Replacement prosthetic heart valve, system and method of implant
A method of functionally replacing a previously implanted prosthetic heart valve. The method includes positioning a replacement prosthetic heart valve within an internal region defined by the previously implanted prosthetic heart valve. The replacement prosthetic heart valve is then physically docked to the previously implanted prosthetic heart valve. With this technique, the previously implanted prosthetic heart valve serves as a platform for securement of the replacement prosthetic heart valve to the patient's native tissue.
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The present invention relates to prosthetic heart valves. More particularly, it relates to a device and method for functionally replacing a deficient, previously implanted prosthetic heart valve.
Implantable heart valve prostheses have long been used to replace various diseased or damaged natural aortic valves, mitral valves, pulmonic valves, and tricuspid valves of the heart. The actual shape and configuration of any particular prosthetic heart valve is, of course, dependent upon the valve being replaced. Generally, the known heart valve prostheses are either bioprostheses or mechanical heart valve prostheses.
The bioprostheses or “tissue valves” are generally made of a suitable animal tissue or materials (e.g., harvested porcine valve leaflets, bovine or equine pericardial leaflets, synthetic material leaflets, etc.) that may be mounted onto a stationary metal or plastic frame, referred to as a “stent”. Regardless of whether a stent is provided, bioprosthetic/synthetic heart valves are generally tubular (i.e., when the leaflets are “open”, an internal passage is defined through which fluid (e.g., blood) can flow), and include a sewing or suture ring.
The sewing or suture ring provides a means for fixing the prosthetic heart valve to the patient's native heart valve orifice tissue (e.g., native annulus or valvular rim) associated with the native heart valve being repaired or replaced. In particular, an exacting surgical implantation technique is traditionally employed whereby the heart is stopped (cardiopulmonary bypass) and opened followed by surgical removal of damaged or diseased natural valve structure. Subsequently, the prosthetic heart valve is properly oriented within the native valvular area, with the sewing ring being seated against or at the native annulus or valvular rim. Sutures are then used to affix the sewing ring to the natural tissue.
A successfully implanted prosthetic heart valve will normally function without problem for many years. In certain instances, however, deficiencies may become evident shortly after implant or within a few years (especially in younger patients). Common functional deficiencies relate to calcification of the prosthetic heart valve leaflets, stenosis, and prosthetic heart valve insufficiency.
Under these and other circumstances, the prosthetic heart valve does not function properly, or no longer functions properly, and conventionally is surgically removed and replaced. Removal of a previously implanted prosthetic heart valve entails the same surgical intervention described above, coupled with the need to implant a new prosthetic heart valve. As a point of reference, while well-accepted, the conventional surgical intervention described above is difficult to perform and can result in patient injury or more severe complications. In fact, due to physical weakness, implantation of a prosthetic heart valve via the conventional surgical technique may be considered either too high risk or contra-indicated for certain patients. Further, removal of a previously implanted prosthetic heart valve requires cutting of the sutures that otherwise secure the prosthesis to the native annulus/valvular rim, and re-stitching of a new sewing ring. These activities can further compromise the integrity of the valvular rim and lead to recovery complications, morbidity and mortality.
