Patent ID: 7691144
Filing Date: 2010-04-06
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
1. A method of implanting a bridge element within a left atrium comprising deploying a guide wire in an intravascular path that extends from a first vascular access site into a right atrium through a vena cava, from the right atrium through an interatrial septum into the left atrium, from the left atrium into and through a great cardiac vein into the right atrium, and from the right atrium through a vena cava to a second vascular access site that is different than the first vascular access site, the guide wire having a first end extending beyond the first vascular access site and a second end extending beyond the second vascular access site, coupling the bridge element to one end of the guide wire, pulling on the other end of the guide wire to pull the bridge element along at least a portion of the intravascular path into the left atrium, and placing the bridge element in tension between the great cardiac vein and the interatrial septum.