Patent ID: 9687346
Date: 2017-06-27
CPC Classifications: A61F,C22F,Y10T

Claim:
1. A method for forming an annuloplasty ring, comprising: providing a flexible core member comprising a braided metal cable made of a metal having an austenite start temperature of at least 500° C.; providing a holding fixture having a base member and at least one clamping member, wherein the base member and clamping member have complementary channels therein that together provide a three-dimensional mold for the desired peripheral shape of the annuloplasty ring; holding the core member in a desired peripheral shape of the annuloplasty ring by placing the core member between the base member and the at least one clamping member; while being held in the desired peripheral shape, heating the core member above its austenitic final temperature and maintaining that temperature for a period of time to cause a crystalline structure alteration from martensitic to austenitic; cooling the core member with a quench; and adding a suture-permeable outer covering around the flexible core member.