Though unrelated to the specifically addressing prosthetic heart valve replacement concerns, efforts have been made to devise a prosthetic heart valve capable of being delivered percutaneously via transcatheter implantation thus avoiding the complications associated with conventional surgical intervention. For example, Andersen et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,168,614, the teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference, describes a heart valve prosthesis for implantation in the body by use of a catheter. The valve prosthesis consists of a support structure with a tissue valve connected to it, whereby the support structure is delivered in a collapsed state through a blood vessel and secured to a desired valve location with the support structure in an expanded state. Other percutaneously-delivered prosthetic heart valves have been suggested having a generally similar configuration, such as by Bonhoeffer, P. et al., “Transcatheter Implantation of a Bovine Valve in Pulmonary Position.” Circulation, 2002; 102:813-816 and Cribier, A. et al. “Percutaneous Transcatheter Implantation of an Aortic Valve Prosthesis for Calcific Aortic Stenosis.” Circulation, 2002; 106:3006-3008, the teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference. These techniques appear to rely upon a frictional engagement between the expanded support structure and the native tissue to maintain a position of the delivered prosthesis. That is to say, with the transcatheter technique, conventional sewing of the prosthetic heart valve to the patient's native tissue cannot be performed. Similarly, Bonhoeffer, P. et al., “Percutaneous Insertion of the Pulmonary Valve.” J Am Coll Cardiol, 2002; 39:1664-1669, the teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference, describe percutaneous delivery of a biological valve, sutured to an expandable stent, within a previously implanted valved or non-valved conduit, or a previously implanted valve. Again, it appears that radial expansion of the secondary valve stent is the sole means for placing and maintaining the replacement valve.
Prosthetic heart valves continue to be essential tools in the treatment of patient's suffering from cardiac deficiencies. Further, the investigation into percutaneously-delivered prosthetic heart valves appears promising. Unfortunately, the inability to rigidly affix a percutaneous prosthetic heart valve remains problematic. Therefore, a need exists for a prosthetic heart valve and related method of implant that is conducive to percutaneous delivery for replacing a deficient, previously implanted prosthetic heart valve.
SUMMARYOne aspect of the present invention relates to a method of functionally replacing a previously implanted prosthetic heart valve. The method includes positioning a replacement prosthetic heart valve within an internal region defined by the previously implanted prosthetic heart valve. The replacement prosthetic heart valve is then physically docked to the previously implanted prosthetic heart valve. With this technique, the previously implanted prosthetic heart valve serves as a platform for securement of the replacement prosthetic heart valve to the patient's native tissue.
Another aspect of the present invention relates to a prosthetic heart valve for functionally replacing a previously implanted prosthetic heart valve. The prosthetic heart valve includes a support structure, leaflets, and coupling means. The leaflets are mounted to the support structure. The coupling means is associated with the support structure and is adapted to physically dock the prosthetic heart valve to a previously implanted prosthetic heart valve.
Another aspect of the present invention relates to a prosthetic heart valve comprising a support structure, leaflets, and connection means. The leaflets are mounted to the support structure. The connection means is associated with the support structure and is adapted to effectuate physical docking of a replacement prosthetic heart valve to the prosthetic heart valve.
Another aspect of the present invention relates to a prosthetic heart valve system comprising a first prosthetic heart valve and a replacement heart valve. The first prosthetic heart valve is configured for initial implantation to native heart tissue and includes a support structure, leaflets, and connection means. The leaflets are mounted to the support structure and the connection means is associated with the support structure. The replacement prosthetic heart valve includes a support structure, leaflets, and coupling means. The leaflets are mounted to the support structure and the coupling means is associated with the support structure. With this in mind, the connection means and the coupling means are configured such that the coupling means engages the connection means to physically dock the replacement prosthetic heart valve to the first prosthetic heart valve following implantation of the first prosthetic heart valve.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
One embodiment of a prosthetic heart valve 10 in accordance with the present invention is shown in
The support structure 12 is, in one embodiment, a wire stent capable of transitioning from a collapsed state to an expanded state (shown in
As described in greater detail below, the prosthetic heart valve 10 is, following an implantation procedure, physically docked to a previously implanted prosthetic heart valve (not shown). With this in mind, a longitudinal length and diameter of the support structure 12 in the expanded state is related to the previously implanted prosthetic heart valve to which the prosthetic heart valve 10 is applied. Thus, the support structure 12 can assume a variety of different longitudinal lengths and/or diameters. In one embodiment, for example, the support structure 12 has a longitudinal length in the expanded state that is slightly greater than a length of the previously implanted prosthetic heart valve, and a free-standing outer diameter that is greater than an inner diameter of the previously implanted prosthetic heart valve. With this one embodiment, upon transitioning toward the expanded state, the support structure 12 presses against an inner diameter of the previously implanted prosthetic heart valve. With the one embodiment of
The leaflets 14 are secured to an interior of the support structure 12.
