DEVICES AND METHODS FOR A TOTALLY PERCUTANEOUS COLLAPSIBLE AORTIC PUNCH

Abstract

A method and device for perforating an aortic valve to remove excessive calcium deposits on aortic valve leaflets improves the implantation of TAVI replacement valves in patients. By removing excessive calcium deposits, the radial pressure exerted by implanted TAVI replacement valves is reduced, such that there is less blood leakage around the valve and less stress on the cardiac conductive system. A device with a collapsible punch is inserted into the aortic valve. The punch is separable such that the aortic valve leaflets are positioned between at least two elements of the punch. The two elements then compress together with the leaflets between them, causing the aortic valve to be perforated. A circumferential ring of the remaining aortic valve and calcium deposits are left to provide stability for the TAVI replacement valve.

Claims

1. A totally percutaneous device for removing calcium deposits from an aortic valve, comprising: a punch system including a collapsible male element positioned coaxially around at a distal end of a primary tube and spaced apart from a collapsible female element positioned coaxially around the primary tube proximal to the male element; a collapsible filter umbrella positioned coaxially around the primary tube proximal to the female element; a first removable cover positioned coaxially around the primary tube for covering and uncovering the collapsible male element such that the male element is collapsed when covered by the first removable cover; a second removable cover positioned coaxially around the primary tube for covering and uncovering the collapsible female element such that the female element is collapsed when covered by the second removable cover; a third removable cover positioned coaxially around the primary tube for covering and uncovering the collapsible filter umbrella such that the filter umbrella is collapsed when covered by the third removable cover; and a control system positioned at the proximal end of the primary tube and controlling the first removable cover, second removable cover, and third removable cover to cover and uncover the male element, the female element, and the filter umbrella, respectively, wherein the control system includes a punch control driver actuating the uncollapsed male element and the uncollapsed female element to advance and retreat relative to one another within the aortic valve.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the male element has teeth positioned along a circumferential edge of the proximal end, and the female element has groves positioned along a circumferential edge of the distal end positioned to accept the teeth of the male element.

3. The device of claim 1, further comprising a motor assembly attached to the male element, wherein the motor assembly includes a high speed motor attached to the male element via a cable and an operator control element is attached to the high speed motor, and wherein the operator control element is configured to active or deactivate the high speed motor, which when activated rotatably closes the male element against the female element.

4. A totally percutaneous device for removing calcium deposits from an aortic valve, comprising: a collapsible filter umbrella positioned coaxially around at a distal end of a primary tube; a punch system including a collapsible female element positioned coaxially around the primary tube proximal to the filter umbrella and spaced apart from a collapsible male element positioned coaxially around the primary tube proximal to the female element; a first removable cover positioned coaxially around the primary tube for covering and uncovering the collapsible male element such that the male element is collapsed when covered by the first removable cover; a second removable cover positioned coaxially around the primary tube for covering and uncovering the collapsible female element such that the female element is collapsed when covered by the second removable cover; a third removable cover positioned coaxially around the primary tube for covering and uncovering the collapsible filter umbrella such that the filter umbrella is collapsed when covered by the third removable cover; and a control system positioned at the proximal end of the primary tube and controlling the first removable cover, second removable cover, and third removable cover to cover and uncover the male element, the female element, and the filter umbrella, respectively, wherein the control system includes a punch control driver actuating the uncollapsed male element and the uncollapsed female element to advance and retreat relative to one another within the aortic valve.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein the male element has teeth positioned along a circumferential edge of the proximal end and the female element has groves positioned along a circumferential edge of the distal end positioned to accept the teeth of the male element.

6. The device of claim 4, further comprising further comprising a motor assembly attached to the male element, wherein the motor assembly includes a high speed motor attached to the male element via a cable and an operator control element is attached to the high speed motor, and wherein the operator control element is configured to active or deactivate the high speed motor, which when activated rotatably closes the male element against the female element.

7. A method of a totally percutaneous aortic punch for removing calcium deposits from an aortic valve, comprising: inserting a device through an aortic valve, wherein the device has a collapsible filter umbrella for catching debris from operation of the device and a collapsible punch system for perforating the aortic valve; positioning the punch system within the native aortic valve, wherein a male element and a female element of the punch system are collapsed to avoid inadvertent damage to surrounding tissue, and wherein the male element and female element are on positioned on opposite sides of native aortic valve; positioning the collapsed filter umbrella in an aorta down-stream of blood flow through the aortic valve, such that the filter umbrella allows blood to pass beyond the aorta and catches debris; uncompressing the collapsed male element, female element, and filter umbrella; perforating the aortic valve to remove calcium deposits from the aortic valve; and leaving a ring of calcium deposits along the circumference of the native aortic valve.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the device is inserted through the native aortic valve transapically.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein the device is inserted through the native aortic valve transfemorally or transaortically.

