Patent ID: 9364322
Filing Date: 2016-06-14
CPC Classification: A61F

Claim Text:
1. A prosthetic heart valve having an inflow end and an outflow end, the prosthetic heart valve having a first unexpanded configuration and a second expanded configuration, the prosthetic heart valve comprising: an inner support structure defined around a valve orifice, the support structure having a first inner diameter when the prosthetic heart valve is in the first unexpanded configuration and a second inner diameter when the prosthetic heart valve is in the second expanded configuration, the support structure configured when in the first unexpanded configuration to resist inward compression of the support structure and to permit radial expansion of the support structure to the second inner diameter when subjected to a dilation force, the support structure comprising a radially thin outer metallic support ring having an undulating shape with three downward cusps alternating with three upward truncated commissures around its circumference and including a single expansion segment that will plastically expand when subjected to the dilation force, the support structure further including a radially thin stent ring disposed in concentric abutment with and radially inside the support ring and being continuous and integrally formed of a polymeric material, the stent ring defining commissure posts aligned with and extending above the truncated commissures of the support ring and cusp portions aligned with the support ring cusps, wherein the support ring and the stent ring are secured together with a suture passing radially through both at a point around their common circumference, the stent ring having weakened areas below each of the commissure posts configured to break before other portions of the stent ring when the support ring expands; and a valve portion supported by the support structure that allows for one-way blood flow through the valve when the valve is in the first unexpanded configuration.