Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
170 words
A device for fastening and anchoring a heart valve prosthesis, the device consisting of three identical sections, each section being coupled to adjacent sections on each side of said section by an elongated supporting ridge extending in a direction generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the device, each section having a first arched element arched in a first direction, a second arched element arched in the first direction, and a third arched element arched in a second direction opposite from the first direction, the second and third arched elements being coupled to the first arched element at first points to define between the first and second arched elements a first space, each section further comprising a fourth arched element arched in the second direction and having ends coupled to the first arched element of said section and a first arched element of an adjacent section at second points distinct from the first points to define between the fourth arched element and the adjacent first arched elements a second space.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
170 words
A device for fastening and anchoring a heart valve prosthesis, the device consisting of three identical sections, each section being coupled to adjacent sections on each side of said section by an elongated supporting ridge extending in a direction generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the device, each section having a first arched element arched in a first direction, a second arched element arched in the first direction, and a third arched element arched in a second direction opposite from the first direction, the second and third arched elements being coupled to the first arched element at first points to define between the first and second arched elements a first space, each section further comprising a fourth arched element arched in the second direction and having ends coupled to the first arched element of said section and a first arched element of an adjacent section at second points distinct from the first points to define between the fourth arched element and the adjacent first arched elements a second space.
Claim 3
Independent Claim
228 words
A device for supporting a heart valve prosthesis, the device consisting essentially of three substantially identical elements, each element being coupled to adjacent elements on each side of said element by an elongated supporting member extending in a direction generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the device, each element including a first arched member coupled to, and extending in a first direction generally away from said first arched member's respective supporting members, and a second arched member coupled to the first arched member at points different from the first arched member's coupling to its respective supporting members, the second arched member extending generally in a second direction opposite from the first direction, wherein each element further includes a third arched member coupled to the first arched member at substantially the same points as the second arched member is coupled to the first arched member, the third arched member extending generally in the first direction, each element further including a pair of fourth arched members, each of said fourth arched members extending alongside, and conforming generally to, the curvature of a portion of the first arched member, each of the fourth arched members being coupled to a first arched member intermediate opposite ends of said first arched member and extending from said coupling to said first arched member generally in said second direction toward a respective supporting member.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
228 words
A device for supporting a heart valve prosthesis, the device consisting essentially of three substantially identical elements, each element being coupled to adjacent elements on each side of said element by an elongated supporting member extending in a direction generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the device, each element including a first arched member coupled to, and extending in a first direction generally away from said first arched member's respective supporting members, and a second arched member coupled to the first arched member at points different from the first arched member's coupling to its respective supporting members, the second arched member extending generally in a second direction opposite from the first direction, wherein each element further includes a third arched member coupled to the first arched member at substantially the same points as the second arched member is coupled to the first arched member, the third arched member extending generally in the first direction, each element further including a pair of fourth arched members, each of said fourth arched members extending alongside, and conforming generally to, the curvature of a portion of the first arched member, each of the fourth arched members being coupled to a first arched member intermediate opposite ends of said first arched member and extending from said coupling to said first arched member generally in said second direction toward a respective supporting member.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
50 words
The device of claim 2 wherein each fourth arched member extends to a point adjacent a respective supporting member, turns, and extends generally in the first direction, conforming generally to the curvature of a portion of a first arched member of an adjacent element on one side of said element.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
The device of claim 3 wherein each element further includes transversal members extending between its respective supporting members.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
35 words
The device of claim 4 wherein at least some of said transversal members include tips to facilitate anchoring of said device into tissue of a vessel or the heart of a wearer of the device.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
9 words
The device of claim 4 constructed from memory metal.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
9 words
The device of claim 3 constructed from memory metal.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
18 words
The device of claim 2 wherein each element further includes transversal members extending between its respective supporting members.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
35 words
The device of claim 8 wherein at least some of said transversal members include tips to facilitate anchoring of said device into tissue of a vessel or the heart of a wearer of the device.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
9 words
The device of claim 8 constructed from memory metal.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
9 words
The device of claim 2 constructed from memory metal.