US5104407A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Selectively flexible annuloplasty ring
Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences Corp
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Filing: 1990-09-20
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Granted: 1992-04-14
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Expires: 2010-09-20
Abstract
Abstract An annuloplasty ring prosthesis which is formed from a selectively flexible body element having at least one defined length about its circumference which is substantially rigid. The remainder of the body element gradually increases in flexibility. The body element is a substantially annular shaped body element which is designed to be sutured to the annulus of a heart valve. The body element is formed from a non-corrosive, anti-magnetic material, and is wrapped in a material through which sutures can be drawn to suture the prosthesis to the heart valve annulus.
Inventors
- 👤 Hung L. Lam
- 👤 Than Nguyen
- 👤 Alain Carpentier
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-22 21:06
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61F; A61F2/00; A61F2/02; A61F2/24; A61F2/2442; A61F2/2445; A61F2/2448; A61F2250/00; A61F2250/0014; A61F2250/0018
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 54
Claim 1
Independent Claim
106 words
An annuloplasty ring prosthesis for suturing about a hear valve annulus comprising: a selectively flexible body member which is formed with a substantially annular shape proportioned to fit about the circumference of said heart valve annulus, said selectively flexible body member having at least one defined length which is substantially more rigid than the remainder of said selectively flexible body member, said substantially more rigid defined length comprising a portion of said member which curves upward out of a plane in which the remainder of said body member substantially lies; and a covering surrounding said body member which is formed to permit the passage of sutures.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
106 words
An annuloplasty ring prosthesis for suturing about a hear valve annulus comprising: a selectively flexible body member which is formed with a substantially annular shape proportioned to fit about the circumference of said heart valve annulus, said selectively flexible body member having at least one defined length which is substantially more rigid than the remainder of said selectively flexible body member, said substantially more rigid defined length comprising a portion of said member which curves upward out of a plane in which the remainder of said body member substantially lies; and a covering surrounding said body member which is formed to permit the passage of sutures.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
The annuloplasty ring prosthesis of claim 1 wherein said rigid length defines from about 1/8 to about 1/2 of the circumference of said selectively flexible body member.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
45 words
The annuloplasty ring prosthesis of claim 1 wherein said body member is configured with two opposing longitudinal sides and two opposing lateral sides, with said longitudinal sides being longer than said lateral sides and said rigid length being defined along one of said longitudinal sides.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
29 words
The annuloplasty ring prosthesis of claim 3 wherein said one of said longitudinal sides is defined by from about 1/5 to about 1/3 of the circumference of said member.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
The annuloplasty ring prosthesis of claim 4 wherein said rigid length is defined by from about 5/8 to about 3/2 of said longitudinal side.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
56 words
The annuloplasty ring prosthesis of claim 5 wherein said selectively flexible body member has varying degrees of stiffness as defined by a ratio of stiffness, as measured by the spring rate of said prosthesis in the longitudinal direction over the spring rate of said prosthesis in the lateral direction of from about 1.15 to about 2.77.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
56 words
The annuloplasty ring prosthesis of claim 3 wherein said selectively flexible body member has varying degrees of stiffness as defined by a ratio of stiffness, as measured by the spring rate of said prosthesis in the longitudinal direction over the spring rate of said prosthesis in the lateral direction of from about 1.15 to about 2.77.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
26 words
The annuloplasty ring prosthesis of claim 7 wherein said member gradually increases in flexibility about its circumference in a direction away from said defined rigid length.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
126 words
An annuloplasty ring prosthesis for suturing about a heart valve annulus comprising: a selectively flexible body member which is formed with a substantially annular shape proportioned to fit about the circumference of said heart valve annulus, said flexible body member being formed from one or more individual substantially flat bands wrapped upon one another to form a multi-layered structure, said selectively flexible body member being at least one defined length which is substantially more rigid than the remainder of said body member, said defined length defined by a portion of said body member which curves upward out of a plane in which the remainder of said body member substantially lies; and a covering surrounding said body member which is formed to permit the passage of sutures.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
