Force-based heart valve sizer
US9345574B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 6, 2012 |
| Grant date | May 24, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 7, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2250/0073
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A valve sizer for determining an appropriate replacement valve size when performing a heart valve replacement procedure is provided. In one version the valve sizer has a hollow shaft with proximal and distal ends. A movable sizing element couples to the distal end of the shaft and is radially expandable between first, contracted and second, expanded positions. An actuator assembly on a handle includes an actuator coupled to a clutch member via a ball-spring-detent clutch. A rod extends through the shaft and maintains a fixed distance between the handle and a distal hub in the sizing element. Movement of the actuator causes axial movement of the shaft, thereby causing radial expansion of sizing petals relative to the hub. The clutch slips when a predetermined reaction force from the surrounding valve annulus is met by the petals.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.