Patent ID: 8313526
Filing Date: 2012-11-20
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
1. A support frame suitable for prosthetic implantable valves comprising: a proximal annular member longitudinally spaced from a distal annular member axially aligned with the proximal annular member around a longitudinal axis; and a plurality of longitudinal connecting members extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis from the proximal annular member to the distal annular member and defining a hypothetical circumferential plane around an outer surface of the support frame and defining a lumen extending from a proximal end to a distal end of the support frame around the longitudinal axis; the plurality of longitudinal connecting members including a first member opposably positioned across the lumen from a circumferentially adjacent second member, a third member circumferentially adjacent to the first member, a fourth member circumferentially adjacent to the third member, a fifth member circumferentially adjacent to the fourth member, and a sixth member circumferentially adjacent to the fifth member and the second member, the first member being the nearest longitudinal connecting member of the plurality of longitudinal connecting members to the second member when moving circumferentially along the hypothetical circumferential plane in a first direction; wherein a first circumferential distance is disposed between the first and second members, a second circumferential distance is disposed between the third and fourth members, a third circumferential distance is disposed between the fourth and fifth members, and a fourth circumferential distance is disposed between the fifth and sixth members; wherein the first circumferential distance is substantially equal to the sum of the second circumferential distance, the third circumferential distance, and the fourth circumferential distance.