Abstract: A resilient self molding annuloplasty ring which may be enlarged prior to implantation to facilitate implantation within a dilated or otherwise incompetent valve annulus having sufficient contractive force to render a valve competent. The self-molding annuloplasty ring may further comprise integral attachment devices to aid in the implantation process. The resilient self-molding annuloplasty ring may be stretched to an expanded diameter and attached to a heart valve annulus, then permitted to contract to reduce the diameter of the annulus. The ring may be positioned on an insertion device that maintains the ring in its expanded diameter while attaching to the annulus.

Abstract: A method of implanting a resilient self-molding annuloplasty ring including stretching it to an expanded diameter and attaching it to a heart valve annulus, then permitting the ring to contract to reduce the diameter of the annulus. The ring may be positioned on an insertion device that maintains the ring in its expanded diameter while attaching to the annulus. The resilient self molding annuloplasty ring which may be enlarged prior to implantation to facilitate implantation within a dilated or otherwise incompetent valve annulus having sufficient contractive force to render a valve competent. The self molding annuloplasty ring of the invention may further comprise integral attachment devices to aid in the implantation process.

Abstract: A highly flexible prosthetic heart valve having an internal leaflet support frame that is designed to separate into individual cusps after implantation. The leaflet support frame (or “stent” or “wireform”) has a plurality of alternating cusps on an inflow end and commissures on an outflow end. The cusps of flexible leaflets attach around the support frame cusps. The support frame provides structural rigidity during implantation, but each support frame commissure has a point of weakness that is designed to fracture upon repeated relative movement of the cusps after implantation such that the support frame cusps separate. Because of the flexible nature of the heart valve, after the cusps separate the implanted heart valve does not significantly impede the natural motions of the annulus or adjacent vessel walls. The support frame may be a homogeneous material such as Nitinol with the point of weakness being a narrowing at the commissure tips.

Abstract: A method of implanting a resilient self-molding annuloplasty ring including stretching it to an expanded diameter and attaching it to a heart valve annulus, then permitting the ring to contract to reduce the diameter of the annulus. The ring may be positioned on an insertion device that maintains the ring in its expanded diameter while attaching to the annulus. The resilient self molding annuloplasty ring which may be enlarged prior to implantation to facilitate implantation within a dilated or otherwise incompetent valve annulus having sufficient contractive force to render a valve competent. The self molding annuloplasty ring of the invention may further comprise integral attachment devices to aid in the implantation process.

Abstract: A holder for a highly flexible tissue-type heart valve is disclosed that maintains an implant shape to the valve. The holder may have cusp and commissure contacting supports, and may be attached at all six such supports, or only three. The holder may be flexible to permit inward flexing of the heart valve during implant for greater visibility when implanting using a running suture method. The holder may be formed of flexible wires such as Nitinol, and shaped to resist excessive axial and torsional deformation of the valve. A short handle connector suitable for manual grasping may be attached and stored with the valve, with the handle connector having a coupling for receiving a longer delivery handle. A two stage holder may be utilized to accommodate different implant methods.

Abstract: The resilient self molding annuloplasty ring which may be enlarged prior to implantation to facilitate implantation within a dilated or otherwise incompetent valve annulus having sufficient contractive force to render a valve competent. The self molding annuloplasty ring of the invention may further comprise integral attachment devices to aid in the implantation process. The invention further discloses an illustrative method of implantation.

Abstract: The resilient self molding annuloplasty ring which may be enlarged prior to implantation to facilitate implantation within a dilated or otherwise incompetent valve annulus having sufficient contractive force to render a valve competent. The self molding annuloplasty ring of the invention may further comprise integral attachment devices to aid in the implantation process. The invention further discloses an illustrative method of implantation.

Abstract: A holder for a highly flexible tissue-type heart valve is disclosed that maintains an implant shape to the valve. The holder may have cusp and commissure contacting supports, and may be attached at all six such supports, or only three. The holder may be flexible to permit inward flexing of the heart valve during implant for greater visibility when implanting using a running suture method. The holder may be formed of flexible wires such as Nitinol, and shaped to resist excessive axial and torsional deformation of the valve. A short handle connector suitable for manual grasping may be attached and stored with the valve, with the handle connector having a coupling for receiving a longer delivery handle. A two stage holder may be utilized to accommodate different implant methods.