Patent ID: 8382829
Filing Date: 2013-02-26
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
1. A method of repairing a mitral heart valve, the mitral heart valve having posterior and anterior leaflets forming an orifice therebetween, an annulus surrounding the posterior and anterior leaflets, and posterior and anterior commissures where the posterior and anterior leaflets join the annulus, the method comprising: (a) providing at least first and second tissue anchors, wherein each of the first and second tissue anchors includes a plurality of discrete, flat, flexible anchor elements coupled by at least one tensile member; (b) securing the first tissue anchor to a position on a posterior portion of the annulus between the posterior and anterior commissures by advancing at least two of the plurality of discrete, flat, flexible anchor elements through to one side of the annulus with at least one of the discrete, flat, flexible anchor elements disposed on the other side of the annulus; (c) securing the second tissue anchor to a position on an anterior portion of the annulus between the posterior and anterior commissures by advancing at least two of the plurality of discrete, flat, flexible anchor elements through to one side of the annulus with at least one of the discrete, flat, flexible anchor elements disposed on the other side of the annulus; (d) drawing the at least two of the plurality of discrete, flat, flexible anchor elements of each of the first and second anchors along their respective tensile members and into contact with each other; (e) spanning at least one of the tensile members between the first and second tissue anchors and across the orifice of the mitral valve; and (f) applying tension to the at least one tensile member, thereby pulling the posterior portion of the annulus toward the anterior portion of the annulus.