| abstract |
Devices and methods are provided for diagnosing and repairing mitral valve defects such as mitral valve regurgitation. According to an exemplary method, mitral valve function is visualized by transesophageal echocardiography. A catheter ( 10 ) is inserted along the venous system of the patient through the left and right atria (a, b) into the mitral valve ( 26 ). A suction tip ( 25 ) grasps the leaflets ( 28, 30 ) of the mitral valve ( 26 ) to immobilize and juxtapose the leaflets ( 28, 30 ) at a point simulating a stitch, and the mitral valve ( 26 ) is again observed to confirm that fastening at that point will repair the prolapse or other defect. The mitral valve leaflets ( 28, 30 ) are then fastened together via a fastener such as a staple ( 44 ) or shape memory rivet ( 44 ). The fastener ( 44 ) may be inserted by a stapling assembly ( 40 ) in the catheter ( 10 ), or by a separate stapler ( 40 ) that is inserted along an arterial path from the opposite direction and guided along a transcardiac rail to the immobilized point. Upon completion of the repair process, the mitral valve ( 26 ) is once again visualized by transesophageal echocardiography to determine whether repair thereof has been effected. |