10. The method of claim 7, wherein the device used includes, the collapsible filter umbrella positioned coaxially around at a distal end of a primary tube; the punch system including the collapsible female element positioned coaxially around the primary tube proximal to the filter umbrella and spaced apart from the collapsible male element positioned coaxially around the primary tube proximal to the female element; a first removable cover positioned coaxially around the primary tube for covering and uncovering the collapsible male element such that the male element is collapsed when covered by the first removable cover; a second removable cover positioned coaxially around the primary tube for covering and uncovering the collapsible female element such that the female element is collapsed when covered by the second removable cover; a third removable cover positioned coaxially around the primary tube for covering and uncovering the collapsible filter umbrella such that the filter umbrella is collapsed when covered by the third removable cover; and a control system positioned at the proximal end of the primary tube and controlling the first removable cover, second removable cover, and third removable cover to cover and uncover the male element, the female element, and the filter umbrella, respectively, wherein the control system includes a punch control driver actuating the uncollapsed male element and the uncollapsed female element to advance and retreat relative to one another within the aortic valve.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the male element has teeth positioned along a circumferential edge of the proximal end, and the female element has grooves positioned along a circumferential edge of the distal end positioned to accept the teeth of the male element.

12. The method of claim 7, wherein the device used includes, the collapsible filter umbrella positioned coaxially around at a distal end of a primary tube; the punch system including the collapsible female element positioned coaxially around the primary tube proximal to the filter umbrella and spaced apart from the collapsible male element positioned coaxially around the primary tube proximal to the female element; a first removable cover positioned coaxially around the primary tube for covering and uncovering the collapsible male element such that the male element is collapsed when covered by the first removable cover; a second removable cover positioned coaxially around the primary tube for covering and uncovering the collapsible female element such that the female element is collapsed when covered by the second removable cover; a third removable cover positioned coaxially around the primary tube for covering and uncovering the collapsible filter umbrella such that the filter umbrella is collapsed when covered by the third removable cover; and a control system positioned at the proximal end of the primary tube and controlling the first removable cover, second removable cover, and third removable cover to cover and uncover the male element, the female element, and the filter umbrella, respectively, wherein the control system includes a punch control driver actuating the uncollapsed male element and the uncollapsed female element to advance and retreat relative to one another within the aortic valve.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the male element has teeth positioned along a circumferential edge of the proximal end, and the female element has groves positioned along a circumferential edge of the distal end positioned to accept the teeth of the male element.

14. A collapsible punch system for totally percutaneous removal of calcium deposits from an aortic valve, comprising: a male element having a center ring and a plurality of symmetrical spokes increasing in width toward a common circumference, the male element being deformable to a closed conical shape in which the spokes form a continuous ring at the circumference, wherein the spokes are collapsible to a cylinder shape when compressed and return the conical shape when uncompressed; a female element having a center ring and a plurality of symmetrical spokes increasing in width toward a common circumference, the female element being deformable to a closed conical shape in which the spokes form a continuous ring at the circumference, wherein the spokes are collapsible to a cylinder shape when compressed and return the conical shape when uncompressed; and a punch control element configured to move the collapsible male element in relation to the collapsible female element when the male element and the female element are uncompressed, wherein the female element receives the male element.

15. The device of claim 14, wherein the ends of the spokes form a cutting edge at the circumference of the conical shape.

16. The device of claim 15, wherein the cutting edge forms a uniform circle about a plane or a plurality of teeth in one of a sine wave, square, triangle, or sawtooth pattern.

