Patent ID: 11969346
Assignee: EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES CORPORATION
Field: Medical technology (Instruments)
Classification: CPC A | IPC A

Claim 0:
1. A heart valve coaptation device configured to be delivered by a catheter comprising:
a clip configured to independently capture only a single leaflet of a native heart valve, be released from the catheter and remain attached to the single leaflet when the catheter is withdrawn, the clip comprising:
an inner frame member comprising curved support frame members, wherein the inner frame member is configured to be positioned on an atrial side of the leaflet of the heart valve;
a biocompatible covering disposed over the inner frame member to increase a surface area of the curved support frame members;
an outer frame member coupled to the inner frame member, wherein the outer frame member has a leaflet engagement portion that is configured to be positioned on a ventricular side of the leaflet of the heart valve;

an actuating connector comprising a flexible piece of material coupled to the leaflet engagement portion of the outer frame member;
wherein applying tension to the flexible piece of material pulls the leaflet engagement portion of the outer frame member distally to form an opening between the leaflet engagement portion of the outer frame member and the inner frame member that is configured to accept the leaflet of the heart valve; and
wherein the outer frame member is configured such that releasing the tension on the flexible piece of material causes the leaflet engagement portion of the outer frame member to move proximally and close such that the leaflet of the heart valve is captured between the inner frame member and the leaflet engagement portion of the outer frame member with the inner frame member on the atrial side of the leaflet of the heart valve and the leaflet engagement portion of the outer frame member on the ventricular side of the leaflet.