Methods and apparatuses for deploying minimally-invasive heart valves
US8740975B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 19, 2009 |
| Grant date | Jun 3, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 30, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2/2427
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method for delivering and deploying a self-expandable heart valve to a site of implantation such as the aortic annulus. The deployment step may include engaging an outer surface of the heart valve with a plurality of distal fingers and a plurality of proximal fingers. Controlled radial movement of the fingers regulates the expansion of the heart valve. The fingers may be removed prior to inflation of a balloon to fully expand the valve, or the fingers may be repositioned to the inside of the valve for this purpose. The deployment step may include an umbrella structure that forces the valve outward into its fully expanded configuration. Alternatively, a gear shaft that engages one or more gear tracks on the valve may be utilized to regulate expansion of the valve. A stabilization balloon may be used to axially and radially locate the deployment mechanism relative to the site of implantation.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.