Techniques for use with prosthetic valve leaflets

Abstract

Apparatus is provided for testing a prosthetic heart valve leaflet. The apparatus comprises a vertical post; a horizontal bar; a linear actuator; a light source; a gauge; and a detector. The vertical post has a longitudinal axis. The horizontal bar has a bar-axis that lies on a vertical bar-plane, the bar being configured to support the leaflet along the bar-axis such that the leaflet drapes over the bar. The linear actuator movably couples the bar to the post. Actuation of the actuator moves the bar vertically in the bar-plane. The light source is configured to emit a beam of light, and is oriented to direct the beam through the bar-plane. The gauge is configured to measure an elevation of the bar above the beam. The detector is configured and positioned to detect the beam, and to generate a detection-signal indicative of detection of the beam.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.