126 words
An annuloplasty ring prosthesis for suturing about a heart valve annulus comprising: a selectively flexible body member which is formed with a substantially annular shape proportioned to fit about the circumference of said heart valve annulus, said flexible body member being formed from one or more individual substantially flat bands wrapped upon one another to form a multi-layered structure, said selectively flexible body member being at least one defined length which is substantially more rigid than the remainder of said body member, said defined length defined by a portion of said body member which curves upward out of a plane in which the remainder of said body member substantially lies; and a covering surrounding said body member which is formed to permit the passage of sutures.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
27 words
The annuloplasty ring prosthesis of claim 9 wherein said defined rigid length is defined by from about 1/8 to about 1/2 of the circumference of said member.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
47 words
The annuloplasty ring prosthesis of claim 9 wherein said body member is configured with two opposing longitudinal and two opposing lateral sides, with the longitudinal sides being longer than the lateral sides and with said rigid length be defined by portion of one of said longitudinal sides.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
32 words
The annuloplasty ring prosthesis of claim 9 wherein said defined rigid length, is defined by at least a part of one of said longitudinal sides, which side curves outward from said plane.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
29 words
The annuloplasty ring prosthesis of claim 12 wherein said one of said longitudinal sides is defined by from about 1/5 to about 1/3 of the circumference of said member.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
25 words
The annuloplasty ring prosthesis of claim 13 wherein said defined rigid length is defined by from about 5/8 to about 3/2 of said longitudinal side.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
56 words
The annuloplasty ring prosthesis of claim 14 wherein said selectively flexible body member has varying degrees of stiffness as defined by a ratio of stiffness, as measured by the spring rate of said prosthesis in the longitudinal direction over the spring rate of said prosthesis in the lateral direction of from about 1.15 to about 2.77.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
16 words
The annuloplasty ring prosthesis of claim 15 wherein said body member is a single wound band.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
25 words
The annuloplasty ring prosthesis of claim 16 wherein said defined rigid length is formed by crimping or welding together a length of said individual band.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
17 words
The annuloplasty ring prosthesis of claim 15 wherein said body member is a plurality of individual bands.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
25 words
The annuloplasty ring prosthesis of claim 18 wherein said defined rigid length is formed by crimping or welding together a length of said individual bands.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
26 words
The annuloplasty ring prosthesis of claim 18 wherein said member gradually increases in flexibility about its circumference in a direction away from said defined rigid length.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
56 words
The annuloplasty ring prosthesis of claim 11 wherein said selectively flexible body member has varying degrees of stiffness as defined by a ratio of stiffness, as measured by the spring rate of said prosthesis in the longitudinal direction over the spring rate of said prosthesis in the lateral direction of from about 1.15 to about 2.77.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
26 words
The annuloplasty ring prosthesis of claim 11 wherein said member gradually increases in flexibility about it circumference in a direction away from said defined rigid length.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
26 words
The annuloplasty ring prosthesis of claim 9 wherein said member gradually increases in flexibility about its circumference in a direction away from said defined rigid length.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
126 words
An annuloplasty ring prosthesis for suturing about a heart valve annulus comprising: a selectively flexible body member formed from a plurality of individual wire strands arranged in a bundle and in a substantially annular shape proportioned to fit about the circumference of said heart valve annulus, said selectively flexible body member having at least one length which is substantially more rigid than the remainder of said selectively flexible body member as defined by fixing together said individual wire strands along said length, wherein said bundle of individual wire strands is arranged in an elastomeric tube, with the individual strands embedded in an elastomeric material held within said tube; and a covering surrounding said selectively flexible body member which is formed to permit the passage of sutures.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
126 words
