Patent · US Expired

Means and method of replacing a heart valve in a minimally invasive manner

US6042607A · kind A · utility

1,891Cited by
14References
104Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateFeb 21, 1997
Grant dateMar 28, 2000
Priority date
Expiry dateFeb 21, 2017

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA61B2090/395
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A heart valve can be replaced using minimally invasive methods which include a sutureless sewing cuff that and a fastener delivery tool that holds the cuff against the patient's tissue while delivering fasteners, two at a time to attach the cuff to the tissue from the inside out. The tool stores a plurality of fasteners. Drawstrings are operated from outside the patient's body and cinch the sewing cuff to the valve body. The cuff is releasably mounted on the tool and the tool holds the cuff against tissue and drives the fastener through the cuff and the tissue before folding over the legs of the fastener whereby secure securement between the cuff and the tissue is assured. At least two rows of staggered fasteners are formed whereby fasteners are located continuously throughout the entire circumference of the cuff. A minimally invasive surgical method is disclosed, and a method and tool are disclosed for repairing abdominal aortic aneurysms in a minimally invasive manner.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.