U.S. patent application number 13/165721 was filed with the patent office on 2011-12-22 for replacement heart valve.
Invention is credited to Stan Komatsu, Yen Liao, Robrecht Michiels, Hung Nguyen, MyKim Nguyen, Arshad Quadri, J. Brent Ratz, Kalathi Thygarajan.
Application Number | 20110313515 13/165721 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45329341 |
Filed Date | 2011-12-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110313515 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Quadri; Arshad ; et
al. |
December 22, 2011 |
REPLACEMENT HEART VALVE
Abstract
A replacement heart valve can have an expandable frame
configured to engage a native valve annulus. A valve body can be
mounted onto the expandable frame to provide functionality similar
to a natural valve. The valve body has an upstream end and a
downstream end, and a diameter at the downstream end is greater
than a diameter at the upstream end.
Inventors: |
Quadri; Arshad; (West
Hartford, CT) ; Ratz; J. Brent; (Ladera Ranch,
CA) ; Liao; Yen; (Arlington, VA) ; Komatsu;
Stan; (Laguna Hills, CA) ; Thygarajan; Kalathi;
(Lake Forest, CA) ; Michiels; Robrecht; (Laguna
Hills, CA) ; Nguyen; Hung; (Garden Grove, CA)
; Nguyen; MyKim; (Fountain Valley, CA) |
Family ID: |
45329341 |
Appl. No.: |
13/165721 |
Filed: |
June 21, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61357048 |
Jun 21, 2010 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
623/2.2 ;
623/2.22 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 2230/008 20130101;
A61F 2250/0029 20130101; A61F 2/2418 20130101; A61F 2/2415
20130101; A61F 2230/0067 20130101; A61F 2220/0008 20130101; A61F
2250/0039 20130101; A61F 2230/0054 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
623/2.2 ;
623/2.22 |
International
Class: |
A61F 2/24 20060101
A61F002/24 |
Claims
1. A replacement heart valve comprising: an expandable frame having
an engagement system configured to engage a native valve annulus at
an engagement zone along the length of the frame, the frame
comprising an upstream portion, a downstream portion, and a
transition portion between the upstream and downstream portions, a
diameter of the downstream portion being greater than a diameter of
the upstream portion; and a valve body mounted onto the expandable
frame, the valve body comprising a plurality of valve leaflets
configured to move between an open condition and a closed
condition, a diameter of the valve body at a downstream end of the
leaflets being greater than a diameter of the valve body at an
upstream end of the leaflets; wherein the upstream end of each
leaflet is positioned upstream of the frame engagement zone.
2. The replacement heart valve of claim 1, wherein the diameter of
the downstream portion of the frame is substantially constant along
the length of the downstream portion and the diameter of the
upstream portion is substantially constant along the length of the
upstream portion.
3. The replacement heart valve of claim 1, wherein the downstream
end of each leaflet is positioned upstream of the frame engagement
zone.
4. The replacement heart valve of claim 1, wherein the downstream
end of each leaflet is positioned downstream of the frame
engagement zone.
5. The replacement heart valve of claim 1, wherein the frame
engagement zone is positioned along the downstream portion of the
frame.
6. The replacement heart valve of claim 1, wherein the engagement
system comprises a set of upstream anchors and a set of downstream
anchors, each anchor comprising an anchor tip, and the frame
engagement zone is defined between the tips of the upstream and
downstream anchors.
7. The replacement heart valve of claim 6, wherein a diameter
defined by the tips of the upstream anchors is approximately equal
to a diameter defined by the tips of the downstream anchors.
8. The replacement heart valve of claim 6, wherein the downstream
anchors extend from the downstream portion of the expandable frame
and the upstream anchors extend from an area of the frame having a
diameter less than the downstream portion.
9. The replacement heart valve of claim 8, wherein the upstream
anchors extend from the upstream portion of the expandable
frame.
10. The replacement heart valve of claim 8, wherein the upstream
anchors extend from the transition portion of the expandable
frame.
11. The replacement heart valve of claim 8, wherein the engagement
zone is positioned along the downstream portion of the frame.
12. The replacement heart valve of claim 8, wherein the upstream
anchors comprise first, second and third spaced apart bending
stages along the length of each anchor, and wherein the anchor
bends radially outwardly in the first and second bending stages,
and radially inwardly in the third bending stage.
13. The replacement heart valve of claim 12, wherein the portion of
the anchor between the third bending stage and the anchor tip is
generally parallel to an axis of the frame.
14. A replacement heart valve comprising: an expandable frame
configured to engage a native valve annulus at an engagement zone
along the length of the frame, the expandable frame comprising: a
foreshortening portion configured to longitudinally contract as the
frame radially expands from a compacted to an expanded condition; a
plurality of first anchors and a plurality of second anchors, each
anchor extending radially outwardly from the frame at an anchor
base and terminating at an anchor tip, at least part of the
foreshortening portion disposed between the first and second anchor
bases, the engagement zone defined between the first and second
anchor tips; the first anchors comprising first, second and third
spaced apart bending stages along the length of each upstream
anchor, and wherein the first anchor is bent radially outwardly in
the first and second bending stages, and is bent in an opposite
direction in the third bending stage; and a valve body attached to
the expandable frame, the valve body comprising a plurality of
valve leaflets configured to open to allow flow in a first
direction and engage one another so as to close and not allow flow
in a second direction opposite the first direction.
15. The replacement heart valve of claim 14, wherein the portion of
the first anchor between the third bending stage and the anchor tip
is generally parallel to an axis of the frame.
16. The replacement heart valve of claim 14, wherein the second
anchor comprises first, second and third spaced apart bending
stages, and wherein in the first bending stage the anchor is bent
radially inwardly, in the second bending stage the anchor is bent
radially outwardly, and in the third bending stage the anchor is
bent radially inwardly.
17. The replacement heart valve of claim 16, wherein in the second
bending stage of the first anchor is bent about 180 degrees.
18. A replacement heart valve comprising: an expandable frame
configured to engage a native valve annulus at an engagement zone
along the length of the frame, the expandable frame comprising: an
upstream portion; a downstream portion, a diameter of the
downstream portion being different than a diameter of the upstream
portion; a transition portion between the upstream and downstream
portions; a plurality of upstream anchors and a plurality of
downstream anchors, each anchor extending radially outwardly from
the frame at an anchor base and terminating at an anchor tip, at
least part of a foreshortening portion disposed between the
upstream and downstream anchor bases, the engagement zone defined
between the upstream and downstream anchor tips; a valve body
attached to the expandable frame, the valve body comprising a
plurality of valve leaflets configured to open to allow flow in a
first direction and engage one another so as to close and not allow
flow in a second direction opposite the first direction; wherein
the bases of the upstream anchors are disposed at a location along
the length of the frame having a first diameter, and the bases of
the downstream anchors are disposed at a location along the length
of the frame having a second diameter, and the first diameter is
different than the second diameter.
19. The replacement heart valve of claim 18, wherein the diameter
of the downstream portion is greater than the diameter of the
upstream portion.
20. The replacement heart valve of claim 19, wherein the bases of
the upstream anchors are disposed in the upstream portion, and the
bases of the downstream anchors are disposed in the downstream
portion.
21. The replacement heart valve of claim 19, wherein the bases of
the upstream anchors are disposed in the transition portion, and
the bases of the downstream anchors are disposed in the downstream
portion.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 61/357,048, which was filed on Jun. 21, 2010.
