Patent ID: 9358105
Filing Date: 2016-06-07
CPC Classification: A61F

Claim Text:
1. A support device for implantation of a stentless aortic heart valve prosthesis having three leaflets adapted for coapting and defining three corresponding commissures, the support device including: a shaft defining a manipulation axis, the shaft having a distal portion and a proximal portion having a coupling formation adapted for coupling with a manipulation tool; and three support formations integrally formed and extending from the distal portion of the shaft, the support formations disposed with even angular spacing around the manipulation axis of the shaft, such that each of the support formations correspond to locations of each of the commissures of the stentless heart valve prosthesis; wherein each of the support formations includes a first portion, the first portion of each support arm extends distally away from the shaft and radially away from the manipulation axis and a second portion of each support arm is bent with respect to the first portion and extends proximally and parallel to the manipulation axis, the first portion having a longitudinal length and a first cross-sectional configuration along the longitudinal length, and a second portion, having a second cross-sectional configuration, and extending from the first portion, the first cross-sectional configuration along the longitudinal length of the first portion having a U-shape and configured such that the first portion has a greater bending moment of inertia than the second portion; wherein the shaft includes a flexible portion connecting the shaft and the support formations to permit a displacement of the manipulation axis with respect to the support formations, the flexible portion consisting of a helical track extending about a circumference of the shaft; and wherein the shaft, the plurality of support formations and the flexible portion are integrally formed from a single tubular element.