In more general terms, the combination support structure 12/leaflets 14 can assume a variety of other configurations varying from that shown and described, including any known prosthetic heart valve design. In one embodiment, the support structure 12/leaflets 14 is any known expandable prosthetic heart valve configuration, whether balloon expandable, self-expanding, or unfurling (as described, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,671,979; 4,056,854; 4,994,077; 5,332,402; 5,370,685; 5,397,351; 5,554,185; 5,855,601; and 6,168,614; U.S. patent application Publication No. 2004/0034411; Bonhoeffer P., et al., “Percutaneous Insertion of the Pulmonary Valve”, Pediatric Cardiology, 2002; 39:1664-1669; Anderson H R, et al., “Transluminal Implantation of Artificial Heart Valves”, EUR Heart J., 1992; 13:704-708; Anderson, J. R., et al., “Transluminal Catheter Implantation of New Expandable Artificial Cardiac Valve”, EUR Heart J., 1990, 11: (Suppl) 224a; Hilbert S. L., “Evaluation of Explanted Polyurethane Trileaflet Cardiac Valve Prosthesis”, J Thorac Cardiovascular Surgery, 1989; 94:419-29; Block P C, “Clinical and Hemodyamic Follow-Up After Percutaneous Aortic Valvuloplasty in the Elderly”, The American Journal of Cardiology, Vol. 62, Oct. 1, 1998; Boudjemline, Y., “Steps Toward Percutaneous Aortic Valve Replacement”, Circulation, 2002; 105:775-558; Bonhoeffer, P., “Transcatheter Implantation of a Bovine Valve in Pulmonary Position, a Lamb Study”, Circulation, 2000:102:813-816; Boudjemline, Y., “Percutaneous Implantation of a Valve in the Descending Aorta In Lambs”, EUR Heart J, 2002; 23:1045-1049; Kulkinski, D., “Future Horizons in Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement: Lessons Learned During the Early Stages of Developing a Transluminal Implantation Technique”, ASAIO J, 2004; 50:364-68; the teachings of all of which are incorporated herein by reference. Thus, the support structure 12 can include other features, not specifically described or shown, apart from the coupling means 16. In an alternative embodiment, the support structure 12 has a non-expandable design, but is sized and shaped to nest within a previously implanted heart valve (not shown) in a manner that presses features of the previously implanted heart valve (e.g., leaflets) outwardly relative to the native conduit.
Regardless of the exact configuration of the support structure 12 and leaflets 14, the coupling means 16 is connected to, or formed as part of, the support structure 12 and, in one embodiment, includes an inflow section 30 and an outflow section 32. With the one embodiment of
The outflow section 32 similarly includes, with the one embodiment of
Any number of the inflow anchors 34 and/or the outflow anchors 40 can be provided with the prosthetic heart valve 10 of the present invention, and preferably correlates with the previously implanted prosthetic heart valve. Further, the anchors 34, 40 can assume a variety of forms that are or are not identical, such as barbs, clips, staples, hooks, etc. Also, while the anchors 34, 40 are illustrated as extending from opposing ends, respectively, of the support structure 12, alternatively, the anchors 34 and/or 40 can be intermediately disposed along a longitudinal length of the support structure 12.
