Method of Manufacturing a Prosthetic Valve

• US 20120083839A1
• Filed: 10/21/2011
• Published: 04/05/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 12/31/1996
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation, Edwards Lifesciences Private Incorporated (Edwards Lifesciences Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences Private Incorporated (Edwards Lifesciences Corporation)
• Inventors: Letac, Brice, Cribier, Alain
• Granted Patent: US 9,486,312 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 606/228
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 90/39 Markers, e.g. radio-opaque or breast lesions markers
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/2409 Support rings therefor, e.g. for connecting valves to tissue annuloplasty rings A61F2/2442
• 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 2/2415 Manufacturing methods
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/2418 Scaffolds therefor, e.g. support stents
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/2433 using balloon catheter
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/2475 Venous valves
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2220/0008 Fixation appliances for connecting prostheses to the body
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2230/0054 V-shaped
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2230/0069 cylindrical
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2250/006 modular
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 623/90 Stent for heart valve
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 623/904 Heart

Abstract

A method of manufacturing a prosthetic valve is provided. A substantially tubular metallic frame is formed with intersecting bars having diameters in the range of 0.1 to 0.6 mm. The frame is constructed to be radially collapsible for advancement into a native aortic valve using a catheterization technique. The frame is constructed to be radially expandable for embedding the frame within the native aortic valve and resisting the recoil forces of the native aortic valve. A valvular structure is constructed from pericardial tissue. An internal cover is constructed from pericardial tissue to form a substantially impermeable tubular sleeve. An upper end of the internal cover is sutured to a lower end of the valvular structure. The valvular structure and internal cover are sutured to the bars for securement within the frame.

Claims

1. A method of manufacturing a prosthetic heart valve assembly, comprising:

forming a metallic frame having upper and lower extremities, the frame comprising intersecting bars having diameters in the range of 0.1 to 0.6 mm, the frame being collapsible to a compressed external diameter suitable for advancement through a patient'"'"'s vasculature and into a native aortic valve using a catheterization technique, the frame being expandable for embedding the frame within the native aortic valve, the frame being capable of resisting the recoil forces of the native aortic valve;

constructing a valvular structure from pericardial tissue, the valvular structure adapted for permitting blood flow in one direction;

constructing an internal cover from pericardial tissue, the internal cover forming a sleeve;

suturing an upper end of the internal cover to a lower end of the valvular structure;

suturing the valvular structure to the intersecting bars of the frame while the frame is in an expanded state, the valvular structure sutured to the frame with stitches extending around the bars of the frame between the upper and lower extremities; and

suturing the internal cover to the intersecting bars of the frame, the internal cover positioned between the lower extremity of the frame and the valvular structure such that the internal cover covers an internal surface only along an inferior portion of the frame;

wherein the internal cover is configured to prevent the passage of blood through spaces between the intersecting bars of the frame below the valvular structure.

2. The method of manufacture of claim 1, wherein the frame is formed with a zig-zag shape along the lower extremity.

3. The method of manufacture of claim 2, wherein a lower end of the internal cover is fastened to the lower extremity of the frame along a zig-zag line.

4. The method of manufacture of claim 1, wherein the frame is collapsible to an external diameter suitable for introduction through an 18 French arterial introducer.

5. The method of manufacture of claim 1, wherein the frame has a compressed external diameter suitable for introduction through a 16 French arterial introducer.

6. The method of manufacture of claim 1, wherein the frame has a compressed external diameter suitable for introduction through a 14 French arterial introducer.

7. The method of manufacture of claim 1, wherein the frame has an expanded diameter of about 20 to 25 mm.

8. The method of manufacture of claim 1, further comprising the step of securing strips of stiff material to the valvular structure, the strips extending substantially along a longitudinal axis for inducing a patterned movement of the valvular structure.

9. The method of manufacture of claim 1, wherein the frame is formed with a generally concave profile.

10. The method of manufacture of claim 1, wherein the wall of the frame is constructed to have a grate structure adapted for supporting the valvular structure and behaving as a scaffold for pushing against the native aortic valve.

11. The method of manufacture of claim 1, wherein the internal cover is wrapped around the lower extremity of the frame and secured to an external wall of the frame to form an external cover.

13. The method of manufacture of claim 1, wherein the internal cover strengthens securement of the valvular structure to the frame.

14. The method of manufacture of claim 1, further comprising coating the valvular structure with a substance having anti-thrombotic properties.

15. The method of manufacture of claim 1, further comprising expanding the frame before suturing the valvular structure to the intersecting bars of the frame.