Patent ID: 7094244
Filing Date: 2006-08-22
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
1. A method for repairing a heart valve having multiple leaflets, comprising: providing a repair device having a deployment mechanism for independently applying first and second fastener elements to first end second heart valve leaflets, respectively; stabilizing the first leaflet with vacuum force from the repair device; deploying the first fastener element into the stabilized first leaflets; disengaging the first leaflet from the repair device while leaving the first fastener element deployed therein; stabilizing the second leaflet with vacuum force from the repair device, wherein stabilizing the second leaflet occurs after deploying the first tissue fastener element and disengaging the first leaflet; deploying the second fastener element into the stabilized second leaflet; disengaging the second leaflet from the repair device while leaving the second fastener element deployed therein; and joining the first and second leaflets by reducing the distance between the first and second fastener elements.