# US 11,896,487 B2 · Prosthetic device for heart valve reinforcement and remodeling procedures

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- Number: US 11,896,487 B2
- Document ID: US11896487B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 15/803,794
- Filed: 2017-11-05
- Published: 2018-03-22
- Granted: 2024-02-13
- Earliest claimed: 2012-04-27
- Assignees: Nikola Dobrilovic, LLC
- Applicants: Nikola Dobrilovic
- Inventors: Nikola Dobrilovic
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US11896487B2

## CPC

- A61F 2/2445: {Annuloplasty rings in direct contact with the valve annulus}
- A61F 2/2496: {Devices for determining the dimensions of the prosthetic valve to be implanted, e.g. templates, sizers}
- A61F 2/2409: {Support rings therefor, e.g. for connecting valves to tissue (annuloplasty rings A61F2/2442)}
- A61F 2/2442: {Annuloplasty rings or inserts for correcting the valve shape; Implants for improving the function of a native heart valve}
- A61F: FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS (dental prosthetics A61C)

## Abstract

A prosthetic heart valve reinforcement ring is disclosed for reinforcing a natural heart valve with leaflets. The prosthetic ring includes a ring body sized and dimensioned to fit around the annulus of the heart valve. The ring body has an inner surface with a plurality of grooves on the inner surface of the ring body, where each of grooves is configured to grasp a suture. A method of reinforcing a natural heart valve is also disclosed. Sutures are provided around an annulus of a natural heart valve with leaflets. A prosthetic ring is selected that is sized to fit around the annulus. The prosthetic ring is attached to the annulus by inserting sutures into the grooves until the leaflets are properly closed. The fit of the prosthetic ring is adjusted by individually manipulating the sutures in the grooves. The sutures are tied, securing the prosthetic ring in place.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A prosthetic heart valve reinforcement ring for reinforcing a natural heart valve of a heart of a patient, comprising:
a solid ring body, having no gaps, sized and dimensioned to fit around an annulus of the natural heart valve, the ring body having an inner surface; and
a plurality of inwardly facing grooves on the inner surface of the ring body, each of said plurality of grooves frictionally grasps grasp a suture.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The prosthetic heart valve reinforcement ring of claim 1, further comprising:
a rubber coating on the ring body.

### Claim 3 (depends on 2)

The prosthetic heart valve reinforcement ring of claim 2, wherein the coating extends into the plurality of grooves.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The prosthetic heart valve reinforcement ring of claim 1, further comprising:
a rubber coating on the plurality of grooves of the ring body.