Multi-leaflet bioprosthetic heart valve
First Claim
1. A multi-leaflet bioprosthetic heart valve comprising a plurality of leaflets, wherein each of the leaflets has a measured deflection response within 0.030 inches of the other leaflets upon application of a load sufficient to stress each of the leaflets between 300 and 600 kPa.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Heart valve leaflet selection methods and apparatuses which subject individual leaflets to loads and measure the resulting deflection to more reliably group leaflets of similar physical characteristics for later assembly in prosthetic heart valves. The deflection testing may be accomplished using a variety of test set ups which are designed to impart a load on the leaflet which simulates the actual loading within a heart valve. The results from a number of deflection tests are used to categorize individual leaflets, which data can be combined with other data regarding the characteristics of the leaflet to better select leaflets for assembly into a multi-leaflet heart valve. In one embodiment, the deflection test is combined with an intrinsic load test, and leaflets having similar deflection and intrinsic load values used in the same heart valve. One apparatus for testing the leaflets includes a frame for securing the arcuate cusp of the leaflet while the straight coapting edge remains free, to simulate the actual leaflet mounting configuration within the heart valve prosthesis. The frame may include a lower portion having a recess for the leaflet and plurality of receptor holes around the peripheral edge of the recess, and an upper portion having a plurality of needles which extend downward through the leaflet and into the receptor holes and secure the edges of the leaflet.
340 Citations
15 Claims
- 1. A multi-leaflet bioprosthetic heart valve comprising a plurality of leaflets, wherein each of the leaflets has a measured deflection response within 0.030 inches of the other leaflets upon application of a load sufficient to stress each of the leaflets between 300 and 600 kPa.
- 12. A multi-leaflet bioprosthetic heart valve comprising a plurality of bovine pericardium leaflets, wherein each of the leaflets has a measured deflection response of between 0.17 and 0.34 inches upon application of a load sufficient to stress each of the leaflets between 300 and 600 kPa.
Specification