Bioresorbable annuloplasty prosthesis

• US 6,258,122 B1
• Filed: 02/05/1997
• Issued: 07/10/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 11/01/1995
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: St Jude Medical Incorporated (Abbott Laboratories Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: St Jude Medical Incorporated (Abbott Laboratories Incorporated)
• Inventors: Malikowski, Peggy T., Tweden, Katherine S.
• Primary Examiner(s): Snow, Bruce
• Application Number:
  US08/794,398
• Time in Patent Office: 1,616 Days
• Field of Search: 623/1, 623/2, 623/900, 623/2.36
• US Class Current: 623/2.36
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00004 (bio)absorbable, (bio)resorbable, resorptive for implantable prostheses A61F2210/0004
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 90/39 Markers, e.g. radio-opaque or breast lesions markers
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/2448 D-shaped rings
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2210/0004 bioabsorbable
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 31/148 Materials at least partially resorbable by the body

Abstract

This invention relates to heart valve annuloplasty prostheses that are fashioned of bioresorbable materials. The prostheses are eventually resorbed by the patient, during which time regenerated tissue replaces the prosthesis. This leaves the patient with a biological and functional annular structure, resulting in improved heart valve function.

Claims

1. An annuloplasty prosthesis for use in remodeling a diseased annulus of a natural heart valve, consisting essentially of a biocompatible, resorbable member that is sized and shaped to extend about at least a substantial portion of the circumference of said annulus, wherein, following surgical implantation, said member is resorbed at a rate allowing regeneration of reinforcing tissue in said annulus;

wherein said prosthesis is adapted to function at the aortic valve position of the heart;

wherein said member is shaped to follow the contours of the aortic valves commissures;

wherein said member further includes a collar adapted for attachment to the aortic complex above said commissures, where said collar extends from said sized and shaped member.

2. An annuloplasty prosthesis for use in remodeling a diseased annulus of a natural heart valve, consisting essentially of a biocompatible, resorbable member that is sized and shaped to extend about at least a substantial portion of the circumference of said annulus, wherein, following surgical implantation, said member is resorbed at a rate allowing regeneration of reinforcing tissue in said annulus;

wherein said member comprises a biocompatible, resorbable polymer;

wherein said member is porous.