Patent ID: 6406493
Filing Date: 2002-06-18
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
An expandable annuloplasty ring for implantation in a heart valve annulus configured for essentially uniform ring distension in a circumferential direction after an expansion process comprising a fabric sheath; and a plurality of stenting elements mounted within said fabric sheath configured to form a ring, wherein a first of the plurality of stenting elements is made of a first shape-memory material having a preshape and a first shape-transition temperature, wherein the first shape-memory material expands to its preshape when said first shape-memory material is heated to above the first shape-transition temperature, wherein the plurality of stenting elements further comprises a second stenting element made of a second shape-memory material having a preshape and a second shape-transition temperature, wherein the second shape-memory material expands to its preshape when said second shape-memory material is heated to above the second shape-transition temperature.