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System for in situ positioning of cardiac valve prostheses without occluding blood flow

  • US 8,057,539 B2
  • Filed: 12/19/2006
  • Issued: 11/15/2011
  • Est. Priority Date: 12/19/2006
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A device for use in positioning a cardiac valve prosthesis at an implantation site having an aortic valve annulus, the device comprising:

  • a wire element operable to facilitate advancement of the valve prosthesis; and

    an expandable element coupled to the wire element, the expandable element including at least three substantially longitudinal band elements formed of a superelastic material and having a cage-shaped expanded configuration, the expanded configuration operable to axially secure the wire element with respect to the implantation site in the vessel, while not occluding blood flow through the vessel;

    an abutment element configured to limit advancement of the prosthesis, the abutment element coupled to the wire element and disposed at a location proximal to the expandable element such that during use the abutment element operates to axially align the prosthesis with the aortic valve annulus; and

    a filter element couple to the wire element at a location distal to the abutment element, the filter element configured such that it is permeable to blood flow;

    wherein the expandable element is disposed in a symmetrical fashion about the wire element, configured such that during use at least a portion of the wire element is generally positioned along a central longitudinal axis of the vessel.

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