Patent ID: 7739971
Filing Date: 2010-06-22
Classification: A61F,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A system for assembling components of a flexible leaflet prosthetic heart valve having a generally tubular fabric-covered support stent defining a central axis, the system comprising: a mandrel for retaining tension without manual assistance in a tubular length of fabric wrapped over an outflow end of a heart valve support stent, wherein the outflow end includes an undulating contour and the mandrel is adapted to retain tension in the tubular length of fabric so that it conforms to the undulating contour; a pedestal tube that fits on the mandrel and holds the support stent, the pedestal tube having a pedestal adjacent one end that is contoured to orient the support stent in a particular rotational position; and a means for forming a seam in the tubular length of fabric adjacent the inflow end of the support stent to enclose the support stent.