With additional reference to
The prosthetic heart valve 10 of the present invention is uniquely adapted to facilitate an implantation technique whereby the prosthetic heart valve 10 is mounted to a previously implanted prosthetic heart valve. By way of reference,
The previously implanted prosthetic heart valve 52 is, in one embodiment, any known prosthetic heart valve or valved conduit, and thus can assume a variety of forms. In most general terms, the previously implanted prosthetic heart valve 52 includes a valve structure 60 connected to a sewing ring 62. The valve structure 60 may or may not include an internal stent, but is generally tubular in form, defining an internal region 64 (referenced generally) extended from an inflow end 66 to an outflow end 68. With the exemplary embodiment of
At some time following implant, it may be discovered that the previously implanted prosthetic heart valve 52 is functionally deficient due to one or more of a variety of factors, such as stenosis, valve failure, inflammation, native valve insufficiency, etc. Regardless, rather than removing the previously implanted prosthetic heart valve 52 and implanting a second, similarly formed prosthetic heart valve via rigorous open heart surgical techniques, the method of the present invention leaves the previously implanted prosthetic heart valve 52 in place, and deploys the prosthetic heart valve 10 (
In one embodiment, the prosthetic heart valve 10 is delivered to the native heart valve 52 percutaneously, as represented in simplified form in
With the above in mind, prior to delivery, the prosthetic heart valve 10 is mounted over the balloon 80 in a contracted state as shown in
With the prosthetic heart valve 10 mounted to the balloon 80, the transcatheter assembly 70 is delivered through a percutaneous opening (not shown) in the patient via the delivery catheter 72. The native heart valve 50 is located by extending the guide wire 76 from a distal end 82 of the delivery catheter 72, with the balloon catheter 74 otherwise retracted within the delivery catheter 72. In this regard, the guide wire 76 passes through the internal region 64 defined by the previously implanted prosthetic heart valve 52.
Once the native heart valve 50 has been located, the balloon catheter 74 is advanced distally from the delivery catheter 72 along the guide wire 76, with the balloon 80/prosthetic heart valve 10 positioned relative to the previously implanted heart valve 52 as shown in
Once the prosthetic heart valve 10 is properly positioned, the balloon catheter 74 is operated to inflate the balloon 80, thus transitioning the prosthetic heart valve 10 to the expanded state as shown in
With the prosthetic heart valve 10 in the expanded state, the coupling means 16 physically docks or connects the prosthetic heart valve 10 to the previously implanted prosthetic heart valve 52. For example, as shown in
With the above-described technique, the prosthetic heart valve 10 serves as a functional replacement for the previously implanted prosthetic heart valve 52, utilizing the sewing ring 62 of the previously implanted prosthetic heart valve 52 as a platform for securement relative to the native heart valve 50. That is to say the sewing ring 62 of the previously implanted heart valve 52 has previously been sutured to the annulus or valvular rim 56 of the native heart valve 50; by fastening the prosthetic heart valve 10 to the sewing ring 62, no additional suturing is required. Following fastening of the prosthetic heart valve 10 to the previously implanted prosthetic heart valve 52, the leaflets 14 (one of which is shown in
Attachment of the prosthetic heart valve 10 to the previously implanted prosthetic heart valve 52 can be accomplished in a variety of fashions other than that described with respect to the one embodiment of prosthetic heart valve 10 described above. For example, the coupling means 16 need not include inflow and outflow sections, but instead can be directly, physically docked to the previously implanted prosthetic heart valve 52 at only one end thereof. Further, while the coupling means 16 has been described as including hooks with barbed ends, other anchoring techniques can be employed whereby the anchors do not necessarily pierce through the previously implanted prosthetic heart valve 52 material. To this end, clip(s), staple(s), or other fastening devices can be employed.
