Patent ID: 10925736

Abstract:
A valve leaflet connecting device includes: a base; and first and second followers extending from the base. A first arm extends from the first follower in a direction away from the second follower and away from the base to define an acute angle between the first follower and first arm for capturing a first leaflet there between. A second arm extends from the second follower in a direction away from the first follower and away from the base to define an acute angle between the second follower and second arm for capturing a second leaflet there between, The first and second followers are resiliently deformable between: (i) an open condition, in which: the point from which the first arm extends from the first follower; and the point from which the second arm extends from the second follower, are spaced more than 15 mm; and (ii) a closed condition, in which: the point from which the first arm extends from the first follower; and the point from which the second arm extends from the second follower, are spaced less than 5 mm. Deforming means deform the followers towards the closed condition. A positioner extends from the base, between the first and second followers, and a fastener releasably secured to the positioner, includes first and second fastener jaws. The first and second jaws: extend away from the base; and are movable between: (i) a splayed condition in which leaflets may be received between the first and second fastener jaws; and (ii) a securing condition in which the first and second fastener jaws secure the leaflets there between. In use: (i) the first and second followers may be: passed axially through a valve, between first and second valve leaflets; and resiliently deformed by opening and closing of the valve leaflets; (ii) the first arm may capture the first leaflet between the first arm and the first follower, and the second arm may capture the second leaflet between the second arm and the second follower, with the first and second followers disposed between the first and second leaflets; (iii) the deforming means may deform the first and second followers towards the closed condition, thereby moving the first and second leaflets towards each other; (iv) the fastener may receive the first and second leaflets between the fastener jaws when the fastener jaws are in the spayed condition; and (v) moving the fastener jaws towards the securing condition secures the first and second leaflets to each other. Alternatively, the arms and fastener jaws may extend towards the base.