Patent ID: 8647254
Filing Date: 2014-02-11
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
1. An epicardial clip for placement on the epicardial surface of a heart in order to reshape the annulus of the mitral valve of the heart, the mitral valve lying in a plane between the left atrium and the left ventricle of the heart, the anatomy of the heart includes an aorta, a pulmonary trunk, a superior vena cava, a transverse sinus, and an atrioventricular groove, the epicardial clip comprising: a curved member having an anterior segment, a posterior segment and a lateral segment extending between the anterior segment and the posterior segment; wherein the anterior segment is configured and dimensioned to at least partially occupy the transverse sinus epicardially and end at a location short of overlying the right atrium; the lateral segment being curved so that the anterior segment can be positioned on or above a plane in which the mitral valve is located, which allows the posterior segment to be positioned on or below the plane in which the mitral valve is located, and below a position of the anterior segment; wherein rotation of said epicardial clip about a longitudinal axis of said anterior segment allows said posterior segment to be moved toward or away from the apex of the heart while said anterior segment remains in full contact with a base of the transverse sinus, on the epicardial surface of the heart at a location superior of an anterior annulus of the mitral valve; and wherein said epicardial clip is non-flexible, having a permanent configuration which may not be readily bent to an ad hoc configuration.