Patent ID: 8961593
Filing Date: 2015-02-24
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
1. A prosthetic heart valve comprising: a valved conduit comprising: a generally tubular structure comprising a proximal end, a distal end, and a central portion between the proximal and distal ends, wherein a length of the tubular structure adjacent to at least one of the proximal and distal ends has a larger diameter in its unexpanded condition than a diameter of the central portion in its unexpanded condition; and at least one leaflet attached within an interior area of the tubular structure in the central portion; a plurality of support structures spaced from each other and attached to the central portion of the tubular structure, wherein each of the support structures is expandable from a first configuration to a second configuration when subjected to internal radial stress, wherein the internal area of each support structure is smaller in its first configuration than in its second configuration, and wherein at least one of the plurality of support structures extends continuously about an entire circumference of the tubular structure.