Heart valve delivery system with valve catheter

US8167932B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES CORPORATION · US

Inventors

• Henry Bourang · Turlock, US
• Thanh Huy Le · Oceanside, US
• David M. Taylor · Lake Forest, US
• Sam Sok · Santa Ana, US
• Mario Iobbi · Craydon Court, US
• Rajesh Khanna · Indianapolis, US
• Dave J. Evans · Irvine, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 18, 2005
• Grant date: May 1, 2012
• Expiry date: Oct 2, 2028

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61F2002/9583
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A heart valve delivery system is provided wherein a prosthetic valve is carried on a valve catheter inside a delivery sleeve. A step balloon protrudes from the delivery sleeve and provides a tapered surface for facilitating advancement through a body vessel. The step balloon also aids in crossing the leaflets of a native valve. After the prosthetic valve is positioned within the native valve, the delivery sleeve is retracted to expose the prosthetic valve. In one embodiment, the delivery sleeve is retracted by the use of a lead screw, which effectuates relative movement between the valve catheter and delivery sleeve. The prosthetic valve is preferably self-expandable. If necessary, the step balloon may be expanded to securely seat the prosthetic valve at the site of the native valve. The prosthetic valve is preferably coupled to the valve catheter by a plurality of flexible extension arms which allow the prosthetic valve to be collapsed after initial deployment such that the prosthetic valve may be repositioned if necessary.