Bioprosthetic heart valve with elastic commissures

Abstract

Abstract A bioprosthetic heart valve (10) comprising first and second mechanisms for supporting leaflets (16) to provide multiple effective spring constants. An inner frame (12) supporting commissures (24, 26, 28) of the valve is elastic, permitting the commissures to bend in toward the center of the prosthetic heart valve at very low loads. A relatively rigid annular support ring (14) supports the elastic frame (12) and provides the second spring constant mechanism. An attachment system for sewing bioprosthetic leaflets to the frame and clamping the leaflets between the frame and the annular ring minimizes stress risers in the leaflets. The leaflets have an uncoupled mating edge (84) where the leaflets meet in the center of the valve. The uncoupled portions of the leaflets permit the leaflets to roll by each other.

Inventors

• 👤 Ernest Lane

Bibliographic Details