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 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: The present invention is aimed to provide a valve prothesis (IV) especially used in case of aortic stenosis, which structure is 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. A valve prothesis for implantation in a body channel according to the invention comprises a collapsible valvular structure and an expandable frame on which said valvular structure is mounted. The valvular structure is composed of a valvular tissue compatible with the human body and blood, the valvular tissue being sufficiently supple and resistant to allow said valvular structure to be deformed from a closed state to an opened state.

Abstract: The present invention is aimed to provide a valve prothesis (IV) especially used in case of aortic stenosis, which structure is 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. A valve prothesis for implantation in a body channel according to the invention comprises a collapsible valvular structure and an expandable frame on which said valvular structure is mounted. The valvular structure is composed of a valvular tissue compatible with the human body and blood, the valvular tissue being sufficiently supple and resistant to allow said valvular structure to be deformed from a closed state to an opened state.

Abstract: A retractor is mounted at the distal end of a catheter. The retractor is constituted of two symmetrically deformable parallelograms. In the closed position, the retractor has substantially the same radial extension as the catheter.

Abstract: A cylindrical shaped stent to prevent arterial acute closure and subsequent restenosis formed of longitudinal wires of biocompatible metal. The wires are welded together in pairs at alternate ends with each pair of wires bent into a V-section. The wires are all formed into a cylinder welded closed to form the stent. The stent is compressed and loaded into an outer catheter by a special tool. The stent is positioned and released for self expansion in situ by an inner catheter. A guide wire through both assists in threading the catheters through blood vessels.

Abstract: Dilatation procedures and catheter instrument for treating patients having acquired aortic stenosis, typically in which there are calcific deposits on the leaflets of the aortic valve. A dilatation balloon introduced into the stenosed aortic valve via the aorta while the blood circulation of the patient is maintained by the heart via the aortic valve, is inflated to grossly deflect the leaflets of the valve in a manner avoiding blocking the outer portions of the commissures of the valve. This inflating step enables substantial flow of blood through the outer portions of the commissures during systole despite the presence in the valve of the large inflated balloon. By prolonging the inflation for at least 30 seconds, over a large multiplicity of heart beats the calcific deposits are disturbed to increase the pliability of the leaflets and the degree of their opening, in an action found not to produce emboli.