Patent ID: 8002825
Filing Date: 2011-08-23
Classification: A61B,A61F,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A prosthetic valve for implantation in a stenosed aortic valve, comprising: a metallic frame having intersecting bars, the frame being compressible to a compressed external diameter capable of being introduced through an 18 French arterial introducer and into a patient's vasculature using a catheterization technique, the frame being expandable for implantation in the stenosed aortic valve, the intersecting bars of the frame having a diameter in the range of 0.1 to 0.6 mm for providing the frame with sufficient radial strength to resist the recoil force exerted by the stenosed aortic valve, the frame having an upper extremity formed with a zig-zag shape and a lower extremity formed with a zig-zag shape; a flexible valvular structure made with pericardial tissue, the valvular structure sewn to the frame with stitches made directly around the bars of the frame, the valvular structure positioned entirely between the upper and lower extremities of the frame when in a closed position; and an internal cover made with pericardial tissue and sewn to the frame, the internal cover fastened on an internal surface of the frame for preventing a passage of blood through spaces between the bars of the frame, the internal cover having an inlet end sewn to the lower extremity of the frame along a zig-zag line, the internal cover having an outlet end sewn to the valvular structure; wherein the internal cover extends between the lower extremity of the frame and the valvular structure and wherein blood is permitted to pass through spaces in the frame between the valvular structure and the upper extremity of the frame.