For example, an alternative embodiment prosthetic heart valve 80 internally positioned and physically docked or connected to a previously implanted prosthetic heart valve 52 is shown in
In one embodiment, the outflow anchor 86 is a clasp or hook formed as part of the support structure 82 at the outflow end thereof. For example, the support structure 82 can be a wire-formed stent, with an individual wire being bent, or two wires combined, to form the outflow anchor 86. The outflow anchor 86 is generally sized and shaped in accordance with an expected size and shape of a stent post 69 of the previously implanted prosthetic heart valve 52 for reasons described below. To this end, the outflow anchor 86 can be the result of normal manufacture techniques for forming a stent-type support structure. During implantation, the prosthetic heart valve 80 is positioned, in a contracted state, within the previously implanted prosthetic heart valve 52 with the outflow anchor 86 located beyond the previously implanted prosthetic heart valve 52, and in particular the stent posts 69. The prosthetic heart valve 80 is then transitioned to an expanded state (shown in
The intermediate anchors 88a, 88b are, in one embodiment, hooks or barbs, and extended generally radially outwardly from the support structure 82 at a location(s) between the opposing ends thereof. To this end, the intermediate anchors 88a, 88b are located to physically dock or connect to portions of the previously implanted prosthetic heart valve 52 at points other than leading ends of the stent posts 69. For example, the intermediate anchor 88a is configured and positioned to pierce into material of the previously implanted prosthetic heart valve 52 (such as between adjacent stent posts 69 and/or along a length of one of the stent posts 69) upon transitioning of the prosthetic heart valve 80 to the expanded state. In one embodiment, the intermediate anchor 88a pierces through an interior of the previously implanted prosthetic heart valve 52. The intermediate anchor 88b, on the other hand, is configured and positioned to wrap about and contact an area of the previously implanted prosthetic heart valve 52 between adjacent ones of the stent posts 69 with the prosthetic heart valve 80 in the expanded state.
Where the previously implanted prosthetic heart valve 52 includes an internal wire frame (not shown) traversing an outflow periphery thereof (e.g., Carpentier-Edwards Bioprostheses, available from Edwards Lifescience), a more rigid physical docking or connection can be achieved. For example, the intermediate anchor 88a extends immediately below (relative to the orientation of
In one embodiment, the inflow anchors 90 are hooks or barbs extending from the support structure 82, although a variety of other constructions are also acceptable. Regardless, the inflow anchors 90 are constructed to facilitate physical docking or connection to the sewing ring 62 of the previously implanted prosthetic heart valve 52.
In addition or as an alternative to the coupling means described above, the support structure of the prosthetic heart valve can, in and of itself, be adapted to facilitate physical docking or connection to the previously implanted prosthetic heart valve 52. For example, an alternative embodiment prosthetic heart valve 100 in accordance with the present invention is shown in
In particular, the support structure 102 is constructed such that in the expanded state of
Regardless of exact construction, the prosthetic heart valve 100 is delivered in the contracted state, according to the techniques previously described. In particular, and with reference to
Regardless of exact form, the coupling means associated with the prosthetic heart valve of the present invention need not effectuate a rigid, locking engagement with the previously implanted prosthetic heart valve 52. In fact, depending upon the exact form of the previously implanted prosthetic heart valve, effectuating a rigid engagement may be difficult. In more general terms, however, the coupling means associated with the prosthetic heart valve of the present invention is capable of remaining physically docked or connected to the previously implanted prosthetic heart valve 52 under backpressure conditions of at least 200 mHg.
To ensure a sealing relationship between the prosthetic heart valve 10, 100, and the previously implanted prosthetic heart valve 52, in an alternative embodiment, a gasket material can be provided as shown, for example, at 130 in
In addition to, in one embodiment, providing the prosthetic heart valve 10 (
In the one embodiment of
With the general construction of the support structure 202/leaflets in mind, the connection means 206 associated with the embodiment of
With further reference to
The connection means 206 associated with the first prosthetic heart valve 200 can assume a number of other configurations. For example,
Yet another alternative embodiment first prosthetic heart valve 280 in accordance with the present invention is shown in
Yet another alternative embodiment first prosthetic heart valve 300 in accordance with the present invention is shown in
Yet another alternative embodiment first prosthetic heart valve 330 is shown in
The embodiments of
The prosthetic heart valve and related method of implantation presents a marked improvement over previous designs. In particular, by utilizing a previously implanted prosthetic heart valve as a platform to facilitate mounting relative to a native heart valve, the prosthetic heart valve of the present invention is highly amenable to percutaneous delivery. Further, by functionally replacing a previously implanted prosthetic heart valve, the deficient prosthetic heart valve need not be physically removed from the patient. Thus, the prosthetic heart valve and related method of implantation of the present invention can be used at any point during the “useful life” of a conventional prosthetic heart valve. Further, the methodology associated with the present invention can be repeated multiple times, such that several prosthetic heart valves of the present invention can be mounted on top of or within one another.
Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes can be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. A method of functionally replacing a previously implanted prosthetic heart valve, the method comprising:
- positioning a replacement prosthetic heart valve within an internal region defined by the previously implanted prosthetic heart valve; and
- physically docking the replacement prosthetic heart valve to the previously implanted prosthetic heart valve.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein following fastening, the replacement prosthetic heart valve is anchored relative to native bodily tissue via the previously implanted prosthetic heart valve.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein physically docking the replacement prosthetic heart valve to the previously implanted prosthetic heart valve is characterized by a physical connection apart from an interface provided by a radial pressure of the replacement prosthetic heart valve along an axial length of the previously implanted prosthetic heart valve.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the replacement prosthetic heart valve includes valve leaflets, and further wherein following fastening, the valve leaflets of the replacement prosthetic heart valve function as natural valve leaflet replacements.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the previously implanted prosthetic heart valve includes valve leaflets, the method further comprising:
- preventing movement of the valve leaflets of the previously implanted prosthetic heart valve.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the replacement prosthetic heart valve includes a support structure transitionable from a collapsed state to an expanded state, and further wherein the step of positioning the replacement prosthetic heart valve with the previously implanted prosthetic heart valve includes deploying the support structure in the collapsed state.
7. The method of claim 6, further comprising:
- transitioning the support structure to the expanded state following the step of positioning the replacement prosthetic heart valve within the previously implanted prosthetic heart valve.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the replacement prosthetic heart valve includes coupling means, and further wherein physically docking the replacement prosthetic heart valve includes:
- securing the coupling means to the previously implanted prosthetic heart valve.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the coupling means includes an anchor, and further wherein securing the coupling means includes:
- attaching the anchor to an inflow side of the previously implanted prosthetic heart valve.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein attaching the anchor includes piercing a surface of the previously implanted prosthetic heart valve.
11. The method of claim 8, wherein the coupling means includes an anchor, and further wherein securing the coupling means includes:
- attaching the anchor to an outflow side of the previously implanted prosthetic heart valve.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the coupling means includes a second anchor, and further wherein securing the coupling means includes:
- attaching the second anchor to the inflow side of the previously implanted prosthetic heart valve.
13. The method of claim 8, wherein the coupling means includes a component selected from the group consisting of a barb, clip, staple, eyelet, tab, and hook.
14. The method of claim 8, wherein the replacement prosthetic heart valve includes a support structure transitionable from a contracted state to an expanded state, an end portion of the support structure defining an increased diameter as compared to an intermediate portion in the expanded state, and further wherein the coupling means includes the enlarged diameter end portion and further wherein securing the coupling means includes:
- transitioning the support structure to the expanded state; and
- lodging the enlarged end portion against the previously implanted prosthetic heart valve.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the coupling means includes opposing end portions of the support structure having enlarged diameters in the expanded state, and further wherein securing the coupling means further includes:
- capturing the previously implanted heart valve between the opposing end portions.
16. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
- deploying a gasket material between the previously implanted prosthetic heart valve and the replacement prosthetic heart valve prior to the step of physically docking the replacement prosthetic heart valve.
17. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
- deploying a second replacement prosthetic heart valve within an internal region defined by the replacement prosthetic heart valve; and
- physically docking the second replacement prosthetic heart valve to the previously implanted prosthetic heart valve.
18. The method of claim 1, wherein the previously implanted prosthetic heart valve includes connection means and the replacement prosthetic heart valve includes coupling means, and further wherein physically docking the replacement prosthetic heart valve to the previously implanted prosthetic heart valve includes securing the coupling means to the connection means.
19. A prosthetic heart valve for functionally replacing a previously implanted prosthetic heart valve, the prosthetic heart valve comprising:
- a support structure;
- leaflets mounted to the support structure;
- coupling means associated with the support structure and adapted to physically dock the prosthetic heart valve to a previously implanted heart valve.
