Abstract: A concentric mating stent tissue heart valve which is capable of being assembled with a variety of tissue sources is provided. The valve comprises at least one piece of tissue clamped between an inner and an outer stent. The outer stent is configured with a plurality of spaced posts extending from a base, wherein the posts are configured with open windows so that at least a portion of the tissue in the assembled valve is exposed through the windows. Several embodiments of the outer stent are disclosed, including where the outer stent comprises a crimped metal wire frame covered with a Dacron tube.

Abstract: The present invention provides a heart valve measurement tool in the form of an obturator. The obturator is specifically configured to measure the size of the annulus of the heart to be fitted with a prosthetic heart valve. A plurality of obturators of varying sizes are utilized to determine the appropriate valve size.

Abstract: A concentric mating stent tissue heart valve which is capable of being assembled with a variety of tissue sources is provided. A plurality of prefabricated kits are also provided which enable the valve to be assembled with autogenous tissue in the limited time, i.e., 10 minutes or less, available in the operating room. The inner stent can be configured with a plurality of tissue alignment members extending outward from the inner stent to corresponding holes cut in the tissue. The outer stent can be configured with posts adapted for nesting with corresponding inner stent posts, and integrated with self-adjusting tensioning means, to exert a substantially uniform clamping force on the tissue sufficient to secure the tissue between the stents.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a rapid assembly, concentric and flexible mating stent, tissue heart valve which can be assembled from prefabricated, sterile and disposable kits by a non-surgeon in the limited time available in an operating room. The kits provide the necessary tools and apparatus for harvesting the tissue and measuring the open annulus within the patient's heart. In addition, the kits contain size-specific components to be used during the rapid manufacture of the tissue heart valve.

Abstract: A concentric mating stent tissue heart valve which is capable of being assembled with a variety of tissue sources is provided. A plurality of prefabricated kits are also provided which enable the valve to be assembled with autogenous tissue in the limited time, i.e., 10 minutes or less, available in the operating room. The inner stent can be configured with a plurality of tissue alignment members extending outward from the inner stent to corresponding holes cut in the tissue. The outer stent can be configured with posts adapted for nesting with corresponding inner stent posts, and integrated with self-adjusting tensioning means, to exert a substantially uniform clamping force on the tissue sufficient to secure the tissue between the stents.

Abstract: A method of creating an aortico-pulmonary shunt with a catheter is provided.

Abstract: A concentric mating stent tissue heart valve which is capable of being assembled with a variety of tissue sources is provided. A plurality of prefabricated kits are also provided which enable the valve to be assembled with autogenous tissue in the limited time, i.e., 10 minutes or less, available in the operating room. The inner stent can be configured with a plurality of tissue alignment members extending outward from the inner stent to corresponding holes cut in the tissue. The outer stent can be configured with posts adapted for nesting with corresponding inner stent posts, and integrated with self-adjusting tensioning means, to exert a substantially uniform clamping force on the tissue sufficient to secure the tissue between the stents.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a tricuspid heart valve that can be assembled with autogenous or foreign tissue using a prefabricated kit comprised of two stents that mate together and a sewing ring, one stent inside or below the other, with the tissue clamped between the stents. The inner or lower stent has a scalloped wall to provide three equally spaced peaks extending from an annular base. The stents may have interlocking means at or near their base to not only lock them together, but also to clamp the tissue in place more securely. In the case of having the one stent inside the other, both stents may have a scalloped wall. The tissue is first placed over the inner stent, then after the outer stent is placed over the tissue, excess tissue is trimmed. The mated stents secure the tissue securely in place. The outer stent may have a ledge along its upper edge overhanging the inner stent to clamp the tissue.