Sizing apparatus

• US 20050283232A1
• Filed: 08/29/2005
• Published: 12/22/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 03/25/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Shlomo Gabbay
• Original Assignee: Shlomo Gabbay
• Inventors: Gabbay, Shlomo
• Granted Patent: US 7,510,573 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 623/2.11
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1076 for measuring dimensions inside body cavities, e.g. using catheters A61B3/1005 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/2496 Devices for determining the dimensions of the prosthetic valve to be implanted, e.g. templates, sizers

Abstract

A sizing apparatus can include a contact member having a curved contact surface, the contact surface extending in a substantially convex shape from a proximal end to a distal end along a direction that lies in a same plane as a first axis, the contact surface extending in a substantially concave shape between spaced apart first and second side edges along a direction that lies in a plane that is substantially transverse to the first axis. The sizing apparatus can also include an arm extending from the contact member substantially parallel to the first axis. A flange may also be provided to facilitate use of the sizing apparatus.

Claims

1. A sizer apparatus, comprising:

a contact member having a curved contact surface, the contact surface extending in a substantially convex shape from a proximal end to a distal end along a direction that lies in a same plane as a first axis, the contact surface extending in a substantially concave shape between spaced apart first and second side edges along a direction that lies in a plane that is substantially transverse to the first axis; and

an arm extending from the contact member substantially parallel to the first axis.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the length of the surface between the first and second side edges is greater than the length of the surface between the proximal and distal ends.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the arm extends from the curved surface at a location that is adjacent the proximal end of the curved surface and intermediate the first and second ends.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an aperture extending substantially axially through the arm and terminating in an opening adjacent a surface of the contact member opposite the contact surface to provide for fluid communication through the contact member.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, further comprising a fluid source operatively connected with a proximal end of the arm to supply fluid into the aperture.

6. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the arm further comprises at least one retaining feature along an exterior surface near a proximal end of the arm.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a flange extending outwardly from at least a portion of the proximal end of the contact member.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein at least a portion of the flange lies in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the first axis, such that a juncture between the curved surface and the flange defines at least a portion of the proximal end of the curved surface.

9. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising a support tab that extends radially outwardly from the arm to terminate in a tab end portion.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising a slot extending through at least a portion of the support tab spaced apart from the first axis.

11. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the flange, the contact member and the arm are integrally formed of the same material.

12. A sizing apparatus comprising:

a contact member having a curved contact surface, the contact surface extending in a substantially convex cross-sectional shape from a proximal end to a distal end along a first direction that lies in the same plane as a first axis, the contact surface extending in a substantially concave cross-sectional shape between spaced apart first and second side edges along a second direction that lies in a plane that is substantially transverse to the first direction; and

a flange extending outwardly from at least a portion of the proximal end of the contact member to define a shoulder along a surface of the flange that is opposite the contact surface of the contact member.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising an arm extending from the contact member substantially parallel with the first axis and terminating in a proximal end spaced apart from the curved surface.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the arm extends from the curved surface of the contact member, the arm further comprising an aperture extending substantially axially through the arm from the proximal end and terminating in an opening adjacent a surface of the contact member opposite the contact surface to provide for fluid communication through the contact member.

15. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the flange and the contact member are integrally formed of the same material.

16. The apparatus of claim 14, further comprising a fluid source operatively connected with the arm to supply fluid into the aperture.

17. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the flange lies in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the first axis.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, further comprising a support tab that extends outwardly from the arm substantially parallel to the plane to terminate in a tab end portion.

19. A sizing apparatus comprising:

a curved surface having an inflow end spaced apart from a distal end by spaced apart side edges that extend between the inflow end and the distal end, the curved surface being dimensioned and configured to simulate the dimensions and configuration of a coaptating surface of a heart valve leaflet at systole in closed position; and

a flange extending outwardly from at least a portion of the inflow end of the curved surface; and

an arm extending from the curved surface at a location that is proximal the inflow end of the curved surface.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the curved surface extends in a substantially convex shape from the inflow end to the distal end along a direction that lies in the same plane as a first axis, the contact surface extending in a substantially concave shape between the spaced apart side edges along a direction that lies in a plane that is substantially transverse to the first axis, the arm extending substantially parallel to the first axis.