Abstract: A prosthetic valve is provided for implantation in a stenosed aortic valve. The prosthetic valve includes a radially collapsible frame configured for advancement through a patient's vasculature using a catheterization technique. A collapsible valvular structure is sewn to the frame for permitting blood to flow in only one direction. An internal cover extends along an internal surface of the frame. The internal cover forms a tubular sleeve positioned between a lower extremity of the frame and the valvular structure. The internal cover prevents the passage of blood through spaces between bars of the frame. An upper end of the internal cover is sutured to the valvular structure. The internal cover is preferably made of pericardium.

Abstract: A prosthetic valve for implantation in a stenosed aortic valve. The prosthetic valve includes a metallic frame formed with intersecting bars having diameters in the range of 0.1 to 0.6 mm. The frame is radially collapsible for advancement into a native aortic valve using a catheterization technique. The frame is radially expandable for embedding the frame within the native aortic valve. The frame has sufficient radial strength to resist the recoil forces of the native aortic valve after implantation. The prosthetic valve includes a collapsible valvular structure made with pericardium. The prosthetic valve also includes an internal cover which forms a substantially impermeable tubular sleeve. The internal cover preferably extends between a lower extremity of the frame and the valvular structure. The internal cover is preferably sutured to the valvular structure. The valvular structure and internal cover are sutured to the bars of the frame.

Abstract: A prosthetic valve is provided for implantation in a stenosed aortic valve. The prosthetic valve includes a radially collapsible frame configured for advancement through a patient's vasculature using a catheterization technique. A collapsible valvular structure is sewn to the frame for permitting blood to flow in only one direction. An internal cover extends along an internal surface of the frame. The internal cover forms a tubular sleeve positioned between a lower extremity of the frame and the valvular structure. The internal cover prevents the passage of blood through spaces between bars of the frame. An upper end of the internal cover is sutured to the valvular structure. The internal cover is preferably made of pericardium.

Abstract: A prosthetic valve is provided for implantation in a stenosed aortic valve. The prosthetic valve includes a radially collapsible frame configured for advancement through a patient's vasculature using a catheterization technique. A collapsible valvular structure is sewn to the frame for permitting blood to flow in only one direction. An internal cover extends along an internal surface of the frame. The internal cover forms a tubular sleeve positioned between a lower extremity of the frame and the valvular structure. The internal cover prevents the passage of blood through spaces between bars of the frame. An upper end of the internal cover is sutured to the valvular structure. The internal cover is preferably made of pericardium.

Abstract: A prosthetic valve is provided for implantation in a stenosed aortic valve. The prosthetic valve includes a radially collapsible frame configured for advancement through a patient's vasculature using a catheterization technique. A collapsible valvular structure is sewn to the frame for permitting blood to flow in only one direction. An internal cover extends along an internal surface of the frame. The internal cover forms a tubular sleeve positioned between a lower extremity of the frame and the valvular structure. The internal cover prevents the passage of blood through spaces between bars of the frame. An upper end of the internal cover is sutured to the valvular structure. The internal cover is preferably made of pericardium.

Abstract: A method for treating a stenotic native aortic valve in a human heart is provided. The method comprises dilating the stenotic native aortic valve using a dilatation catheter and then deploying a prosthetic heart valve within the dilated stenotic native aortic valve. The prosthetic heart valve comprises a collapsible and expandable metallic stent and a valvular structure formed of a synthetic biocompatible material. The valvular structure is positioned substantially between the inlet and outlet ends of the stent for preventing the flow of blood in one direction. The prosthetic heart valve may further comprise an internal sleeve for creating a seal along at least a portion of the stent wall.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a prosthetic valve is provided. A substantially tubular metallic frame is formed with intersecting bars having diameters in the range of 0.1 to 0.6 mm. The frame is constructed to be radially collapsible for advancement into a native aortic valve using a catheterization technique. The frame is constructed to be radially expandable for embedding the frame within the native aortic valve and resisting the recoil forces of the native aortic valve. A valvular structure is constructed from pericardial tissue. An internal cover is constructed from pericardial tissue to form a substantially impermeable tubular sleeve. An upper end of the internal cover is sutured to a lower end of the valvular structure. The valvular structure and internal cover are sutured to the bars for securement within the frame.

