Patent ID: 6979350
Filing Date: 2005-12-27
Classification: A61F,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A minimally invasive method of implanting a valve prosthesis device comprising a plurality of flexible, conical blood flow stoppage elements, each having a memory metal frame within an existing vein of a human to restore venous valvular function within the vein, the plurality of flexible, conical blood flow stoppage elements, each having a memory metal frame adapted to press outward against the inner walls of the vein to hold the plurality of flexible, conical blood flow stoppage elements, each having a memory metal frame in position within the vein following implantation, the method comprising the steps of: collapsing the flexible, conical blood flow stoppage elements; overlapping flareable proximal ends of the flexible, conical blood flow stoppage elements; positioning the collapsed plurality of flexible, conical blood flow stoppage elements, each having a memory metal frame within a hollow distal portion of an introducer with the plurality of flexible, conical blood flow stoppage elements, each having a memory metal frame in a compressed state; advancing the hollow distal portion of the introducer, with the plurality of flexible, conical blood flow stoppage elements, each having a memory metal frame positioned therein, into the vein of the human through an opening in a wall of the vein; expelling the plurality of flexible, conical blood flow stoppage elements, each having a memory metal frame from the hollow distal portion of the introducer into the vein; and temperature expanding the plurality of flexible, conical blood flow stoppage element frames, and thereby expanding the flareable proximal ends of the blow flow stoppage elements such that they no longer overlap as so to expand to an operational state in which the plurality of flexible, conical blood flow stoppage elements, each having a memory metal frame are maintained in position within the vein by pressing outward against the inner walls of the vein.