TOOLS FOR REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION OF EXCHANGEABLE CARDIOVASCULAR VALVES

• US 20100004739A1
• Filed: 01/17/2008
• Published: 01/07/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 01/18/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Valvexchange, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Valvexchange, Inc.
• Inventors: Vesely, Ivan
• Granted Patent: US 8,460,369 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 623/2.11
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/2412 with soft flexible valve members, e.g. tissue valves shaped like natural valves check valves with flexible valve members in general F16K15/14
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/2427 Devices for manipulating or deploying heart valves during implantation
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/243 Deployment by mechanical expansion
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/9528 for retrieval of stents
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2250/006 modular

Abstract

Tools for the removal and installation of exchangeable cardiovascular valves. The tools facilitate rapid exchange of a cardiovascular valve member mounted in the aortic position (retrograde exchange) or the mitral position (transapical exchange).

Claims

1. A holding tool for facilitating the exchange of a valve member of a valve assembly that includes a valve member detachably coupled to a base member, the holding tool comprising:

a body;

a plurality of fingers mounted to the body and moveable between a collapsed position and an expanded position, said fingers engageable with the base member in the expanded position; and

an actuator for actuating movement of the fingers between the collapsed and expanded positions.

2. A holding tool according to claim 1, wherein each of said fingers include a protuberance dimensioned to be received by a depression formed in a surface of said base member.

3. A holding tool according to claim 1, wherein each of said fingers include a protuberance dimensioned to be received by a hole formed in said-base member.

4. A holding tool according to claim 1, wherein each of said fingers include a depression dimensioned to receive a protuberance formed in a surface of said base member.

5. A holding tool according to claim 1, wherein said body defines a recess dimensioned to receive a valve removal tool for detaching the valve member from the base member.

6. A holding tool according to claim 5, wherein said body has an inner surface that includes a groove dimensioned to receive a locating means of the valve removal tool, wherein said groove and locating means facilitate orientation of the valve removal tool relative to the valve member.

7. A holding tool according to claim 1, wherein said holding tool further comprises a plurality of rods connecting said actuator with said plurality of fingers.

8. A holding tool according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of fingers are pivotally connected with said body.

9. A holding tool according to claim 1, wherein said actuator is rotatable to effect movement of said plurality of fingers.

10. A tool for facilitating the exchange of a valve member of a valve assembly that includes a valve member detachably coupled to a base member, the tool comprising:

a body;

a plurality of arms mounted to the body and moveable between a collapsed position and an expanded position, said arms engageable with the valve member in the expanded position; and

a first actuator for actuating movement of the arms between the collapsed and expanded positions.

11. A tool according to claim 10, wherein each of said arms include a gripping element for grasping a portion of said valve member, said gripping element moveable between an open position and a closed position.

12. A tool according to claim 11, wherein said tool further comprises a second actuator for actuating movement of the gripping elements between the open and closed positions.

13. A tool according to claim 11, wherein said second actuator moves a cable to effect movement of said gripping elements.

14. A tool according to claim 10, wherein said body includes locating means to facilitate locating said tool relative to said valve member.

15. A tool according to claim 10, wherein said first actuator moves an inner sleeve relative to said body in order to effect movement of said arms.

16. A tool according to claim 15, wherein said first actuator is connected with the inner sleeve by a cable.

17. A tool according to claim 10, wherein said body defines a recess dimensioned to receive a holding tool.

18. A tool according to claim 17, wherein grooves are located within said opening, said grooves dimensioned to receive locating means.

19. A locating tool for facilitating the exchange of a valve member of a valve assembly that includes a valve member detachably coupled to a base member, the locating tool comprising:

a body defining an opening dimensioned to receive a holding tool engageable with said base member;

a plurality of snare loops, each snare loop comprised of a snare wire;

a plurality of moveable sleeves, each sleeve enclosing a portion of a snare wire;

first control means for moving the snare loops between a retracted position and a loosened position; and

second control means for moving the sleeves between a retracted position and an extended position.

20. A locating tool according to claim 19, wherein said first control means is a first sliding ring connected with the snare wires.

21. A locating tool according to claim 19, wherein said second control means is a second sliding ring connected with the sleeves.

22. A locating tool according to claim 19, wherein said snare loops are connected to adjacent snare loops by an adhesive.

23. A holding tool for facilitating the exchange of a valve member of a valve assembly that includes a valve member detachably coupled to a base member, the holding tool comprising:

a tubular body;

an inner rod moveable within the tubular body;

an articulating joint member connected to the tubular body and the inner rod, said articulating joint member moveable between a collapsed position and an expanded position, wherein movement of the inner rod relative to the tubular body moves the articulating joint member between the collapsed and expanded positions.

24. A holding tool according to claim 23, wherein said articulating joint member is comprised of:

a plurality of articulating legs, each of said legs including a protuberance dimensioned to be received by a depression formed in the base member of the valve assembly.

25. A holding tool according to claim 24, wherein said articulating legs articulate such that said protuberances are maintained in alignment at a fixed angle relative to said depressions, as said legs are articulated.

26. A holding tool according to claim 23, wherein said holding tool further comprises locating means to facilitate orientation of said holding tool relative to said valve member.