17. The device of claim 14, wherein the male element and the female element are formed of nitinol.

18. The device of claim 14, wherein the male element and the female element are formed of a shape memory alloy.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0021] Figures accompanying the specification show and describe the inventions, as follows:

[0022] FIG. 1 shows a representation of the cardiac conduction system;

[0023] FIG. 2A shows a traditional implantation of TAVI replacement valve, namely a catheter with a collapsed replacement valve attached coaxially around an outside surface positioned within an aortic valve;

[0024] FIG. 2B shows a traditional implantation of TAVI replacement valve, namely expansion of the replacement valve within the aortic valve via a balloon catheter;

[0025] FIG. 2C shows a traditional implantation of TAVI replacement valve, namely the TAVI replacement valve fully expanded and implanted within a native aortic valve;

[0026] FIG. 3A shows expansion of a balloon catheter inside an aortic valve perforated by the improved process to demonstrate the reduced radial pressure due to shorter aortic leaflets;

[0027] FIG. 3B shows an improved implantation of TAVI replacement valve, namely a catheter with a collapsed replacement valve attached coaxially around an outside surface positioned within a perforated aortic valve;

[0028] FIG. 3C shows an improved implantation of TAVI replacement valve, namely expansion of the replacement valve within the aortic valve via a balloon catheter;

[0029] FIG. 4 shows a representative sampling of different stenotic aortic valves;

[0030] FIG. 5 shows a representative sampling of the different stenotic aortic valves that have been perforated by the improved method and disclosed devices;

[0031] FIG. 6A shows a representative procedure using a device inserted apically up through the left ventricle and into the aorta in accordance with the present invention;

[0032] FIG. 6B shows a representative procedure using a device inserted transfemorally through the femoral artery, up through the aorta and down into the aortic valve in accordance with the present invention;

[0033] FIG. 6C shows a representative procedure using a device inserted transaortically through the aorta artery and down into the aortic valve in accordance with the present invention;

[0034] FIG. 7A shows an embodiment of a totally percutaneous collapsible aortic punch device in accordance with the present invention;

[0035] FIG. 7B shows another embodiment of a totally percutaneous collapsible aortic punch device in accordance with the present invention;

[0036] FIG. 8 shows an uncollapsed totally percutaneous collapsible aortic punch device in accordance with the present invention;

[0037] FIG. 9 shows an uncollapsed totally percutaneous collapsible aortic punch device in accordance with the present invention;

[0038] FIG. 10A shows a design of the male element of the punch device in accordance with the present invention;

[0039] FIG. 10B shows a male element of the punch device in accordance with the present invention;

[0040] FIG. 11A shows a male element of the punch device in accordance with the present invention;

[0041] FIG. 11B shows a male element of the punch device in accordance with the present invention;

[0042] FIG. 12A shows a male element of the punch device in accordance with the present invention;

[0043] FIG. 12B shows a male element of the punch device in accordance with the present invention;

[0044] FIG. 13 shows the open male and female elements of the punch device in accordance with the present invention;

[0045] FIG. 14 shows the closed male and female elements of the punch device in accordance with the present invention;

[0046] FIG. 15 shows the closed male and female elements of the punch device with caps in accordance with the present invention;

[0047] FIG. 16A shows an exemplary embodiment of the totally percutaneous collapsible aortic punch device in accordance with the present invention;

[0048] FIG. 16B shows an exploded view of a cover in the totally percutaneous collapsible aortic punch device in accordance with the present invention;

[0049] FIG. 16C shows an exploded view of a spindle in the totally percutaneous collapsible aortic punch device in accordance with the present invention;

[0050] FIG. 17A shows an exemplary totally percutaneous collapsible aortic punch device in accordance with the present invention;

[0051] FIG. 17B shows an exploded view of a second cover in the totally percutaneous collapsible aortic punch device in accordance with the present invention;

[0052] FIG. 17C shows an exploded view of a third cover in the totally percutaneous collapsible aortic punch device in accordance with the present invention;

[0053] FIG. 17D shows an exploded view of a spindle in the totally percutaneous collapsible aortic punch device in accordance with the present invention;

[0054] FIG. 18A shows an exemplary totally percutaneous collapsible aortic punch device in accordance with the present invention;

[0055] FIG. 18B shows an exploded view of the third cover in the totally percutaneous collapsible aortic punch device in accordance with the present invention;

[0056] FIG. 18C shows an exploded view of a spindle in the totally percutaneous collapsible aortic punch device in accordance with the present invention;

[0057] FIG. 18D shows an exploded view of the second cover in the totally percutaneous collapsible aortic punch device in accordance with the present invention;

[0058] FIG. 18E shows an exploded view of a spindle in the totally percutaneous collapsible aortic punch device in accordance with the present invention;

[0059] FIG. 18F shows a totally percutaneous collapsible punch in accordance with the present invention;

[0060] FIG. 19A shows an exemplary totally percutaneous collapsible aortic punch device in accordance with the present invention;

