Patent ID: 7695511
Filing Date: 2010-04-13
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
1. A method for treatment of regurgitating heart valves in a heart, the heart having a heart valve with a heart leaflet, said method comprising the steps of: evaluating a patient and determining the repair necessary to prevent regurgitation; selecting a plasty patch and annuloplasty ring requisite for the repair; making an incision in the heart valve leaflet for placement of the plasty patch; securing the plasty patch in said incision to advance the leaflet toward coaptation; securing an annuloplasty ring around the heart valve to laterally compress the heart valve and to support the leaflet advancement toward coaptation; wherein prior to securing said plasty patch in place, a plurality of sutures are positioned around said heart valve for future securing of said annuloplasty ring; and wherein a gap is left in said plurality of sutures, said gap having a dimension corresponding to the length of said incision.