Method and apparatus of inserting occluder(s) in heart valve prostheses
AssigneeSulzer Carbomedics Inc.
InventorsJohn Kenneth Ryder, Jerry Lee Hodge
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method whereby one or more occluders are inserted in the housing of a prosthetic heart valve by compressing the housing of the prosthetic heart valve at four discrete locations, thereby causing the housing to deform sufficiently for insertion of occluders between diametrically opposed pivot supports on the inner surface of the housing. The appropriate locations for application of the compressive forces are identified. Compression force is then applied using either pin blocks or v-shaped blocks. One or more occluders are inserted in the pivot supports. The compressive forces are released, allowing the housing to return to its unstressed generally annular shape and securing the occluders in the housing.
Claims12
A method of inserting one or more occluders in a prosthetic heart valve housing, the housing comprising a generally annular body having an inner and an outer surface, the inner surface including generally opposed surfaces for receiving generally opposed portions of the occluder along a line connecting said opposed surfaces, the method comprising:
- applying compressive force in a direction perpendicular to said line connecting said opposed surfaces at four discrete locations on the housing outer surface through at least two compressive members, each compressive member having local geometric tangency where said compressive member contacts said heart valve housing, a first two of said four locations being on a first side of said line connecting said opposed surfaces and a second two of said four locations being on a second side of said line, said first two locations being separated by an angle of no more than 40° and said second two locations being separated by an angle of no more than 40° so that the opposed surfaces of the housing move a sufficient distance apart to receive the occluder;
- positioning the occluder to align with the occluder-receiving opposed surfaces of the housing inner surface;
- and
- removing the compressive force.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.