Abstract: A valve prosthesis (9) for implantation in the body by use of catheter (11) comprises a stent made from an expandable cylinder-shaped thread structure (2,3) comprising several spaced apices (4). The elastically collapsible valve (4) is mounted on the stent as the commissural points (5) of the valve (6) is secured to the projecting apices (4). The valve prosthesis (9) can be compressed around the balloon means (13) of the balloon catheter (11) and be inserted in a channel, for instance in the aorta (10). When the valve prosthesis is placed correctly the balloon means (13) is inflated thereby expanding the stent and wedging it against the wall of the aorta. The balloon means is provided with beads (14) to ensure a steady fastening of the valve prosthesis on the balloon means during insertion and expansion. The valve prosthesis (9) and the balloon catheter (11) make it possible to insert a cardiac valve prosthesis without a surgical operation comprising opening the thoracic cavity.

Abstract: A system for implanting a valve prosthesis comprises a compressible and expandable stent with a collapsible and expandable valve structure mounted within the stent. An insertion catheter is provided for advancing the valve prosthesis through a small inlet opening into a body channel The valve structure is preferably formed of biological tissue. The stent may be self-expandable or may be expanded by a balloon on the distal end portion of the catheter. The stent is configured to expand in the body channel such that the outer surface of the stent engages surrounding tissue. After expansion, the valve structure within the stent becomes functional, thereby allowing blood to flow in only one direction. The valve prosthesis is detachable from the catheter for permanent implantation in the body channel. The valve prosthesis is preferably used for replacing the function of a natural heart valve without requiring open heart surgery.

Abstract: A valve prosthesis (9) for implantation in the body by use of catheter (11) comprises a stent made from an expandable cylinder-shaped thread structure (2,3) comprising several spaced apices (4). The elastically collapsible valve (4) is mounted on the stent as the commissural points (5) of the valve (6) is secured to the projecting apices (4). The valve prosthesis (9) can be compressed around the balloon means (13) of the balloon catheter (11) and be inserted in a channel, for instance in the aorta (10). When the valve prosthesis is placed correctly the balloon means (13) is inflated thereby expanding the stent and wedging it against the wall of the aorta. The balloon means is provided with beads (14) to ensure a steady fastening of the valve prosthesis on the balloon means during insertion and expansion. The valve prosthesis (9) and the balloon catheter (11) make it possible to insert a cardiac valve prosthesis without a surgical operation comprising opening the thoracic cavity.

Abstract: A valve prosthesis for implantation in the body by use of a catheter includes a stent made from an expandable cylinder-shaped thread structure including several spaced apices. The elastically collapsible valve is mounted on the stent as the commissural points of the valve are secured to the projecting apices. The valve prosthesis can be compressed around balloons of the balloon catheter and inserted in a channel, for instance, in the aorta. When the valve prosthesis is placed correctly, the balloons are inflated to expand the stent and wedge it against the wall of the aorta. The balloons are provided with beads to ensure a steady fastening of the valve prosthesis on the balloons during insertion and expansion. The valve prosthesis and the balloon catheter make it possible to insert a cardiac valve prosthesis without a surgical operation involving opening the thoracic cavity.

Abstract: A valve prosthesis for implantation in the body by use of a catheter includes a stent made from an expandable cylinder-shaped thread structure having several spaced apices. The elastically collapsible valve is mounted on the stent as the commissural points of the valve are secured to the projecting apices.

Abstract: A valve prosthesis (9) for implantation in the body by use of catheter (11) comprises a stent made from an expandable cylinder-shaped thread structure (2,3) comprising several spaced apices (4). The elastically collapsible valve (4) is mounted on the stent as the commissural points (5) of the valve (6) is secured to the projecting apices (4).

Abstract: A valve prosthesis (9) for implantation in the body by use of catheter (11) comprises a stent made from an expandable cylinder-shaped thread structure (2,3) comprising several spaced apices (4). The elastically collapsible valve (6) is mounted on the stent as the commissural points (5) of the valve (6) is secured to the projecting apices (4). The valve prosthesis (9) can be compressed around the balloon means (13) of the balloon catheter (11) and be inserted in a channel, for instance in the aorta (10). When the valve prosthesis is placed correctly the balloon means (13) is inflated thereby expanding the stent and wedging it against the wall of the aorta. The balloon means is provided with beads (14) to ensure a steady fastening of the valve prosthesis on the balloon means during insertion and expansion. The valve prosthesis (9) and the balloon catheter (11) make it possible to insert a cardiac valve prosthesis without a surgical operation comprising opening the thoracic cavity.

Abstract: A valve prosthesis (9) for implantation in the body by use of catheter (11) comprises a stent made from an expandable cylinder-shaped thread structure (2,3) comprising several spaced apices (4). The elastically collapsible valve (4) is mounted on the stent as the commissural points (5) of the valve (6) are secured to the projecting apices (4).The valve prosthesis (9) can be compressed around the balloon means (13) of the balloon catheter (11) and be inserted in a channel, for instance in the aorta (10). When the valve prosthesis is placed correctly the balloon means (13) is inflated thereby expanding the stent and wedging it against the wall of aorta. The balloon means is provided with beads (14) to ensure a steady fastening of the valve prosthesis on the balloon means during insertion and expansion.The valve prosthesis (9) and the balloon catheter (11) make it possible to insert a cardiac valve prosthesis without a surgical operation comprising opening the thoracic cavity.