An annuloplasty ring prosthesis for suturing about a heart valve annulus comprising: a selectively flexible body member formed from a plurality of individual wire strands arranged in a bundle and in a substantially annular shape proportioned to fit about the circumference of said heart valve annulus, said selectively flexible body member having at least one length which is substantially more rigid than the remainder of said selectively flexible body member as defined by fixing together said individual wire strands along said length, wherein said bundle of individual wire strands is arranged in an elastomeric tube, with the individual strands embedded in an elastomeric material held within said tube; and a covering surrounding said selectively flexible body member which is formed to permit the passage of sutures.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
29 words
The annuloplasty ring prosthesis of claim 24 wherein said defined rigid length is defined by from about 1/8 to about 1/2 of the circumference of said selectively flexible body.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
45 words
The annuloplasty ring prosthesis of claim 24 wherein said body member is configured with two opposing longitudinal sides and two opposing lateral sides, with said longitudinal sides being longer than said lateral sides, and said rigid length being defined along one of said longitudinal sides.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
34 words
The annuloplasty ring prosthesis of claim 26 wherein one of said longitudinal sides is substantially straight, and wherein said rigid length is defined by at least a part of said substantially straight longitudinal side.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
25 words
The annuloplasty ring prosthesis of claim 27 wherein said rigid length is defined by from about 5/8 to about 3/2 of said straight longitudinal side.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
115 words
An annuloplasty ring prosthesis for suturing about a heart valve annulus comprising: a selectively flexible body member formed from a plurality of individual wire strands arranged in a bundle and in a substantially annular shape proportioned to fit about the circumference of said heart valve annulus, said selectively flexible body member having at least one length which is substantially more rigid than the remainder of said selectively flexible body member as defined by fixing together said individual wire strands along said length, wherein each of said individual wire strands is coated with polytetrafluoroethylene or an elastomeric material; and a covering surrounding said selectively flexible body member which is formed to permit the passage of sutures.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
115 words
An annuloplasty ring prosthesis for suturing about a heart valve annulus comprising: a selectively flexible body member formed from a plurality of individual wire strands arranged in a bundle and in a substantially annular shape proportioned to fit about the circumference of said heart valve annulus, said selectively flexible body member having at least one length which is substantially more rigid than the remainder of said selectively flexible body member as defined by fixing together said individual wire strands along said length, wherein each of said individual wire strands is coated with polytetrafluoroethylene or an elastomeric material; and a covering surrounding said selectively flexible body member which is formed to permit the passage of sutures.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
30 words
The annuloplasty ring prosthesis of claim 1 wherein said defined rigid length is defined by from about 1/8 to about 1/2 of the circumference of said selectively flexible body member.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
45 words
The annuloplasty ring prosthesis of claim 1 wherein said body member is configured with two opposing longitudinal sides and two opposing lateral sides with said longitudinal sides being longer than said lateral sides and said rigid length being defined along one of said longitudinal sides.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
17 words
The annuloplasty ring prosthesis of claim 31 wherein said one of said longitudinal sides is substantially straight.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
56 words
The annuloplasty ring prosthesis of claim 32 wherein said selectively flexible body member has varying degrees of stiffness as defined by a ratio of stiffness, as measured by the spring rate of said sides in said longitudinal direction over the spring rate of said sides in said lateral direction of from about 1.15 to about 2.77.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
37 words
The annuloplasty ring prosthesis of claim 29 wherein said body member is configured with a substantially straight side, said substantially straight side being defined by from about 1/5 to about 1/3 of the circumference of said member.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
25 words
The annuloplasty ring prosthesis of claim 34 wherein said rigid length is defined by from about 5/8 to about 3/2 of said straight longitudinal side.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
56 words
The annuloplasty ring prosthesis of claim 31 wherein said selectively flexible body member has varying degrees of stiffness as defined by a ratio of stiffness, as measured by the spring rate of said sides in said longitudinal direction over the spring rate of said sides in said lateral direction of from about 1.15 to about 2.77.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
56 words
The annuloplasty ring prosthesis of claim 35 wherein said selectively flexible body member has varying degrees of stiffness as defined by a ratio of stiffness, as measured by the spring rate of said sides in said longitudinal direction over the spring rate of said sides in said lateral direction of from about 1.15 to about 2.77.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