[0061] FIG. 19B shows an exploded view of an open totally percutaneous collapsible punch in accordance with the present invention;

[0062] FIG. 19C shows is an exploded view of a filter umbrella in accordance with the present invention;

[0063] FIG. 20A shows an exemplary totally percutaneous collapsible aortic punch device in accordance with the present invention;

[0064] FIG. 20B shows an exploded view of a closed totally percutaneous collapsible punch in accordance with the present invention;

[0065] FIG. 20C shows an exploded view of a spindle in the totally percutaneous collapsible aortic punch device in accordance with the present invention;

[0066] FIG. 21A shows an exemplary totally percutaneous collapsible aortic punch device in accordance with the present invention;

[0067] FIG. 21B shows is an exploded view of a filter umbrella in accordance with the present invention;

[0068] FIG. 21C shows an exploded view of a spindle in the totally percutaneous collapsible aortic punch device in accordance with the present invention;

[0069] FIG. 22A shows an exemplary totally percutaneous collapsible aortic punch device in accordance with the present invention;

[0070] FIG. 22B shows an exploded view of an open totally percutaneous collapsible punch operatic in an aortic valve in accordance with the present invention;

[0071] FIG. 22C shows an exploded view of a spindle in the totally percutaneous collapsible aortic punch device in accordance with the present invention;

[0072] FIG. 22D shows an exploded view of a spindle in the totally percutaneous collapsible aortic punch device in accordance with the present invention;

[0073] FIG. 23 shows an exemplary totally percutaneous collapsible aortic punch device with a motor in accordance with the present invention;

[0074] FIG. 24 shows the open male and female elements of the punch device in accordance with the present invention;

[0075] FIG. 25 shows the operation of the open male and female elements of the punch device in accordance with the present invention; and

[0076] FIG. 26 shows an exemplary totally percutaneous collapsible aortic punch device in accordance with the present invention.

[0077] Throughout the drawings, it should be noted that like reference numbers are used to depict the same or similar elements, features, and structures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

[0078] Various embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described with reference to details discussed below. The following descriptions and referenced drawings are illustrative of the disclosure and are not to be construed as limiting the disclosure. The drawings are not necessarily to scale. Numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments of the present disclosure. However, in certain instances, well-known or conventional details are not described in order to provide a concise discussion of embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0079] As used herein, spatial and relative terms such as proximal and distal are relative to a user of the methods or devices described herein, unless otherwise stated. For example, a distal end of a tube is the end farthest from a user, whereas a proximal end of the same tube is the end closest to the user.

[0080] With reference to FIGS. 7A, 7B, 8, and 9, a preferred embodiment for the method for a totally percutaneous collapsible aortic punch for use in transcather aortic valve implantation. For transfemoral and transaortic insertion of the collapsible punch system, the method includes inserting a device 700 through a native aortic valve 526, wherein the device includes, at the distal end, a male cover 701 for housing a male element 711 of the collapsible punch 902 in a collapsed state, female cover 703 for housing a female element 713 of the collapsible punch 902 in a collapsed state proximal from the male cover 703, and cover 705 for housing filter umbrella 715 in a collapsed state proximal from the female cover 703. For transapical insertion, FIG. 7B illustrates a device 750 that is substantially the same as device 700 in FIG. 7A, except that cover 705 for housing filter umbrella 713 is located at the distal end after cover 701 for housing male element 711. For reference, FIG. 6A shows an embodiment of the device 750 inserted transapically through an apex 116 of a heart 001, FIG. 6B shows the device 700 inserted transfemorally, and FIG. 6C shows the device 700 inserted transaortically.

[0081] A next step is positioning the punch 902 within the native aortic valve 526, wherein covers 701, 703, and 705 are retracted to decompress, respectively, male element 711, female element 713, and filter umbrella 715, as shown in FIG. 8. The male element 711, female element 713, and filter umbrella 715 are compressed during insertion and positioning of the punch 902 in the native aortic valve 526 to minimize the detachment of calcium deposits from the aortic leaflets 528 in the aorta, thereby decreasing the risk of an embolism. The retraction of the covers 701, 703, and 705, is achieved through operation of reversely-threaded actuator spindles 702, 706, and 708. Spindle 702 is operated by the user to control the cover 701 that compresses the male element 711, spindle 706 is operated by the user to control the cover 703 that compresses the female element 713, and spindle 708 is operated by the user to control the cover 705 that compresses the filter umbrella 715. Meanwhile, reversely-threaded actuator spindle 704 controls the distance between the male element 711 and female element 713 of the punch 902, and thus is operated by the user to control the operation of the punch 902.