20. The prosthetic heart valve of claim 19, wherein the support structure is a stent.
21. The prosthetic heart valve of claim 20, wherein the stent is transitionable from a collapsed state to an expanded state having an enlarged diameter as compared to the collapsed state.
22. The prosthetic heart valve of claim 21, wherein the coupling means is defined, at least in part, by the stent in the expanded state in which at least one end portion of the stent defines an enlarged diameter as compared to a diameter of an intermediate portion of the stent.
23. The prosthetic heart valve of claim 19, wherein the coupling means is attached to the stent.
24. The prosthetic heart valve of claim 23, wherein the coupling means includes an anchor component consisting of a barb, clip, staple, post, eyelet, and hook.
25. The prosthetic heart valve of claim 19, wherein the coupling means is adapted to retract radially in the collapsed state and extend radially in the expanded state.
26. The prosthetic heart valve of claim 19, wherein the leaflets are formed from a material selected from the group consisting of autologous tissue, xenograph material, and synthetic.
27. The prosthetic heart valve of claim 19, wherein the coupling means extends radially outwardly relative to the leaflets.
28. The prosthetic heart valve of claim 19, further comprising:
- a gasket material mounted to an exterior of the support structure.
29. A prosthetic heart valve comprising:
- a support structure;
- leaflets mounted to the support structure; and
- connection means associated with the support structure and adapted to effectuate physical docking of a replacement heart valve to the prosthetic heart valve.
30. The prosthetic heart valve of claim 29, wherein the connection means includes a component selected from the group consisting of a rib, hook, barb, eyelet, ring, clip and staple.
31. The prosthetic heart valve of claim 29, wherein the support structure includes a covering material to which the leaflets are attached, and further wherein the connection means extends from the covering material.
32. The prosthetic heart valve of claim 29, wherein the support structure defines a sewing ring, and further wherein at least a portion of the connection means extends from the sewing ring.
33. The prosthetic heart valve of claim 29, wherein the support structure defines stent posts, and further wherein at least a portion of the connection means extends from the stent posts.
34. The prosthetic heart valve of claim 33, wherein the connection means includes a plurality of protrusions, respective ones of which extend from respective ones of the stent posts.
35. A prosthetic heart valve system comprising:
- a first prosthetic heart valve for initial implantation to native heart tissue and including: a support structure, leaflets mounted to the support structure, connection means associated with the support structure; and
- a replacement prosthetic heart valve for functionally replacing the first prosthetic heart valve following implant of the first prosthetic heart valve, the replacement prosthetic heart valve including: a support structure, leaflets mounted to the support structure, coupling means associated with the support structure;
- wherein the connection means and the coupling means are configured such that the coupling means engages the connection means to physically dock the replacement prosthetic heart valve to the first prosthetic heart valve.
36. The system of claim 35, wherein the connection means and the coupling means include complimentary components.
37. The system of claim 35, wherein the connection means includes a ring and the coupling means includes a protrusion adapted to engage the ring.
38. The system of claim 35, wherein the connection means includes a component extending from an inflow side of the first prosthetic heart valve and the coupling means includes a component extending from an inflow side of the replacement prosthetic heart valve.
39. The system of claim 35, wherein the connection means includes a component extending form an outflow side of the first prosthetic heart valve and the coupling means includes a component extending from an outflow side of the replacement prosthetic heart valve.
40. The system of claim 35, wherein the connection means and coupling means are adapted to provide a longitudinal interface therebetween relative to a length of the first and replacement prosthetic heart valves.
Type: Application
Filed: Sep 7, 2004
Publication Date: Mar 9, 2006
Applicant:
Inventors: Jose Revuelta (Cantabria), Jack Lemmon (St. Louis Park, MN), Timothy Ryan (Shorewood, MN)
Application Number: 10/935,730
International Classification: A61F 2/24 (20060101);