US Patent 7125421 Method and apparatus for valve repair

A tissue connection device is provided for use on a patient at a treatment site. The device comprises an elongate member having a distal end and a proximal end. The elongate member has a first, substantially linear configuration during delivery through an elongate delivery device, wherein the first configuration is sufficient to allow said member to be delivered percutaneously into the patient to the treatment site. The elongate member has a second, substantially circular configuration when said member disengages from the delivery device, wherein the second configuration is sufficient to support tissue at the treatment site. The elongate member in the second configuration defines a single ring.