Patent ID: 6702826
Filing Date: 2004-03-09
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
Apparatus for effecting a desired geometric change in the annulus of a heart valve, said apparatus comprising:a plication band comprising: first and second legs each having a first end, said first ends of said first and second legs having a tissue piercing configuration; and a bridge having first and second ends, said first end of said bridge being connected to said first leg and said second end of said bridge being connected to said second leg such that said first ends of said first and second legs are separated by a first given distance; said bridge being configured such that when said first ends of said first and second legs have pierced tissue at said first given distance, said bridge may be deformed so as to cause said first ends of said first and second legs to move toward one another so as to thereafter be separated by a second, shorter given distance, whereby said first and second legs gather together the pierced tissue to effect a desired geometric change in the annulus of the heart valve.