26 words
The annuloplasty ring prosthesis of claim 29 wherein said member gradually increases in flexibility about its circumference in a direction away from said defined rigid length.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
128 words
An annuloplasty ring prosthesis for suturing about a heart valve annulus comprising: a selectively flexible body member having a substantially annular shape proportional to fit about the circumference of said heart valve annulus which is formed from a multi-lumen tubular enclosure, with individual wire strands positioned individually in each of said tubular enclosure lumens, said body member being formed at one or more positions about its circumference with defined lengths which are substantially more rigid than the remainder of said body circumference, said member gradually increasing in flexibility about its circumference in a direction away from each of said defined rigid lengths; and means associated with said body member for enclosing said tubular structure, which is formed to permit suturing of said ring prosthesis about said heart valve.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
128 words
An annuloplasty ring prosthesis for suturing about a heart valve annulus comprising: a selectively flexible body member having a substantially annular shape proportional to fit about the circumference of said heart valve annulus which is formed from a multi-lumen tubular enclosure, with individual wire strands positioned individually in each of said tubular enclosure lumens, said body member being formed at one or more positions about its circumference with defined lengths which are substantially more rigid than the remainder of said body circumference, said member gradually increasing in flexibility about its circumference in a direction away from each of said defined rigid lengths; and means associated with said body member for enclosing said tubular structure, which is formed to permit suturing of said ring prosthesis about said heart valve.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
35 words
The annuloplasty ring prosthesis of claim 39 wherein said prosthesis member includes only one of said defined rigid lengths, which is defined by from about 1/8 to about 1/2 of the circumference of said member.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
34 words
The annuloplasty ring prosthesis of claim 39 wherein said body member is dimensioned to be longer in a longitudinal direction than in a lateral direction, with said member being stiffer in said longitudinal direction.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
53 words
The annuloplasty ring prosthesis of claim 41 wherein a portion of one side of said body member along said longitudinal direction is substantially straight, and wherein said prosthesis member includes only one of said defined rigid lengths, with said defined rigid length being defined by at least a part of said straight side.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
27 words
The annuloplasty ring prosthesis of claim 42 wherein said straight side is defined by the from about 1/5 to about 1/3 of the circumference of said member.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
25 words
The annuloplasty ring prosthesis of claim 43 wherein said defined rigid length is defined by from about 5/8 to about 3/2 of said straight side.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
56 words
The annuloplasty ring prosthesis of claim 44 wherein said selectively flexible body member has varying degrees of stiffness as defined by a ratio of stiffness, as measured by the spring rate of said prosthesis in the longitudinal direction over the spring rate of said prosthesis in the lateral direction of from about 1.15 to about 2.77.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
41 words
The annuloplasty ring prosthesis of claim 45 wherein said defined rigid length is formed by positioning a malleable material around a portion of said body member which is to define said rigid length, and pinching said material down upon said body.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
32 words
The annuloplasty ring prosthesis of claim 46 wherein said malleable material is pinched down upon said body member after a portion of said multi-lumen tube is removed to expose said wire strands.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
56 words
The annuloplasty ring prosthesis of claim 42 wherein said selectively flexible body member has varying degrees of stiffness as defined by a ratio of stiffness, as measured by the spring rate of said prosthesis in the longitudinal direction over the spring rate of said prosthesis in the lateral direction of from about 1.15 to about 2.77.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
56 words
The annuloplasty ring prosthesis of claim 41 wherein said selectively flexible body member has varying degrees of stiffness as defined by a ratio of stiffness, as measured by the spring rate of said prosthesis in the longitudinal direction over the spring rate of said prosthesis in the lateral direction of from about 1.15 to about 2.77.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1995-04-14 | 1995-10-14 | 1996-04-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1999-04-14 | 1999-10-14 | 2000-04-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2003-04-14 | 2003-10-14 | 2004-04-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |