Amorphous metal alloy medical devices

• US 7,887,584 B2
• Filed: 10/01/2008
• Issued: 02/15/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 06/27/2003
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Valve Medical Ltd.
• Original Assignee: Zuli Holdings, Ltd.
• Inventors: Richter, Kobi (Jacob)
• Primary Examiner(s): Gherbi; Suzette J
• Application Number:
  US12/243,723
• Publication Number:
  US 20090054977A1
• Time in Patent Office: 867 Days
• Field of Search: 623 219- 242
• US Class Current: 623/2.42
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2210/0076 multilayered, e.g. laminated structures
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 17/145 Coating
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 27/04 Metals or alloys
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 27/34 Macromolecular materials
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 31/022 Metals or alloys
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 31/10 Macromolecular materials
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 442/10 Scrim [e.g., open net or mesh, gauze, loose or open weave or knit, etc.]
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 442/188 Metal or metal-coated fiber-containing scrim
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 442/654 Including a free metal or alloy constituent
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 442/656 Preformed metallic film or foil or sheet [film or foil or sheet had structural integrity prior to association with the nonwoven fabric]
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 442/657 Vapor, chemical, or spray deposited metal layer

Abstract

This invention provides a new class of medical devices and implants comprising amorphous metal alloys. The medical devices and implants may be temporary or permanent and may comprise other materials as well, such as polymers, ceramics, and conventional crystalline or polycrystalline metal alloys.

Specifically, this invention provides an artificial heart component, such as an artificial heart valve or a pacemaker, wherein the artificial heart component includes an amorphous metal alloy component. The artificial heart valve may be a ball valve comprising an amorphous metal alloy cage. Alternatively, the artificial heart valve can include leaves made of amorphous metal alloy. The amorphous metal alloy component may also be a sheath or a strut. The pacemaker containing the amorphous metal alloy may house an energy source which is shielded from the body by the amorphous metal alloy.

Claims

1. An implantable heart valve having an amorphous metal alloy component selected from the group consisting of a sheet, wire and strut having a wide elastic range.

2. The implantable heart valve according to claim 1, wherein the wide elastic range enhances durability.

3. The implantable heart valve according to claim 1, wherein the wide elastic range allows deformation for deliverability.

4. The implantable heart valve according to claim 1, wherein the sheet forms a leaflet.

5. The implantable heart valve according to claim 1, wherein the wire enforces a polymeric fabric, said fabric forming a valve leaflet.

6. The implantable heart valve according to claim 1, wherein the struts comprise support struts for the valve.

7. The implantable heart valve according to claim 1, wherein the wire forms a heart valve ring.