FIG. 4), cutting through the leaflet tissue located adjacent to the clip implant 220a and separating the first and second orifices.

Finally, FIG. 5 illustrates yet one more embodiment of a leaflet cutting system 100. This embodiment is very similar to the embodiment discussed above in relation to FIGS. 3 and 4 and relevant portions of the disclosure above are hereby incorporated herein by reference. In this embodiment, however, there is no need for a separate hook catheter. As shown, after guide catheter 105b passes through the septum 200b, it is guided through the first orifice 222b. Once the steerable portion 117b of guide catheter 105b is positioned within the left ventricle, then control 120b used to bend the steerable portion 117b of guide catheter 105b in a hook or U-shape, so that the distal end 115b of guide catheter 105b is pointing back in the direction of the atrium as illustrated. Then, the cutting electrode 230b is advanced to extend beyond the distal end 115b of guide catheter 105b and extend through the second orifice 224b. Once the cutting electrode 230b is properly positioned within second orifice 224b, electrosurgical energy can be applied to the cutting electrode 230b and guide catheter 105b can be rotated thereby causing electrode 230b to cut through the leaflet tissue, separating the clip implant 220b from the affected leaflet.

With any or all of the foregoing embodiments, one or more components of the leaflet cutting system can also include one or more radiopaque and/or echogenic markers to aid in the visualization of such components during a procedure. For example, one or more radiopaque and/or echogenic markers can be provided on the distal end 115 and/or the steerable portion 117 of the guide catheter 105. Similarly, one or more radiopaque and/or echogenic markers can be provided on the hook catheter 130, particularly markers showing the boundaries of the cutting electrodes.

In at least one embodiment, the cutting mechanism 230 is configured to cut a portion of the anterior mitral leaflet 210. Accordingly, the interventional implant 220 may remain attached to the posterior mitral leaflet 215 thereby reducing the risk that the interventional implant 220 will interfere with functioning of the left ventricular outflow tract. Additionally or alternatively, the posterior mitral leaflet 215 may be cut with little or acceptable risk of left ventricular outflow tract interference. In at least one embodiment, the interventional implant 220 is removed from the patient.

One skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention is not limited to use within the mitral valve 205. The cardiac valve could also be the tricuspid aortic, pulmonic valve, etc. More generally, the embodiments described herein may be applied in other implementations involving removal of a previously implanted or deployed device from tissue. Further, although FIGS. 2-3 show the guide catheter 105 extending through the interatrial septum 200, the present invention is not limited to use via a transseptal approach. Any suitable delivery approach may be used, including transfemoral, radial, transjugular, or transapical.

The foregoing devices and systems are also adapted to perform a method of cutting leaflet tissue. Such methods of cutting cardiac valve tissue at a cardiac valve within a body may include positioning a guide catheter, having a proximal and a distal end, within the left atrium transseptally such that the distal end of the guide catheter is positioned above a cardiac valve. The method may also comprise routing a hook catheter through the guide catheter such that the hook catheter extends distally beyond the distal end of the guide catheter through a first orifice of the cardiac valve, wherein the cardiac valve is associated with an interventional implant that approximates adjacent leaflets of the cardiac valve, and a cutting mechanism extends from the hook catheter. The method may further comprise positioning the hook catheter to place the cutting mechanism into contact with leaflet tissue located adjacent to the interventional implant and actuating the cutting mechanism to cut at least one leaflet of the approximated adjacent leaflets.

In describing the various embodiments above, the description may at times have explicitly discussed one particular mitral valve leaflet, such as anterior leaflet 210. It should be understood and appreciated, however, that the invention is not intended to be limited to either specific leaflet, but instead can be used to cut either anterior leaflet 210, posterior leaflet 215, or both.

It should also be understood that the order of manipulation of components of the various embodiments as described above are provided as representative examples only, and changes in the order of manipulation that may be readily understood by those skilled in the art are intended to be encompassed within the scope of this disclosure.

Similarly, while many of the embodiments discussed above contemplate mechanical cutting of leaflet tissue by means of sharpened edges of a cutting element, it should be further understood that such embodiments could also be adapted to include suitable electrical connections between the cutting element and a source of electrosurgical energy so that such cutting elements may accomplish cutting of tissue by mechanical cutting, by the application of electrosurgical energy to surrounding tissue through the cutting element, or by a combination of both.

Also, with any or all of the foregoing embodiments, one or more components of the leaflet cutting system can also include one or more radiopaque and/or echogenic markers to aid in the visualization of such components during a procedure. For example, one or more radiopaque and/or echogenic markers can be provided on the distal end 115 and/or the steerable portion 117 of the guide catheter 105. Similarly, one or more radiopaque and/or echogenic markers can also be provided on various components of the different embodiments of the cutting mechanisms described above, including, but not limited to such markings being provided on the distal ends of the inner catheter, hypotube, cutting blades, etc.

One skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention is not limited to use within the mitral valve. The cardiac valve could also be the tricuspid aortic, pulmonic valve, etc. More generally, the embodiments described herein may be applied in other implementations involving removal of a previously implanted or deployed device from tissue. Further, although figures show the guide catheter 105 extending through the interatrial septum 200, the present invention is not limited to use via a transseptal approach. Any suitable delivery approach may be used, including transfemoral, radial, transjugular, or transapical.

Following are some further example embodiments of the invention. These are presented only by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

• • Embodiment 1. A system for cutting leaflet tissue at a cardiac valve, comprising: a guide catheter having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end of the guide catheter is steerable to a position above a cardiac valve, a hook catheter having a proximal end and a distal end, the hook catheter configured to extend from the distal end of the guide catheter through a first orifice of the cardiac valve; a cutting mechanism extending from the hook catheter, the cutting mechanism configured to cut a portion of leaflet tissue of the cardiac valve, and a handle coupled to the proximal end of the guide catheter, the handle comprising at least one control operatively connected to the cutting mechanism.
  • Embodiment 2. The system of embodiment 1, further comprising a stabilizing catheter configured to extend from the distal end of the hook catheter, thereby stabilizing the distal end of the hook catheter relative to the cardiac valve.
  • Embodiment 3. The system in any of embodiments 1 to 2, wherein the distal end of the hook catheter is configured to extend at least partially through a second orifice of the cardiac valve.
  • Embodiment 4. The system in any of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the at least one control is configured to provide selective actuation of the cutting mechanism.
  • Embodiment 5. The system in any of embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the at least one control is further configured to rotate the hook catheter around a horizontal arc such that leaflet tissue of the cardiac valve is cut in a predefined arc.
  • Embodiment 6. The system in any of embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the cutting mechanism is disposed on at least a portion of an inner radius on an outside surface of the hook catheter.
  • Embodiment 7. The system in any of embodiments 1 to 6, wherein the cutting mechanism comprises an electrode wire strip configured to selectively provide radio frequency current energy to the portion of leaflet tissue of the cardiac valve, thereby cutting the portion of leaflet tissue.
  • Embodiment 8. The system in any of embodiments 1 to 7, wherein the electrode wire strip comprises a metal material with low impedance.
  • Embodiment 9. The system in any of embodiments 1 to 8, wherein the electrode wire strip comprises platinum iridium, silver, gold, or a combination thereof.
  • Embodiment 10. The system in any of embodiments 1 to 9, wherein the electrode wire strip comprises an exposed portion disposed on at least the portion of the inner radius on the outside surface of the distal end of the hook catheter and an unexposed portion disposed within the hook catheter that extends to the handle.
  • Embodiment 11. The system in any of embodiments 1 to 10, wherein the cutting mechanism comprises a wire that is routable from the handle through the guide catheter and hook catheter such that the wire is configured to extend beyond the distal end of the hook catheter and retract into the hook catheter.
  • Embodiment 12. The system in any of embodiments 1 to 11, wherein the wire comprises a sharpened edge.
  • Embodiment 13. The system in any of embodiments 1 to 12, wherein the wire is configured to selectively provide radio frequency current energy to the portion of leaflet tissue of the cardiac valve, thereby cutting the portion of leaflet tissue.
  • Embodiment 14. The system in any of embodiments 1 to 13, wherein the wire comprises a metal material with low impedance.
  • Embodiment 15. The system in any of embodiments 1 to 14, wherein the wire comprises platinum, iridium, silver, gold, or a combination thereof.
  • Embodiment 16. A system for cutting leaflet tissue at a cardiac valve, comprising, a guide catheter having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end of the guide catheter is guided to a position above a cardiac valve transseptally, a hook catheter having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the hook catheter is routable through the guide catheter and configured to extend beyond the distal end of the guide catheter through a first orifice of the cardiac valve and retract into the guide catheter, and a cutting mechanism routable through the guide catheter and the hook catheter and configured to cut a portion of leaflet tissue of the cardiac valve.
  • Embodiment 17. The system of embodiment 16, wherein the distal end of the hook catheter is configured to extend at least partially through a second orifice of the cardiac valve.
  • Embodiment 18. The system in any of embodiments 16-17, further comprising a stabilizing catheter that is routable through the guide catheter and hook catheter such that the stabilizing catheter is configured to extend beyond the distal end of the hook catheter, thereby stabilizing the distal end of the hook catheter relative to the cardiac valve.
  • Embodiment 19. The system in any of embodiments 16-18, wherein the cutting mechanism comprises an electrode wire strip having an exposed portion disposed on an inner radius on an outside surface of the distal end of the hook catheter and an unexposed portion disposed within the hook catheter.
  • Embodiment 20. The system in any of embodiments 16-19, wherein the electrode wire strip is configured to selectively provide radio frequency current energy to the portion of leaflet tissue of the cardiac valve, thereby cutting the portion of leaflet tissue.
  • Embodiment 21. The system in any of embodiments 16-20, wherein the cutting mechanism comprises a wire that is routable through the guide catheter and hook catheter such that the wire is configured to extend beyond the distal end of the hook catheter and retract into the hook catheter.
  • Embodiment 22. The system in any of embodiments 16-21, wherein the wire comprises a sharpened edge.
  • Embodiment 23. The system in any of embodiments 16-22, wherein the wire is configured to selectively provide radio frequency current energy to the portion of leaflet tissue of the cardiac valve, thereby cutting the portion of leaflet tissue.
  • Embodiment 24. A method of cutting leaflet tissue at a cardiac valve within a body, comprising: positioning a guide catheter, having a proximal and a distal end, within the left atrium transseptally such that the distal end of the guide catheter is positioned above a cardiac valve, routing a hook catheter through the guide catheter such that the hook catheter extends distally beyond the distal end of the guide catheter through a first orifice of the cardiac valve, wherein the cardiac valve is associated with an interventional implant that approximates adjacent leaflets of the cardiac valve, and a cutting mechanism extends from the hook catheter, and actuating the cutting mechanism to cut at least one leaflet of the approximated adjacent leaflets.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

1. A system for severing leaflet tissue at a cardiac valve, comprising: a guide catheter having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end of the guide catheter is steerable to a position proximal a first orifice in a cardiac valve;a hook catheter having a proximal end and a distal end including a distal end portion, wherein the distal end of the hook catheter has a memory material such that the distal end portion is biased to a pre-defined shape, wherein the system has an arrangement in which the distal end portion extends beyond the distal end of the guide catheter and through the first orifice such that a portion of the distal end portion is distal the leaflet tissue, the distal end portion of the hook catheter extends around and distal the leaflet tissue along an arcuate path until the distal end of the hook catheter moves in a proximal direction toward a second orifice of the cardiac valve and is disposed proximate to the second orifice;a cutting mechanism extending from the distal end portion of the hook catheter, the cutting mechanism configured to sever a portion of leaflet tissue of the cardiac valve; anda handle coupled to the proximal end of the guide catheter, wherein at least one control on the handle is configured to selectively actuate the cutting mechanism and to selectively rotate the hook catheter around a horizontal arc such that leaflet tissue of the cardiac valve is selectively severed in a pre-defined arc defined by the radius of the distal end portion.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a stabilizing catheter configured to extend from the distal end of the hook catheter, thereby stabilizing the distal end of the hook catheter relative to the cardiac valve.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the distal end of the hook catheter is configured to extend at least partially through a second orifice of the cardiac valve.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the cutting mechanism is disposed on at least a portion of an inner radius on an outside surface of the hook catheter.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the cutting mechanism comprises an electrode wire strip configured to selectively provide radio frequency current energy to the portion of leaflet tissue of the cardiac valve, thereby cutting the portion of leaflet tissue.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the electrode wire strip comprises a metal material with low impedance.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the electrode wire strip comprises platinum, iridium, silver, gold, or a combination thereof.

8. The system of claim 5, wherein the electrode wire strip comprises an exposed portion disposed on at least the portion of the inner radius on the outside surface of the distal end of the hook catheter and an unexposed portion disposed within the hook catheter that extends to the handle.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the cutting mechanism comprises a wire that is routable from the handle through the guide catheter and hook catheter such that the wire is configured to extend beyond the distal end of the hook catheter and retract into the hook catheter.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the wire comprises a sharpened edge.

11. The system of claim 9, wherein the wire is configured to selectively provide radio frequency current energy to the portion of leaflet tissue of the cardiac valve, thereby cutting the portion of leaflet tissue.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the wire comprises a metal material with low impedance.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the wire comprises platinum, iridium, silver, gold, or a combination thereof.

14. A system for severing leaflet tissue at a cardiac valve, comprising, a guide catheter having a proximal end and a distal end;a hook catheter having a proximal end and a distal end including a distal end portion, wherein the hook catheter has a shape-memory material such that the distal end portion of the hook catheter is biased to a pre-defined shape, wherein the system has an arrangement in which the distal end portion extends beyond the distal end of the guide catheter and through the first orifice such that a portion of the distal end portion is distal the leaflet tissue, the distal end portion of the hook catheter extends around and distal the leaflet tissue along an arcuate path until the distal end of the hook catheter moves in a proximal direction toward a second orifice of the cardiac valve and is disposed proximate to the second orifice; anda cutting mechanism routable through the guide catheter and the hook catheter, the cutting mechanism being configured to sever a portion of the leaflet tissue of the cardiac valve, wherein the cutting mechanism is selectively actuated by at least one control to selectively rotate the hook catheter around a horizontal arc such that leaflet tissue of the cardiac valve is selectively severed in a pre-defined arc defined by the radius of the distal end portion.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the distal end of the hook catheter is configured to extend at least partially through a second orifice of the cardiac valve.

16. The system of claim 14, further comprising a stabilizing catheter that is routable through the guide catheter and hook catheter such that the stabilizing catheter is configured to extend beyond the distal end of the hook catheter, thereby stabilizing the distal end of the hook catheter relative to the cardiac valve.

17. The system of claim 14, wherein the cutting mechanism comprises an electrode wire strip having an exposed portion disposed on an inner radius on an outside surface of the distal end of the hook catheter and an unexposed portion disposed within the hook catheter.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the electrode wire strip is configured to selectively provide radio frequency current energy to the portion of leaflet tissue of the cardiac valve, thereby cutting the portion of leaflet tissue.

19. The system of claim 14, wherein the cutting mechanism comprises a wire that is routable through the guide catheter and hook catheter such that the wire is configured to extend beyond the distal end of the hook catheter and retract into the hook catheter.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the wire comprises a sharpened edge.

21. The system of claim 19, wherein the wire is configured to selectively provide radio frequency current energy to the portion of leaflet tissue of the cardiac valve, thereby cutting the portion of leaflet tissue.

22. A method comprising: positioning a guide catheter having a proximal end and a distal end within an atrium such that the distal end of the guide catheter is positioned proximate a first orifice in a cardiac valve associated with an interventional implant that approximates adjacent leaflets of the cardiac valve;routing a hook catheter having a proximal end and a distal end including a distal end portion through the guide catheter such that the hook catheter extends distally beyond the distal end of the guide catheter and at least a portion of the distal end of the hook catheter extends through a first orifice of the cardiac valve, wherein the distal end portion has a pre-defined shape biased to the pre-defined shape;positioning the distal end portion of the hook catheter through the first orifice until a portion of the distal end portion is distal the leaflet tissue;following selectively deploying the distal end portion of the hook catheter to the pre-defined shape, moving the hook catheter distally such that the distal end portion of the hook catheter extends around and distal the leaflet tissue along an arcuate path until the distal end of the hook catheter is proximate to the second orifice of the cardiac valve; andactuating the cutting mechanism extending from the hook catheter to selectively rotate the hook catheter around a horizontal arc and to selectively sever the leaflet tissue of the cardiac valve in a pre-defined arc defined by the radius of the distal end portion of the hook portion.