The entire contents of the above application are hereby
incorporated by reference herein. Further, Applicants' U.S.
application Ser. Nos. 12/569,856, filed Sep. 29, 2009 and
12/761,349, filed Apr. 15, 2010 disclose several embodiments of
replacement heart valves. In some instances the present disclosure
describes embodiments and principles that build upon and improve
embodiments disclosed in these previous applications. As such, the
entirety of each of these prior applications is incorporated by
reference into this disclosure.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to replacement heart
valves.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] Human heart valves, which include the aortic, pulmonary,
mitral and tricuspid valves, function essentially as one-way valves
operating in synchronization with the pumping heart. The valves
allow blood to flow in a downstream direction, but block blood from
flowing in an upstream direction. Diseased heart valves exhibit
impairments such as narrowing of the valve or regurgitation. Such
impairments reduce the heart's blood-pumping efficiency and can be
a debilitating and life threatening condition. For example, valve
insufficiency can lead to conditions such as heart hypertrophy and
dilation of the ventricle. Thus, extensive efforts have been made
to develop methods and apparatus to repair or replace impaired
heart valves.
[0006] Prostheses exist to correct problems associated with
impaired heart valves. For example, mechanical and tissue-based
heart valve prostheses can be used to replace impaired native heart
valves. More recently, substantial effort has been dedicated to
developing replacement heart valves, particularly tissue-based
replacement heart valves, that can be delivered with less trauma to
the patient than through open heart surgery. Replacement valves are
being designed to be delivered through minimally invasive
procedures and even percutaneous procedures. Such replacement
valves often include a tissue-based valve body that is connected to
an expandable frame that is then delivered to the native valve's
annulus.
[0007] Development of replacement heart valves that can be
compacted for delivery and then controllably expanded for
controlled placement has proven to be particularly challenging.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Accordingly, there is in the need of the art for an improved
replacement heart valve.
[0009] In accordance with one embodiment, the present invention
provides a replacement heart valve that comprises an expandable
frame and a valve body mounted onto the expandable frame. The
expandable frame may have an engagement system configured to engage
a native valve annulus at an engagement zone along the length of
the frame. The frame can have an upstream portion, a downstream
portion, and a transition portion between the upstream and
downstream portions, where a diameter of the downstream portion is
greater than a diameter of the upstream portion. The valve body can
have a plurality of valve leaflets configured to move between an
open condition and a closed condition. A diameter of the valve body
at a downstream end of the leaflets can be greater than a diameter
of the valve body at an upstream end of the leaflets and the
upstream end of each leaflet can be positioned upstream of the
frame engagement zone.
[0010] In some embodiments, the engagement system comprises a set
of upstream anchors and a set of downstream anchors, each anchor
comprising an anchor tip, and the frame engagement zone is defined
between the tips of the upstream and downstream anchors.
[0011] The anchors can include one of many features. For example, a
diameter defined by the tips of the upstream anchors can be
approximately equal to a diameter defined by the tips of the
downstream anchors. As another example, the downstream anchors can
extend from the downstream portion of the expandable frame and the
upstream anchors can extend from an area of the frame having a
diameter less than the downstream portion, such as the upstream
portion or the transition portion of the expandable frame.
[0012] In some embodiments, a replacement heart valve comprises an
expandable frame configured to engage a native valve annulus at an
engagement zone along the length of the frame and a valve body
attached to the expandable frame. The expandable frame can include
a foreshortening portion configured to longitudinally contract as
the frame radially expands from a compacted to an expanded
condition, a plurality of first anchors and a plurality of second
anchors.
[0013] Each of the anchors, according to some embodiments, can
extend radially outwardly from the frame at an anchor base and
terminate at an anchor tip. At least part of the foreshortening
portion can be disposed between the first and second anchor bases
and the engagement zone can be defined between the first and second
anchor tips. Further, the first anchors can comprise first, second
and third spaced apart bending stages along the length of each
upstream anchor, and wherein the first anchor is bent radially
outwardly in the first and second bending stages, and is bent in an
opposite direction in the third bending stage.
[0014] The anchors may include additional features. For example,
the portion of the first anchor between the third bending stage and
the anchor tip can be generally parallel to an axis of the frame.
The second anchor can comprise first, second and third spaced apart
bending stages, and wherein in the first bending stage the anchor
is bent radially inwardly, in the second bending stage the anchor
is bent radially outwardly, and in the third bending stage the
anchor is bent radially inwardly. The second bending stage of the
first anchor can be bent about 180 degrees.
