Patent ID: 7563280
Filing Date: 2009-07-21
Classification: A61B,A61F,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A method for attaching a heart valve prosthesis in a patient, the method comprising: providing a fastener having a head and a sharp tip, a prosthesis, and a separate reinforcement, the reinforcement comprising a first leg and a second leg connected together with a top portion; positioning the prosthesis comprising leaflets with a plurality of commissure supports separated by a plurality of scallops in a selected position proximate an aortic wall, a root, or a pulmonary artery wall; positioning the reinforcement along an inner surface of at least one of the commissure supports, wherein the reinforcement has at least one aperture, wherein an end of the first leg extends to a first scallop and an end of the second leg extends to a second scallop, wherein the reinforcement is configured to be positioned proximate a curved outflow edge of the at least one commissure supports; and inserting the tip of the fastener through the at least one aperture in the reinforcement, the prosthesis and the aortic wall or root or the pulmonary artery wall to attach the heart valve prosthesis in a patient.