US6231602B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Aortic annuloplasty ring
Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences Corp
•
Filing: 1999-04-16
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Granted: 2001-05-15
•
Expires: 2019-04-16
Abstract
Abstract An infra-annular annuloplasty prosthesis is disclosed including a flexibly semi-rigid frame, a portion of which is shaped to conform to the scalloped configuration of the normal circumference of an arterial heart valve annulus. Axially projecting legs spaced circumferentially to correspond to the location of tissue adjacent to the valve commissures are provided for support and anchoring of the annulus-conforming portion to the dense fibrous tissues adjacent each commissure. The prosthesis includes a one-or two-part frame having scalloped upper and lower edges defining peaks and valleys. The upper edge is shaped to follow the contour of the tissue underneath the valve leaflets, and thus supports the leaflets and aortic wall from below. The lower edge is similarly scallop-shaped, but with less pronounced peaks and valleys than the upper edge, and is thus shaped to conform to the aortic annulus shape and provide support directly thereto.
Inventors
- 👤 Alain Carpentier
- 👤 Hung Ly Lam
- 👤 Than Nguyen
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-22 22:56
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61F; A61F2/00; A61F2/02; A61F2/24; A61F2/2442; A61F2/2445
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
132 words
An annuloplasty prosthesis for infra-annular use in restoring the normal circumference of the dilated annulus and sinuses of a natural arterial heart valve having leaflets having a plurality of commissures, said prosthesis comprising: an upper edge having a plurality of axially projecting legs, each of said legs corresponding to the location of a commissure of said valve and being sequentially interconnected by arcuate circumferential segments of said upper edge, the upper edge thus defining a series of peaks and valleys; a lower edge disposed below and substantially adjacent to said upper edge and shaped to conform to the peaks and valleys of upper edge, the lower edge defining a series of peaks and valleys which is less pronounced than that of the upper edge; and a flexible biocompatible material covering the prosthesis.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
132 words
An annuloplasty prosthesis for infra-annular use in restoring the normal circumference of the dilated annulus and sinuses of a natural arterial heart valve having leaflets having a plurality of commissures, said prosthesis comprising: an upper edge having a plurality of axially projecting legs, each of said legs corresponding to the location of a commissure of said valve and being sequentially interconnected by arcuate circumferential segments of said upper edge, the upper edge thus defining a series of peaks and valleys; a lower edge disposed below and substantially adjacent to said upper edge and shaped to conform to the peaks and valleys of upper edge, the lower edge defining a series of peaks and valleys which is less pronounced than that of the upper edge; and a flexible biocompatible material covering the prosthesis.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
The prosthesis of claim 1 comprising: an upper wireform forming the upper edge; and a lower wireform forming the lower edge.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
The prosthesis of claim 1 wherein said upper and lower wireforms are spaced apart and only connected by the flexible biocompatible material covering.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
13 words
The prosthesis of claim 1 wherein said upper and lower wireforms are metallic.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
16 words
The prosthesis of claim 4 wherein said upper and lower wireforms are formed of nickel-cobalt alloy.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
25 words
The prosthesis of claim 1 wherein the upper and lower edges are defined by a single-walled structure adapted to be pierced by a suturing needle.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
19 words
The prosthesis of claim 6 wherein said single-walled structure has a plurality of suturing holes disposed about its surface.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
11 words
The prosthesis of claim 7 wherein said single-walled structure is metallic.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
11 words
The prosthesis of claim 6 wherein said single-walled structure is plastic.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
12 words
The prosthesis of claim 1 wherein said biocompatible material is woven polyester.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
137 words
A method for restoring the normal circumference of a dilated annulus of a natural arterial heart valve having a plurality of leaflets and commissures under the valve leaflets intersecting with an aortic wall, said method comprising; providing an infra-annular ring prosthesis including a flexible portion having arcuate segments dimensioned to conform to said normal circumference of said heart valve annulus, an anchoring portion including a plurality of axially projecting legs, each of said legs dimensioned to conform to respective commissures, and a flexible biocompatible covering material; inserting said infra-annular prosthesis from above said valve through an aperture formed by the opening of said valve leaflets; positioning said prosthesis below said valve adjacent to said annulus and below said commissures with each of said legs disposed adjacent to respective commissures; and suturing each of said legs in place.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
137 words
A method for restoring the normal circumference of a dilated annulus of a natural arterial heart valve having a plurality of leaflets and commissures under the valve leaflets intersecting with an aortic wall, said method comprising; providing an infra-annular ring prosthesis including a flexible portion having arcuate segments dimensioned to conform to said normal circumference of said heart valve annulus, an anchoring portion including a plurality of axially projecting legs, each of said legs dimensioned to conform to respective commissures, and a flexible biocompatible covering material; inserting said infra-annular prosthesis from above said valve through an aperture formed by the opening of said valve leaflets; positioning said prosthesis below said valve adjacent to said annulus and below said commissures with each of said legs disposed adjacent to respective commissures; and suturing each of said legs in place.
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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) | 2004-05-14 | 2004-11-13 | 2005-05-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2008-05-14 | 2008-11-13 | 2009-05-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2012-05-14 | 2012-11-13 | 2013-05-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |