Method and apparatus for the creation of tricuspid regurgitation

摘要

A method and apparatus for the controlled inducement of tricuspid regurgitation for the purpose of treating congestive heart failure. The apparatus is comprised of a catheter onto which is affixed an expandable device. The catheter is percutaneously inserted into the patient's body, then moved within the central venous system until the end of the catheter traverses the tricuspid valve of the heart. The expandable device on the distal end of the catheter is then radially expanded to hold open the leaflets of the tricuspid valve. Tricuspid regurgitation, the backflow of blood from the right ventricle to the right atrium, then occurs. The intention of causing the regurgitation is to lower the pulmonary arterial pressure elevated as a result of congestive heart failure. Through careful monitoring of the patient's pulmonary arterial pressures and cardiac output, the degree of tricuspid regurgitation can be adjusted. The controls for the expansion of the catheter are outside of the body and in reach of the skilled physician.