Inflatable artificial valve
First Claim
1. An artificial valve delivered to its destination in the body in the form of an inflatable shell and inflated in place by a fluid.
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Abstract
An artificial valve is delivered percutaneously in the form of a hollow inflatable shell, which is later filled in situ with a suitable elastomer, similar to inflating a balloon. Since the shell is a flexible and mostly hollow balloon, it can be compressed and transported via a relatively small catheter. In order to inflate to the correct shape the hollow shell requires some ties between its walls. These ties are formed from a low density open cell foam or a specialized manufacturing process. The valve can combine elements with different stiffness as well as different materials. A positioning balloon can also be used in the process of placing the valve. The invention is particularly suited for cardiac valves but can be used for other artificial valves.
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Citations
18 Claims
- 1. An artificial valve delivered to its destination in the body in the form of an inflatable shell and inflated in place by a fluid.
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2. A valve as in claim wherein said fluid polymerizes into an elastomer.
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14. An artificial valve having at least part of said valve inflatable by the injection of a fluid after said valve is delivered into the body.
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16. A method of installing an artificial valve in the human body comprising of the following steps:
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percutaneously delivering an inflatable shell to the desired location; and inflating said shell to the final valve form by injecting a fluid.
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Specification