Patent ID: 8034103
Filing Date: 2011-10-11
Classification: A61F,A61L

Abstract:
1. An annuloplasty prosthesis for implantation in a cardiac valve annulus, the prosthesis comprising a tubular member having a size and shape generally corresponding to a shape of the cardiac valve annulus and including a longitudinal axis, a straight section having first and second ends, and a first curved section between the first and second ends, the first curved section and at least part of the straight section including a plurality of columns of cells disposed along the longitudinal axis, wherein each column of cells consists of three cells positioned about the longitudinal axis, and wherein the cells are sized and shaped such that the first curved section and the at least part of the straight section are configured to exhibit an auxetic behavior when subject to a tensile stress along the longitudinal axis, wherein at least some of the cells in the at least part of the straight section differ in size or shape from the cells in the first curved section such that the at least part of the straight section has a different flexibility than the first curved section.