Patent ID: 11166811

Abstract:
A synthetic heart valve is made from a valve graft of synthetic material and more particularly expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE). The valve graft has an upper portion defined by a first thickness and a lower portion defined by a second thickness which is greater than the first thickness. The valve graft is formed into a cylindrical sleeve having a diameter and a folded region. A flexible stent overlays the cylindrical sleeve, wherein a series of leaflets are formed in the lower portion of the sleeve, the leaflets defining a semicircular perimeter. The leaflets are sutured to the cylindrical sleeve and the cylindrical sleeve is sutured to the flexible stent, the stent having a plurality of bent cylindrical wire segments that are welded together and in which the sleeve is sutured to the wire, including the welded areas of the stent. The formed valve can be implanted using a balloon catheter.