Patent ID: 8454683
Filing Date: 2013-06-04
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
1. A system for modifying a heart valve annulus, comprising: an elongated, generally tubular delivery member having a delivery lumen, a distal end, and a proximal end; an elongated driver having a distal end and a proximal end, the driver being movably inserted into the delivery lumen; an anchor guide operatively provided so as to extend from the distal end of the delivery member; a helical anchor configured for delivery to and implantation in the annulus of a heart valve, the helical anchor having the same shape for both delivery and implantation; the helical anchor having a long axis, a distal end, a proximal end, and a plurality of coils, the proximal end of the helical anchor being releasably connected to the distal end of the driver such that the helical anchor can be rotated by turning the proximal end of the driver; the distal end of the helical anchor having a sharpened tip portion configured to pierce tissue of the annulus, allowing the plurality of coils of the helical anchor to embed within the tissue of the annulus as the driver is rotated; the coils of the helical anchor defining an inner channel that has a generally cylindrical shape and communicates along the length of the helical anchor; an elongated flexible tether having a first end and a second end, and the tether being inserted through at least a portion of the delivery member and through the inner channel along the length of the helical anchor so that the helical anchor can be curved along its long axis by pulling on at least one of the ends of the flexible tether.