Abstract: Improved, adaptable tissue-type heart valves and methods for their manufacture are disclosed wherein a dimensionally stable, pre-aligned tissue leaflet subassembly is formed and its peripheral edge clamped between and attached to an upper shaped wireform and a lower support stent. A variety of adaptable structural interfaces including suture rings, flanges, and conduits may be attached to the support stent with or without an outlet conduit disposed about the wireform to provide a tissue-type heart valve adaptable for use in either a natural heart or in mechanical pumping devices.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 27, 1997
Date of Patent:
July 27, 1999
Assignee:
Baxter International Inc.
Inventors:
Van Le Huynh, Than Nguyen, Hung Ly Lam, Xiaoming G. Guo, Ralph Kafesjian