Stentless support structure
First Claim
1. A method for delivering a support structure comprising:
- pushing at least a distal portion of a support structure having a preformed fold formed therein out of a delivery catheter in an elongated, unfolded state, said distal portion being material at or distal of said preformed fold;
acting on said distal portion with an inversion mechanism in a direction opposite of a direction of said pushing until said support structure folds into itself along said preformed fold.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A stentless support structure capable of being at least partly assembled in situ. The support structure comprises a braided tube that is very flexible and, when elongated, becomes very long and very small in diameter, thereby being capable of placement within a small diameter catheter. The support structure is preferably constructed of one or more thin strands of a super-elastic or shape memory material such as Nitinol. When released from the catheter, the support structure folds itself into a longitudinally compact configuration. The support structure thus gains significant strength as the number of folds increase. This radial strength obviates the need for a support stent. The support structure may include attachment points for a prosthetic valve.
69 Citations
11 Claims
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1. A method for delivering a support structure comprising:
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pushing at least a distal portion of a support structure having a preformed fold formed therein out of a delivery catheter in an elongated, unfolded state, said distal portion being material at or distal of said preformed fold; acting on said distal portion with an inversion mechanism in a direction opposite of a direction of said pushing until said support structure folds into itself along said preformed fold. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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Specification