Flexible annuloplasty prosthesis
AssigneeMedtronic, Inc.
InventorsTim Ryan, Charles Tabor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A flexible annuloplasty prosthesis for repairing a heart valve having a valve annulus. The annuloplasty prosthesis comprises a flexible body defining an exterior of the prosthesis formed of a biocompatible material and configured to rest against and support the heart valve annulus upon implantation. The flexible annuloplasty prosthesis has a height of not more than 2.5 mm. This low profile characteristic enhances a surgeon's ability to implant the prosthesis. In one preferred embodiment, the flexible body is a fabric material folded onto itself along a length thereof, with the annuloplasty prosthesis being characterized by an elevated longitudinal stiffness.
Claims29
A flexible annuloplasty prosthesis for repairing a heart valve having a valve annulus, the annuloplasty prosthesis comprising:
- a flexible body defining an exterior of the prosthesis formed of a biocompatible material and configured to rest against and support a heart valve annulus upon implantation;
- wherein the annuloplasty prosthesis has a height of not more than 2.5 mm.
The annuloplasty prosthesis 12, wherein the fabric is a double velour material.
A flexible annuloplasty prosthesis for repairing a heart valve having a valve annulus, the annuloplasty prosthesis comprising:
- a flexible fabric material body folded onto itself along a length thereof to define an exterior surface of the annuloplasty prosthesis;
- wherein:
- the annuloplasty prosthesis has a height of not more than 2.5 mm,
- the annuloplasty prosthesis has a width of not more than 5.0 mm,
- the annuloplasty prosthesis is substantially rectangular in transverse cross-section,
- the annuloplasty prosthesis exhibits a Force-Displacement Slope Average Value of not less than 10.0 lbs/in.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.