Patent ID: 6575971
Filing Date: 2003-06-10
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A device system comprising a guide catheter and a leaflet fastening applicator, said guide catheter having suitable dimensions for deployment and insertion into a human heart in a vicinity of a heart valve, said leaflet fastening applicator having a size allowing insertion through said guide catheter and being capable of holding portions of opposing heart valve leaflets, wherein said fastening applicator comprises a pair of grasping-electrodes adapted for holding and engaging said portions of opposing heart valve leaflets together and for applying radiofrequency energy to fasten said portions, wherein a first of said grasping-electrodes comprises a plurality of spikes and a second of said grasping-electrodes comprises a plurality of recesses configured to receivable match and end the spikes of said first grasping-electrode, wherein said catheter comprises at least a gripper, said gripper having a suitable opening sized and configured for applying vacuum suction to releasably grip one of said heart valve leaflets.