Patent · US Active

Simulated heart valve root for training and testing

US8021161B2 · kind B2 · utility

1Cited by
174References
2Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMay 1, 2006
Grant dateSep 20, 2011
Priority date
Expiry dateMay 20, 2030

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA61F2/2472
  • WIPO fieldControl
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A simulated heart valve root used for training physicians in techniques of implantation of prosthetic heart valves as well as for more realistically testing the efficacy of prosthetic heart valves. The simulated heart valve root is made of the flexible, tubular body having an inner wall defining an annular ledge within which the prosthetic heart valve is implanted. Discrete nodes or areas of simulated calcification may be provided on the annular ledge. A simulated aortic root includes alternating cusps and commissures with calcification simulated at least at one of the commissures. A tear in the annular ledge may also be provided which simulates a tear that might occur from a valvuloplasty procedure. A reinforcing sleeve may surround the flexible tubular body to provide rigidity or hoop strength thereto. A method of testing includes mounting the simulated heart valve root in a flow conduit, implanting a prosthetic heart valve in the root, applying pulsatile flow to the assembly, and monitoring for leaks. The simulated heart valve root may also be incorporated within a larger simulated heart for use in training physicians to remotely implant prosthetic heart valves.

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