Pre-stressing devices incorporating materials subject to stress softening
US6287338A · kind A · utility
132Cited by
11References
26Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 10, 1999 |
| Grant date | Sep 11, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 10, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2/2415
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and apparatus for pre-stressing devices incorporating materials subject to stress softening is disclosed, as well as the resulting device. The method includes fabricating a heart valve with an inflow side and an outflow side. At least a portion of the heart valve includes a material subject to stress softening. The material experiences stress when a pressure differential occurs between the inflow side and the outflow side of the valve. The method includes creating a stress in the material prior to implantation in order to stabilize the stress/strain response of the material prior to implantation.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.