Patent attributes
Tissue shaping methods and devices are provided. The devices can be adjusted within the body of a patient in a less invasive or non-invasive manner, such as by applying energy percutaneously or external to the patient's body. In one example, the device is positioned within the coronary sinus of the patient so as to effect changes in at least one dimension of the mitral valve annulus. The device may also advantageously include a shape memory material that is responsive to changes in temperature and/or exposure to a magnetic field. In one example, the shape memory material is responsive to energy, such as electromagnetic or acoustic energy, applied from an energy source located outside the coronary sinus. A material having enhanced absorption characteristics with respect to the desired heating energy may also be used to facilitate heating and adjustment of the tissue shaping device.