[0082] With reference to FIGS. 20A, 20B, and 20C, a next step includes closing the un-collapsed punch 902 over the aortic valve leaflets 528 so that the male element 711 applies force along cutting edge teeth 711a to a superior surface the aortic valve leaflets 528 and the female element 713 applies force along cutting edge 713a to an inferior surface of the aortic valve leaflets 528. FIG. 20B illustrates the punch 902 in a closed formation in the native aortic valve 526. Closing of the punch 902 is achieved by operation of spindle 704 as shown in FIG. 20C.

[0083] Another step includes perforating the native aortic valve 526 via the punch 902 to remove calcium deposits from the native aortic valve. FIG. 5 shows representations of the perforation of the native aortic valve 526 once the device 700 is removed. The perforation of the native aortic valve 526 should leave a circumferential ring of the remaining tissue of the native aortic valve with a preferable length of 2-3 millimeters.

[0084] The final step includes leaving a ring of calcium deposits 534, as shown in FIG. 5, along the circumference of the native aortic valve 526. A semi-rigid ring composed of the remaining aortic valve is useful in stabilizing any TAVI replacement valve during and after implantation. Additionally, less radial pressure is ultimately placed on the heart conduction system as the majority of the calcium deposits are removed from the native aortic valve that would otherwise be folded upward between a replacement valve and aorta. Further, the chance of paravalvular leaks is reduced, as the shortened aortic leaflets make proper insertion of replacement valves easier and more successful.

[0085] FIGS. 3A-3C show the implantation of a TAVI replacement valve after using the process described herein. FIG. 3A shows insertion of a balloon catheter and replacement valve into the perforated aortic valve. FIG. 3B shows the inflation of the catheter and resulting expansion of the replacement valve. FIG. 3C shows the replacement valve implanted over the perforated aortic valve, with the remaining circumferential ring of the aortic valve, with some calcification, providing a structural support for the replacement valve. FIG. 5 shows the same stenotic valves shown in FIG. 4 after the application of the described process for removing calcium deposits from aortic valves.

[0086] The male element 711 and female element 713 of the collapsible punch 902 may be formed of nitinol or other shape memory alloy, or materials with similar shape memory characteristics. To form the male element 711 and female element 713, a plate of nitinol is cut into spokes. The plate can then be heated and deformed to take the shape of the male element 711 and female element 713 as demonstrated in FIGS. 10A, 10B, 11A, 11B, 12A, and 12B. Due to the elasticity of the material, these shapes are retained when the male element 711 and female element 713 are transitioned from the compressed state to the uncompressed state in which the punch 902 is revealed.

[0087] With reference to FIG. 10A, male element 711 is shown in a plan view with spokes 711b and cutting teeth 711c of the original un-deformed plate. With reference to FIG. 10B, male element 711 is shown in a perspective view of male element 711 with the spokes 711b as depicted in FIG. 10A now joined together to create the circumferential cutting edge 711a of male element 711.

[0088] With reference to FIG. 11A, male element 711 is shown in a plan view with spokes 711b and cutting teeth 711c of the original un-deformed plate, where spokes 711b are wider than shown in FIG. 10A. With reference to FIG. 11B, male element 711 is shown in a perspective view of male element 711 with spokes 711b as depicted in FIG. 11A now joined together to create the circumferential cutting edge 711a of male element 711.

[0089] With reference to FIG. 12A, male element 711 is shown in a plan view with spokes 711b and cutting teeth 711c of the original un-deformed plate, as shown in FIG. 11A, where the angle between each spoke 711b is preferably 20.75. With reference to FIG. 12B, male element 711 is shown in a side view with spokes 711b as depicted in FIG. 11A now joined together to create the circumferential cutting edge 711a of male element 711, where the angle between the spokes 711b and a horizontal plane is preferably 56.