Abstract: A method of implanting a prosthetic valve in a stenosed aortic valve via a catheterization technique. A balloon catheter is advanced into a patient's vasculature and a balloon is expanded within the stenosed aortic valve to push aside the calcified leaflets. The prosthetic valve is then introduced into a patient's vasculature through an 18 French arterial introducer. After advancement through the femoral artery and aorta, the prosthetic valve is radially expanded for implantation in the dilated aortic valve. The prosthetic valve includes a compressible and expandable frame and a valvular structure made with pericardial tissue. The prosthetic valve further includes an internal cover fastened to an internal surface of the frame between an inlet end of the frame and the valvular structure.

Abstract: A prosthetic valve for implantation in a stenosed aortic valve. The prosthetic valve includes a compressible and expandable frame formed with intersecting metallic bars and a valvular structure made with pericardial tissue. The frame is compressible for delivery into a patient's vasculature through an 18 F (5.7 mm) arterial introducer using a catheterization technique. The bars of the frame preferably have a diameter in the range of 0.1 to 0.6 mm for providing the frame with sufficient radial strength to resist the recoil force exerted by the stenosed aortic valve after implantation. The prosthetic valve includes an internal cover made with pericardial tissue. The internal cover is fastened to an internal surface of the frame between an inlet end of the frame and the valvular structure for preventing regurgitation.

Abstract: A method of implanting a prosthetic valve in a stenosed aortic valve via a catheterization technique. A balloon catheter is advanced into a patient's vasculature and a balloon is expanded within the stenosed aortic valve to push aside the calcified leaflets. The prosthetic valve is then introduced into a patient's vasculature through an 18 French arterial introducer. After advancement through the femoral artery and aorta, the prosthetic valve is radially expanded for implantation in the dilated aortic valve. The prosthetic valve includes a compressible and expandable frame and a valvular structure made with pericardial tissue. The prosthetic valve further includes an internal cover fastened to an internal surface of the frame between an inlet end of the frame and the valvular structure.

Abstract: A prosthetic valve for implantation in a stenosed aortic valve. The prosthetic valve includes a compressible and expandable frame formed with intersecting metallic bars and a valvular structure made with pericardial tissue. The frame is compressible for delivery into a patient's vasculature through an 18 F (5.7 mm) arterial introducer using a catheterization technique. The bars of the frame preferably have a diameter in the range of 0.1 to 0.6 mm for providing the frame with sufficient radial strength to resist the recoil force exerted by the stenosed aortic valve after implantation. The prosthetic valve includes an internal cover made with pericardial tissue. The internal cover is fastened to an internal surface of the frame between an inlet end of the frame and the valvular structure for preventing regurgitation.

Abstract: A valve prosthesis which is especially useful in the case of aortic stenosis and capable of resisting the powerful recoil force and to stand the forceful balloon inflation performed to deploy the valve and to embed it in the stenotic aortic annulus, comprises a collapsible valvular structure and an expandable frame on which said valvular structure is mounted. The valvular structure is composed of physiologically compatible valvular tissue that is sufficiently supple and resistant to allow the valvular structure to be deformed from a closed state to an opened state. The valvular tissue forms a continuous surface. The valve prosthesis can be delivered percutaneously, surgically, or endoscopically.

Abstract: A prosthetic valve assembly for implantation within a native aortic valve using a catheterization technique. The prosthetic valve assembly includes a collapsible and expandable metallic frame. The frame is constructed to resist the recoil forces of the native aortic valve. The frame may be formed with a concave profile. A valvular structure made with pericardial tissue is sewn to the frame for permitting blood flow in one direction. An internal cover is provided along an internal surface of the frame and provides a sleeve which prevents blood from passing through gaps in the frame.

