Patent ID: 8142497
Filing Date: 2012-03-27
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
1. A non-expandable prosthetic heart valve for implantation at a heart valve annulus, comprising: a non-expandable heart valve frame defining an orifice around an axis; a valve member including at least one leaflet mounted to the frame and extending within the orifice, the valve member being operable to permit blood flow in one axial direction through the orifice and occlude flow in the opposite direction; and two axially spaced-apart flanges each surrounding the frame each at least partly made of a material that increases in size due to absorption of body fluids, wherein the flanges are configured with sufficient mechanical strength to provide the primary means for anchoring the prosthetic heart valve to the annulus, wherein each of the flanges comprises an inner swellable material enclosed within a cover.