Prosthetic heart valve with increased valve lumen

• Main Authors: Brendzel, Avrom M, Ringdal, James R, Vanney, Guy P
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 21.05.2002

Prosthetic heart valves are used as a replacement for natural heart valves of patients. A standard implantable mechanical heart valve typically includes an annular valve housing or body (often called an "orifice") to provide a lumen or passageway therethrough for blood flow. One or more occluders mounted to the valve are movable between an open position, allowing blood flow, and a closed position which blocks blood flow. In many mechanical valves, the occluders are essentially plate-like members called "leaflets." Typical configurations include one, two or three leaflets in the valve body. A heart valve prosthesis having a valve housing providing a lumen therethrough. The valve housing has a first annulus on one end and a second annulus on the other end spaced apart from the first annulus. A suture cuff is used for attaching the valve housing to heart tissue of a patient. The cuff is attached between the first annulus and the second annulus. The cuff is positioned such that prosthesis is attached in a supra-annular position relative to a tissue annulus of the heart. The design allows for an increased valve lumen.