[0090] With reference to FIG. 13, the punch 902 is shown in an open state with male element 711, comprising spokes 711b and cutting edge 711a, and female element 713, comprising spokes 713b and cutting or receiving edge 713a. With reference to FIG. 14, the punch 902 is shown in a closed state with male element 711, comprising spokes 711b and cutting edge 711a, and female element 713, comprising spokes 713b and cutting or receiving edge 713a. With reference to FIG. 25, the punch 902 is open and the male element 711 is ready to be received by the female element 713, and caps 911 and 913 hold the male element 711 and female element 713, respectively, in a formation for cutting. With reference to FIG. 15, the male element 711 has been received by the female element 713, as shown in FIG. 14, and further depicted are caps 911 and 913 for holding male element 711 and female element 713, respectively, in a formation for cutting. Male element 711 and female element 713, as well as caps 911 and 913, are situated coaxially around tube 918.

[0091] Another embodiment for the method for improving transcatheter aortic valve implantation is shown in FIGS. 6A and 7B, which encompasses the preferred embodiment with additional features. This method includes inserting a device 750 through a native aortic valve 526, wherein the device has a filter umbrella 715 and a punch having a male element 711 and a female element 713 separable along a plane perpendicular to connection. The device is inserted transapically in FIG. 6A, through the apex 116 of the heart into the left ventricle 118 and up through the aortic valve 102 and into the aorta 101. However, the device may be inserted transapically, transaortically, or transfemorally.

[0092] The arrangement of elements of the device must change due to direction of bloodflow when the device is inserted transaortically or transfemorally, as compared to transapically. A suitable embodiment of a device 700 for use in inserting via the aorta or femoral artery is show in FIG. 19A. The primary difference between the device when inserted transaortically or transfemorally, as opposed to transapical insertion, is the orientation of the filter umbrella 715 and punch 902. As the filter umbrella 715 is used to catch any debris, including calcium buildup that is dislodged during perforation of the native aortic valve, and blood flows out of the left ventricle into the aorta through the aortic valve, the filter umbrella must be positioned in the aorta downstream of the aortic valve. In transaortic and transfemoral insertion, the filter umbrella 715 is therefore positioned behind the punch 902 along the device 700 or proximal to the user of the device relative to the punch 902, as demonstrated in FIG. 19A. In contrast, the transapical device 750 is oriented such that the filter umbrella 712 is positioned in front of the punch 902, or distal to the user of the device 750 relative to the punch 902 as shown in FIGS. 6A and 7B.

[0093] The method then includes positioning the filter umbrella 712 in an aorta down-stream of the aortic valve. The filter umbrella is disengaged, or closed, during insertion to prevent any accidental damage to surrounding tissue or dislodgement of calcium deposits, similar to the punch 902. This is achievable through a slidable cover 705 as shown in FIG. 7B for transapical devices, or a slidable cover 705 as shown in FIG. 7A for transaortic or transfemoral devices.

[0094] A further step is engaging the filter umbrella 712 such that the filter umbrella 712 allows blood to pass beyond the aorta, but catches dislodged calcium particles to prevent such particles from passing through the rest of the body via the aorta. This step is achievable via the slidable cover 705 sliding and releasing the filter umbrella 715 such that the filter umbrella 715 is allowed to expand circumferentially to encompass the circumference of the aorta. Expansion of the filter umbrella 715 is achieved by operating spindle 708 to slide and release the filter umbrella 715, as shown in FIGS. 16A, 16B, 16C, and 27.

[0095] Another step includes opening the punch 902 within the native aortic valve 526 such that aortic valve leaflets 528 are positioned between the cutting edge 711a of the male element 711 and the cutting edge 713a of the female element 713. FIGS. 22C and 22D are exploded views of spindles 702 and 706, respectively, which operate the removal of covers 701 and 703 to open the male 711 and female 713 elements of the punch 902. FIG. 22B shows the punch 902 opened to position the aortic leaflets between the male 711 and female 713 elements, and FIG. 22A illustrates the overall operation of device 700.

[0096] A next step includes closing the punch 902 over the aortic valve leaflets 528 so that the male element 711 applies force along the cutting edge 711a to a superior surface of the aortic valve leaflets 528 and the female element 713 applies force along the cutting edge 713a to an inferior surface of the aortic valve leaflets 528. FIG. 20B demonstrates the closing of the punch 902.

[0097] The final step includes leaving a ring of calcium deposits 246 along the circumference of the native aortic valve 526. The perforation of the native aortic valve 526 should leave a circumferential ring of the remaining tissue of the native aortic valve with a preferable length of 2-3 millimeters. Further, the perforation is preferably centered such that the resulting circumferential ring of tissue is uniform in radial length. As previously explained, a semi-rigid ring composed of the remaining aortic heart is useful in stabilizing any TAVI replacement valve during and after insertion. Additionally, less radial pressure is ultimately placed on the heart conduction system as the majority of the calcium deposits are removed from the native aortic valve. Further, the chance of paravalvular leaks is reduced, as the shortened aortic leaflets make insertion of replacement valves easier and more successful.

