Patent ID: 6869444
Filing Date: 2005-03-22
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for helping improve operation of a heart valve, comprising: a generally arcuate base portion; and a buttress extending from the base portion generally axially and inwardly relative to the base portion so as to permit substantially bi-directional flow of fluid relative to the apparatus, a surface of the buttress being dimensioned and configured to simulate a leaflet at systole that is to be engaged by at least one leaflet of the heart valve when the apparatus is implanted at the heart valve, the base portion and the buttress being configured to provide a cross-sectional dimension that is variable between a reduced cross-sectional dimension to facilitate implantation thereof and an expanded cross-sectional dimension that helps maintain a desired position of the apparatus when implanted at the heart valve, whereby substantially unidirectional flow of blood is provided when the apparatus is implanted at the heart valve.