Patent ID: 7938827
Filing Date: 2011-05-10
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method for treating a valvular annulus, comprising: (a) introducing percutaneously a medical device system into a patient's heart in a vicinity of a heart valve needing repair, the medical device system comprising: (b) deploying the spiral wire electrode from the guide catheter such that it contacts at least a portion of the annulus; (c) applying non-ablative energy with the spiral wire electrode to shrink the portion of the annulus contacted by the spiral wire electrode; (d) engaging portions of the opposing leaflets with the first and second grasping electrode elements of the leaflet fastening applicator to releasably capture and hold close together the portions of the opposing leaflets; and (e) applying non-ablative energy with the first and second grasping electrode elements to fasten together the portions of the opposing leaflets engaged by the first and second grasping electrode elements.