Heart valve prosthesis
First Claim
1. A heart valve prosthesis comprising an annular support frame for a plurality of flexible tissue valve elements, said support frame having a plurality of spaced posts defining openings therebetween to permit a portion of each valve element to flex from an open position to a closed position, and means for securing the valve elements to the support frame comprising an outer annular sleeve concentric with said support frame adapted to clamp a non-flexing portion of each valve element in operative position between the support frame and said sleeve characterized in that said support frame and said sleeve are releasably secured to each other by means of a plurality in interengaging projections extending from one of the frame and sleeve member and releasably and connected to the other menber and on which the valve elements are mounted.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A heart valve prosthesis comprising an annular support frame for a plurality of flexible tissue valve components. The support frame has a plurality of spaced posts defining openings therebetween to permit a portion of each valve element to flex from an open position to a closed position. An annular sleeve, concentric with said support frame, is adapted to clamp a non-flexing portion of each valve element in operative position between the support frame and said sleeve.
205 Citations
14 Claims
- 1. A heart valve prosthesis comprising an annular support frame for a plurality of flexible tissue valve elements, said support frame having a plurality of spaced posts defining openings therebetween to permit a portion of each valve element to flex from an open position to a closed position, and means for securing the valve elements to the support frame comprising an outer annular sleeve concentric with said support frame adapted to clamp a non-flexing portion of each valve element in operative position between the support frame and said sleeve characterized in that said support frame and said sleeve are releasably secured to each other by means of a plurality in interengaging projections extending from one of the frame and sleeve member and releasably and connected to the other menber and on which the valve elements are mounted.
Specification