Importance

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Abstract

Among the four heart valves, the mitral is the most frequently affected by disease resulting in defective valve opening (stenosis) or incomplete closure (insufficiency). Most often this is due to distortion of the valve apparatus secondary to rheumatic or degenerative disease. These lesions, called 'organic' require open heart surgery. In patients with coronary disease or with dilated cardiomyopathy the mitral valve can be insufficient although structurally normal. These valves are 'functionally' insufficient. Because of the poor condition of these patients where open heart surgery carries a significant operative risk, less invasive percutaneous alternatives are being explored today. The present novel invention represents a radical departure from other procedures because it repositions the posterior papillary muscle utilizing a device located in the interventricular veins.

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First Claim