Abstract: A valve prosthesis which is especially useful in the case of aortic stenosis and capable of resisting the powerful recoil force and to stand the forceful balloon inflation performed to deploy the valve and to embed it in the aortic annulus, comprises a collapsible valvular structure and an expandable frame on which said valvular structure is mounted. The valvular structure is composed of physiologically compatible valvular tissue that is sufficiently supple and resistant to allow the valvular structure to be deformed from a closed state to an opened state. The valvular tissue forms a continuous surface and is provided with strut members that create stiffened zones which induce the valvular structure to follow a patterned movement in its expansion to its opened state and in its turning back to its closed state.

Abstract: A valve prosthesis which is especially useful in the case of aortic stenosis and capable of resisting the powerful recoil force and to stand the forceful balloon inflation performed to deploy the valve and to embed it in the aortic annulus, comprises a collapsible valvular structure and an expandable frame on which said valvular structure is mounted. The valvular structure is composed of physiologically compatible valvular tissue that is sufficiently supple and resistant to allow the valvular structure to be deformed from a closed state to an opened state. The valvular tissue forms a continuous surface and is provided with strut members that create stiffened zones which induce the valvular structure to follow a patterned movement in its expansion to its opened state and in its turning back to its closed state.

Abstract: A valve prosthesis which is especially useful in the case of aortic stenosis and capable of resisting the powerful recoil force and to stand the forceful balloon inflation performed to deploy the valve and to embed it in the aortic annulus, comprises a collapsible valvular structure and an expandable frame on which said valvular structure is mounted. The valvular structure is composed of physiologically compatible valvular tissue that is sufficiently supple and resistant to allow the valvular structure to be deformed from a closed state to an opened state. The valvular tissue forms a continuous surface and is provided with strut members that create stiffened zones which induce the valvular structure to follow a patterned movement in its expansion to its opened state and in its turning back to its closed state.

Abstract: A valve prosthesis which is especially useful in the case of aortic stenosis and capable of resisting the powerful recoil force and to stand the forceful balloon inflation performed to deploy the valve and to embed it in the aortic annulus, comprises a collapsible valvular structure and an expandable frame on which said valvular structure is mounted. The valvular structure is composed of physiologically compatible valvular tissue that is sufficiently supple and resistant to allow the valvular structure to be deformed from a closed state to an opened state. The valvular tissue forms a continuous surface and is provided with strut members that create stiffened zones which induce the valvular structure to follow a patterned movement in its expansion to its opened state and in its turning back to its closed state.

Abstract: A valve prosthesis which is especially useful in the case of aortic stenosis and capable of resisting the powerful recoil force and to stand the forceful balloon inflation performed to deploy the valve and to embed it in the aortic annulus, comprises a collapsible valvular structure and an expandable frame on which said valvular structure is mounted. The valvular structure is composed of physiologically compatible valvular tissue that is sufficiently supple and resistant to allow the valvular structure to be deformed from a closed state to an opened state. The valvular tissue forms a continuous surface and is provided with strut members that create stiffened zones which induce the valvular structure to follow a patterned movement in its expansion to its opened state and in its turning back to its closed state.

Abstract: A valve prosthesis which is especially useful in the case of aortic stenosis and capable of resisting the powerful recoil force and to stand the forceful balloon inflation performed to deploy the valve and to embed it in the aortic annulus, comprises a collapsible valvular structure and an expandable frame on which said valvular structure is mounted. The valvular structure is composed of physiologically compatible valvular tissue that is sufficiently supple and resistant to allow the valvular structure to be deformed from a closed state to an opened state. The valvular tissue forms a continuous surface and is provided with strut members that create stiffened zones which induce the valvular structure to follow a patterned movement in its expansion to its opened state and in its turning back to its closed state.

Abstract: A valve prosthesis which is especially useful in the case of aortic stenosis and capable of resisting the powerful recoil force and to stand the forceful balloon inflation performed to deploy the valve and to embed it in the aortic annulus, comprises a collapsible valvular structure and an expandable frame on which said valvular structure is mounted. The valvular structure is composed of physiologically compatible valvular tissue that is sufficiently supple and resistant to allow the valvular structure to be deformed from a closed state to an opened state. The valvular tissue forms a continuous surface and is provided with strut members that create stiffened zones which induce the valvular structure to follow a patterned movement in its expansion to its opened state and in its turning back to its closed state.