VALVE ASSEMBLY WITH EXCHANGEABLE VALVE MEMBER AND A TOOL SET FOR EXCHANGING THE VALVE MEMBER

• US 20110167603A1
• Filed: 09/11/2009
• Published: 07/14/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 09/12/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Valvexchange, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Valvexchange, Inc.
• Inventors: Vesely, Ivan
• Granted Patent: US 8,925,164 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 29/221.6
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/2409 Support rings therefor, e.g. for connecting valves to tissue annuloplasty rings A61F2/2442
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/2412 with soft flexible valve members, e.g. tissue valves shaped like natural valves check valves with flexible valve members in general F16K15/14
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/2427 Devices for manipulating or deploying heart valves during implantation
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/9528 for retrieval of stents
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2250/006 modular
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/53596 Removal tool

Abstract

A valve assembly with an exchangeable valve member and a docking station, and a tool set that facilitates the exchange of a valve member. The tool set includes a stabilizer or holding tool for holding the docking station during an exchange procedure, a valve extraction or removal tool for removing an existing valve member from an installed docking station, and an insertion tool for installing a replacement valve member.

Claims

1. A multi-function valve exchange apparatus for facilitating exchange of a valve member of a valve assembly that includes a valve member detachably coupled to a base member, the apparatus comprising:

a holding tool including;

a first engagement member moveable between a collapsed position and an expanded position, wherein said first engagement member engages with the base member in the expanded position; and

first and second sliding members moveable relative to each other to move the first engagement member between the collapsed and expanded positions.

2. A multi-function valve exchange apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said first engagement member comprises:

a plurality of articulating joints connecting said first engagement member with the first and second sliding members.

3. A multi-function valve exchange apparatus according to claim 2, wherein each said articulating joint is comprised of a link and an arm.

4. A multi-function valve exchange apparatus according to claim 3, wherein each arm has a projection dimensioned to be received by a recess formed in said base member.

5. A multi-function valve exchange apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said multi-function valve exchange apparatus further comprises:

an actuator tool engageable with said first and second sliding members to move said first and second sliding members relative to each other.

6. A multi-function valve exchange apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said actuator tool includes a pair of pivotally connected arms.

7. A multi-function valve exchange apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said multi-function valve exchange apparatus further comprises:

a removal tool mountable to said holding tool and moveable relative thererto, said removal tool including;

a second engagement member moveable between a collapsed position and an expanded position, wherein said second engagement member engages with the valve member of said valve assembly in the expanded position to uncouple said valve member from said base member.

8. A multi-function valve exchange apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said removal tool further comprises:

first and second sliding members moveable relative to each other to move said second engagement member between the collapsed and expanded positions.

9. A multi-function valve exchange apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said second engagement member includes a plurality of arms, each arm pivotally mounted to one of said first and second sliding members.

10. A multi-function valve exchange apparatus according to claim 9, wherein each said arm has a projection dimensioned to be received by an opening in said valve member.

11. A multi-function valve exchange apparatus according to claim 10, wherein a cap is pivotally mounted to each of said arms, said cap engageable with the valve member of the valve assembly.

12. A multi-function valve exchange apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said removal tool further comprises:

a rotatable actuator for moving said second engagement member between the collapsed and expanded positions.

13. A multi-function valve exchange apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said multi-function valve exchange apparatus further comprises:

an insertion tool mountable to said holding tool and moveable relative thereto, wherein said insertion tool includes;

a guide sleeve for guiding movement of the insertion tool relative to said holding tool; and

a second engagement member attached to the guide sleeve, wherein a new valve member is attachable to the second engagement member.

14. A multi-function valve exchange apparatus according to claim 13, wherein said new valve member is attached to said second engagement member by sutures.

15. A multi-function valve exchange apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said multi-function valve exchange apparatus further comprises:

an alignment tool mountable to the holding tool and moveable relative thererto, wherein said alignment tool includes;

a collar portion; and

a second engagement member comprising;

a plurality of arms extending from the collar portion; and

a plurality of caps for engagement with said valve member of said valve assembly, wherein each cap is connected with one of said arms.

16. A multi-function valve exchange apparatus according to claim 15, wherein said second engagement member further comprises:

a plurality of U-shaped connecting members extending between adjacent caps, wherein each said U-shaped connecting member generally matches a surface contour of a ribbon section of said valve member.

17. A multi-function valve exchange apparatus for facilitating exchange of a valve member of a valve assembly that includes a valve member detachably coupled to a base member, the apparatus comprising:

a holding tool including;

a first engagement member moveable between a collapsed position and an expanded position, wherein said first engagement member engages with the base member in the expanded position; and

first and second sliding members moveable relative to each other to move the first engagement member between the collapsed and expanded positions; and

a removal tool mountable to said holding tool and moveable relative thererto, said removal tool including;

a second engagement member moveable between a collapsed position and an expanded position, wherein said second engagement member engages with the valve member of said valve assembly in the expanded position to uncouple said valve member from said base member; and

an insertion tool mountable to said holding tool and moveable relative thereto, wherein said insertion tool includes;

a guide sleeve for guiding movement of the insertion tool relative to said holding tool; and

a third engagement member attached to the guide sleeve, wherein a new valve member is attachable to the third engagement member.

18. A multi-function valve exchange apparatus according to claim 17, wherein said multi-function valve exchange apparatus further comprises:

an alignment tool mountable to the holding tool and moveable relative thererto, wherein said alignment tool includes;

a collar portion; and

a fourth engagement member comprising;

a plurality of arms extending from the collar portion; and

a plurality of caps for engagement with said valve member of said valve assembly, wherein each cap is connected with one of said arms.