Heart valve and apparatus for replacement thereof
First Claim
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1. A prosthesis system for replacing a heart valve within a vessel, the apparatus comprising:
- a replacement heart valve having an annular base and a plurality of commisures extending from the annular base at spaced apart positions, each commisure having a proximal end connected with the annular base and an opposite distal end, and a plurality of commisure stabilizers connected to the replacement heart valve in a removable manner, wherein the commisure stabilizers include elongate members configured to extend lengthwise alone the respective commisures between the proximal and distal ends, said elongate members leaving a central opening between the distal ends of the commisures through which a suturing implement may be introduced to apply a suture along each commisure, the elongate members being removable from the replacement heart valve after the replacement heart valve has been sutured within the vessel.
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Abstract
Apparatus and methods for replacing a heart valve within a vessel. The apparatus includes a replacement heart valve and a plurality of commisure stabilizers connected to the commisures of the heart valve in a removable manner. The commisure stabilizers position and stabilize the commisures in the proper positions as the replacement heart valve is secured within the vessel. The commisure stabilizers may be removed following securement of the replacement heart valve within the vessel. An expansion or retraction device of the invention assists in properly positioning the valve within the vessel.
456 Citations
14 Claims
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1. A prosthesis system for replacing a heart valve within a vessel, the apparatus comprising:
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a replacement heart valve having an annular base and a plurality of commisures extending from the annular base at spaced apart positions, each commisure having a proximal end connected with the annular base and an opposite distal end, and a plurality of commisure stabilizers connected to the replacement heart valve in a removable manner, wherein the commisure stabilizers include elongate members configured to extend lengthwise alone the respective commisures between the proximal and distal ends, said elongate members leaving a central opening between the distal ends of the commisures through which a suturing implement may be introduced to apply a suture along each commisure, the elongate members being removable from the replacement heart valve after the replacement heart valve has been sutured within the vessel. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification