Ellipse Technologies, Inc.

Micardia Corporation

Daniel C Anderson

Samuel M Shaolian

Ross Tsukashima

Scott Louis Pool

Maurice Buchbinder

Jeffrey P Dumontelle

Brian C Gray

Ninh H Dang

Paul A Molloy

Systems and methods treat a heart valve using a magnetically adjustable annuloplasty ring attached to or near a cardiac valve annulus. A changing magnetic field may be used to selectively increase or decrease a circumference of, or otherwise modify the shape of, the implanted annuloplasty ring. The adjustable annuloplasty ring includes a tubular body member, one or more adjustable members, and an internal magnet within the tubular body member. The tubular body member and the one or more adjustable members form a ring shape. The internal magnet is configured to rotate in response to a rotating external magnetic field. The internal magnet is coupled to the one or more adjustable members to change a dimension of the ring shape as the internal magnet rotates. A system for treating a heart valve may include an external adjustment device having one or more external magnets to generate the rotating external magnetic field.

Adjustable implant system

Annuloplasty rings are employed to treat heart valve defects, such as regurgitation. Synching the heart tissue to the ring restores the valve opening to its approximate original size and operating efficiency. Adjustable annuloplasty rings allow for a proper degree of synching both during open heart surgery and over the patient's lifetime. A subcutaneous port may be coupled to an adjustable annuloplasty ring such that an external activation energy generator can be used to heat the adjustable annuloplasty ring and thereby adjust the size of the annuloplasty ring.

Adjustable annuloplasty ring with subcutaneous activation port

Growing community of inventors

Pomona, CA, United States of America

Daniel C Anderson