Apparatus and methods for making leaflets and valve prostheses including such leaflets
US7238200B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 3, 2005 |
| Grant date | Jul 3, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 3, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S623/901
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method for making a bioprosthetic heart valve includes providing a non-contact cutting apparatus and a layer of tissue. The non-contact cutting apparatus may include a laser cutting system or high pressure water jet system. A leaflet is cut from the layer of tissue using a predefined template, and a plurality of alignment holes in the leaflet are created in the leaflet, e.g., along a peripheral edge. A support structure is provided having a plurality of alignment holes corresponding to alignment holes in the leaflet. The leaflet is secured to the support structure by securing one or more sutures through corresponding alignment holes in the leaflet and the support structure to provide a leaflet subassembly. A bioprosthetic heart valve is made by securing a set of leaflet subassemblies to a frame.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.