Patent ID: 6730118
Filing Date: 2004-05-04
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
A method for deploying an implantable prosthetic valve device at the natural aortic valve position at the entrance to the left ventricle of a myocardium of a patient, the method comprising the steps of:(a) providing a balloon catheter having a proximal end and a distal end, having a first and second independently inflatable portions, the first inflatable portion located at the distal end of the catheter and the second inflatable portion located adjacently behind the first inflatable portion; (b) providing a guiding tool for guiding the balloon catheter through the vasculature of the patient; (c) providing a deployable implantable valve prosthesis device adapted to be mounted on the second inflatable portion of the balloon catheter; (d) guiding the balloon catheter through the patient's aorta using the guiding tool, the valve prosthesis device being mounted over the second inflatable portion of the balloon catheter until the first inflatable portion of the balloon catheter is inserted into the left ventricle, whereas the second inflatable portion of the balloon catheter is positioned at the natural aortic valve position; (e) inflating the first inflatable portion of the balloon catheter so as to substantially block blood flow through the natural aortic valve and anchor the distal end of the balloon catheter in position; (f) inflating the second inflatable portion of the balloon catheter so as to deploy the implantable prosthetic valve device in position at the natural aortic valve position; (g) deflating the first and second inflatable portions of the balloon catheter; and (h) withdrawing the balloon catheter from the patient's body.