FASTENER FOR HOLDING A CONSTRICTING CORD IN A REDUCED-DIAMETER STATE AROUND A CARDIAC VALVE ANNULUS, AND INSTALLATION OF THE FASTENER

摘要

A cord that has been previously affixed around an annulus can be fastened using a sliding member that locks into a housing. Before those two parts are locked together, the cord is free to slide through a channel in the sliding member, and a shear pin prevents the sliding member from moving. After those two parts are locked together, portions of the cord are squeezed between the upper surface of the sliding member and one wall of the housing, and other portions of the cord are squeezed between the lower surface of the sliding member and another wall of the housing, so that the cord can no longer slide. After locking, a sliding cutting element can be actuated to cut off portions of the cord that are proximal with respect to the two locked parts.