US Patent 8348963 Leaflet reinforcement for regurgitant valves

A support, and a method for attaching said support, for providing additional strength to existing regurgitant or prolapsed valve leaflets. The support restores an otherwise non-functioning, or poorly functioning, native valve to a functioning condition, obviating the need for a complete valve removal or replacement. The support may also be applied to a functioning valve leaflet as a prophylactic measure against future failure. The delivery method includes a delivery mechanism for attaching the support to the native valve leaflet.