[0098] With reference to FIG. 16A, the device 700 is shown with detailed views of the cover 705 that compresses the filter umbrella 715, and spindle 708 for controlling the cover 705. FIG. 16B shows an exploded view of cover 705, and FIG. 16C shows an exploded view of spindle 708. The down arrows indicate operation of the spindle 708 to remove the cover 705.

[0099] With reference to FIG. 17A, the device 700 is shown with detailed views of the cover 701 that compresses the male element 711, the cover 703 that compresses the female element 713, and spindle 704. FIG. 17B shows an exploded view of cover 701, FIG. 17C shows and exploded view of cover 703, and FIG. 17D shows an exploded view of spindle 704. The spindle 704 controls the distance between cover 701 and cover 703.

[0100] With reference to FIG. 18A, device 700 is shown. With reference to FIG. 18C, an exploded view of spindle 702 for controlling cover 701 is illustrated with a downward arrow indicating an operation to retract cover 701 that corresponds to FIG. 18B. With reference to FIG. 18E, an exploded view of spindle 706 for controlling cover 703 is illustrated with a upward arrow indicating an operation to retract cover 703 that corresponds to FIG. 18D. FIG. 18F shows the 902 in an uncompressed state.

[0101] With reference to FIG. 19A, device 700 is shown. FIG. 19B illustrates an exploded view of the punch 902. FIG. 19C illustrates an exploded view of the filter umbrella 718.

[0102] With reference to FIG. 21A, device 700 is shown. FIG. 21B is an exploded view of the filter umbrella 715 in an uncompressed formation. FIG. 21C is an exploded view of the spindle 708 for controlling the decompression of the filter umbrella 715, as indicated by the upward arrows.

[0103] There are multiple embodiments for removing calcium deposits from aortic valves. An embodiment of a device 700 for improving transcatheter aortic valve implantation is shown in FIG. 7A. As shown in FIG. 24, the punch 902 may have a tip 910 attached to or formed by a male element 711. As shown in FIGS. 20A and 23, the spindle 704 is configured to turn either clockwise or counterclockwise to raise and lower the male element 711 via the tube 718 relative to the female element 713. The action of raising and lowering the male element 711 allows the device to perforate biological tissue, specifically, valve leaflets.

[0104] The punch 902 can be made of medical grade plastics or metals, as typically used in similar invasive devices. At least the male element 711 has a cutting edge 711a used to perforate an aortic leaflet or other biological tissue. The cutting edge 711a is typically located around a circumference of the male element 711, and can be shaped in different manners, including, but not limited to, a uniform circle about a plane, a plurality of teeth in sine wave, square, triangle, or sawtooth pattern, or similar orientation.

[0105] The female element 713 can also have a cutting element 713a shaped to accept the pattern of the male cutting element 711a. The female element 713 may likewise contain a receptacle for accepting the male cutting element 711a.

[0106] The device 700 may further include a motor assembly 270, as shown in FIG. 23, used to rotatably close the punch 902, in addition to the punch control spindle 704. The motor assembly 270 includes an operator control element 268 attached to a high speed motor 262, which is attached to the male element 711 a cable (not shown). The motor assembly 270 can only close the punch 902, whereas the punch control spindle 704 can both open and close the punch 902. The operator control element 268 activates and deactivates the high speed motor 262, and may be in the form of a foot pedal as seen in FIG. 23, but may also include a button, a hand-held pedal, or other similar device. The cable, attached at one end to the male element 711 and at an opposite end to the high speed motor 262, must be of a variable length, such that the male element may be pulled down to the female element 713 to form a fusiform punch 902 and then pushed up via the punch control element 704 to separate the male element from the female element.

[0107] FIG. 26 illustrates device 700 wherein tube 718 is wrapped coaxially around secondary tube 720 that extends from the proximal center of female element to the distal end of device 700, extending through the center of female element 713 and female element 713, and may actuate operation of the punch 902 such that the male element and female element 713 are controlled to advance and retreat relative to one another using a cable (not shown) connected to spindle 704 that extends through secondary tube 720.

[0108] While the invention has been shown and described with reference to certain exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.