18433626. PROSTHETIC HEART VALVE LEAFLET ASSEMBLIES AND METHODS simplified abstract (EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES CORPORATION)

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PROSTHETIC HEART VALVE LEAFLET ASSEMBLIES AND METHODS

Organization Name

EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES CORPORATION

Inventor(s)

Noam Nir of Pardes-Hanna (IL)

Elena Sherman of Pardes Hana (IL)

Tamir S. Levi of Zikhron Yaakov (IL)

Michael Bukin of Pardes Hanna (IL)

PROSTHETIC HEART VALVE LEAFLET ASSEMBLIES AND METHODS - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18433626 titled 'PROSTHETIC HEART VALVE LEAFLET ASSEMBLIES AND METHODS

Simplified Explanation

The abstract describes assembly methods for installing a leaflet assembly to an expandable frame of a prosthetic heart valve. The leaflet assembly includes leaflets coupled together at tabs, forming commissure tab assemblies. These commissure tab assemblies are inserted into corresponding windows of support members on the expandable frame. Wedge members are then inserted to restrain radial motion of the commissure tab assembly within the window.

  • Leaflet assembly with leaflets coupled at tabs
  • Commissure tab assemblies inserted into windows of support members
  • Wedge members inserted to restrain radial motion
  • Window can be closed or open
  • Wedge member insertion can be before or after commissure tab assembly installation

Potential Applications

This technology can be applied in the medical field for prosthetic heart valves, specifically in the assembly process of leaflet assemblies to expandable frames.

Problems Solved

This technology solves the problem of securely attaching leaflet assemblies to expandable frames of prosthetic heart valves, ensuring proper functionality and durability.

Benefits

The benefits of this technology include improved stability and reliability of prosthetic heart valves, leading to better patient outcomes and longevity of the device.

Potential Commercial Applications

Potential commercial applications of this technology include medical device companies manufacturing prosthetic heart valves, as well as hospitals and healthcare facilities utilizing these advanced devices for patient care.

Possible Prior Art

One possible prior art in this field is the use of traditional methods for attaching leaflet assemblies to prosthetic heart valve frames, which may not provide the same level of stability and security as the described assembly methods.

Unanswered Questions

How does this technology compare to existing methods for attaching leaflet assemblies to prosthetic heart valve frames?

This article does not directly compare the described technology to existing methods, leaving room for further exploration of the advantages and disadvantages of each approach.

What are the potential challenges or limitations of implementing this assembly method in prosthetic heart valve production?

The article does not address any potential challenges or limitations that may arise during the implementation of this assembly method, leaving room for further investigation into practical considerations and feasibility.


Original Abstract Submitted

Assembly methods for installing a leaflet assembly to an expandable frame of a prosthetic heart valve are described. The leaflet assembly comprises a plurality of leaflets coupled together at adjacent tabs, which form respective commissure tab assemblies. The commissure tab assemblies are inserted into corresponding windows of support members of the expandable frame. One or more wedge members are inserted into the commissure tab assembly, e.g., between the adjacent tabs or with the adjacent tabs therebetween, to restrain radial motion of the commissure tab assembly with respect to the window. The window can be a closed window, and the wedge member insertion can be after the commissure tab assembly is inserted into the window. Alternatively, the window can be an open window or channel, and the wedge member insertion can be before the commissure tab assembly is installed in the window.