Patent ID: 8845723
Filing Date: 2014-09-30
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
1. A method of accurately introducing an element into tissue proximate the mitral valve annulus of the heart of a patient using a first catheter device having a first distal end portion with a first radiopaque marker and a second catheter device having a second distal end portion with a lumen and a guide catheter having a distal end portion with a lumen, the method comprising: introducing the first distal end portion of the first catheter device through the vascular system of the patient and into the coronary sinus proximate the mitral valve annulus; positioning the first radiopaque marker at a desired location in the coronary sinus proximate the mitral valve annulus; introducing the distal end portion of the guide catheter device through the vascular system of the patient and into a left ventricle of the heart; introducing the second distal end portion of the second catheter device through the vascular system of the patient and into the heart proximate the mitral valve annulus by passing the second catheter device through the lumen of the guide catheter, wherein the second distal end portion includes a second radiopaque marker that is formed at a distal tip of the second catheter device, wherein the lumen of the second catheter device is open at the distal tip for allowing a guide wire to exit at the distal tip, wherein the second distal end portion including the second radiopaque marker is configured to freely pass through the lumen of the guide catheter; positioning the second distal end portion in a desired orientation relative to the first radiopaque marker by positioning the second radiopaque marker in a desired orientation relative to the first radiopaque marker; and delivering the element through the guide catheter and into tissue proximate the mitral valve annulus with the second distal end portion in the desired orientation.