Patent ID: 8685083
Filing Date: 2014-04-01
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for repairing a heart valve, comprising: a generally ring-shaped main body having a shape and size similar to, and configured to be placed on or in, a heart valve annulus, the generally ring-shaped body defining an annular opening therethrough and a generally horizontal reference plane therethrough, the generally ring-shaped body having a maximum width; first and second vertical members extending downwardly from, and generally perpendicularly to, the generally horizontal reference plane of the generally ring-shaped body, wherein the first and second vertical members are secured to the generally ring-shaped body at or adjacent opposing sides of the annular opening; and a generally horizontal reference element comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the generally horizontal reference element is generally parallel to the generally horizontal reference plane of the generally ring-shaped body, and wherein the generally horizontal reference element is positioned at a distance of 3 mm to 15 mm below the generally horizontal reference plane of the generally ring-shaped body, wherein the generally horizontal reference element has a length which is shorter than the maximum width of the generally ring-shaped main body, wherein the first end of the generally horizontal reference element is secured to the first vertical member, wherein the second end of the generally horizontal reference element is secured to the second vertical member, whereby the generally horizontal reference element defines a generally horizontal reference line extending in a straight line between the first vertical member and the second vertical member.