[0015] According to some embodiments, a replacement heart valve
comprises an expandable frame configured to engage a native valve
annulus at an engagement zone along the length of the frame, and a
valve body attached to the expandable frame. The valve body can
comprise a plurality of valve leaflets configured to open to allow
flow in a first direction and engage one another so as to close and
not allow flow in a second direction opposite the first direction.
The expandable frame can comprise an upstream portion, a downstream
portion, a transition portion, a plurality of upstream anchors and
a plurality of downstream anchors.
[0016] The downstream portion can have a diameter different than a
diameter of the upstream portion. The transition portion can be
between the upstream and downstream portions. Each anchor can
extend radially outwardly from the frame at an anchor base and
terminate at an anchor tip. At least part of a foreshortening
portion disposed between the upstream and downstream anchor bases.
The engagement zone defined between the upstream and downstream
anchor tips. The bases of the upstream anchors can be disposed at a
location along the length of the frame having a first diameter, and
the bases of the downstream anchors can be disposed at a location
along the length of the frame having a second diameter, and the
first diameter is different than the second diameter.
[0017] In some embodiments, the diameter of the downstream portion
is greater than the diameter of the upstream portion. In addition,
in some embodiments, the bases of the upstream anchors are disposed
in the upstream portion, and the bases of the downstream anchors
are disposed in the downstream portion or the bases of the upstream
anchors are disposed in the transition portion, and the bases of
the downstream anchors are disposed in the downstream portion.
[0018] In some embodiments, a replacement heart valve comprises an
expandable frame configured to engage a native valve annulus and a
valve body mounted onto the expandable frame. The valve body can
comprise a plurality of valve leaflets configured to open to allow
flow in a first direction and engage one another so as to close and
not allow flow in a second direction opposite the first direction.
The valve body can have an upstream end and a downstream end where
a diameter at the downstream end is greater than a diameter at the
upstream end.
[0019] In some embodiments, a replacement heart valve comprises an
expandable frame configured to engage a native valve annulus and a
valve body mounted onto the expandable frame. The valve body can
include a plurality of valve leaflets configured to open to allow
flow in a first direction and engage one another so as to close and
not allow flow in a second direction opposite the first direction.
The expandable frame can have an upstream portion, a downstream
portion, a first set of anchors, and a second set of anchors. A
diameter of the expandable frame at the downstream portion can be
greater than a diameter of the expandable frame at the upstream
portion. Further, each anchor can comprise an anchor tip. The first
set of anchors can extend from the downstream portion of the
expandable frame and the second set of anchors can extend from an
area of the frame having a diameter less than the downstream
portion. The anchor tips of the first set of anchors can be
configured to be positioned generally opposed to the anchor tips of
the second set of anchors when the expandable frame is engaged to
the native valve annulus.
[0020] Other inventive embodiments and features are disclosed
below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] These and other features, aspects and advantages are
described below with reference to the drawings, which are intended
to illustrate but not to limit the invention. In the drawings, like
reference characters denote corresponding features consistently
throughout similar embodiments.
[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a
replacement heart valve.
[0023] FIG. 2 is a view looking upstream through the replacement
heart valve of FIG. 1.
[0024] FIGS. 3A and 3B are schematic views of one embodiment of a
valve body.
[0025] FIG. 4 is a schematic side view of one embodiment of a frame
for supporting a valve body.
[0026] FIG. 5 is a partial flat pattern depiction of the pattern
from which the frame of FIG. 4 is cut.
[0027] FIGS. 6 and 6A show valve leaflets configured in accordance
with one embodiment.
[0028] FIG. 7 illustrates components of an outer valve skirt
configured in accordance with one embodiment.
[0029] FIG. 8 illustrates components of another embodiment of an
outer valve skirt.
[0030] FIG. 9 illustrates components of still another embodiment of
an outer valve skirt.
[0031] FIG. 10 shows an embodiment of a connection skirt.
[0032] FIG. 11 is a schematic side view of another embodiment of a
frame.
[0033] FIG. 12 is a partial flat pattern depiction of the pattern
from which the frame of FIG. 11 is cut.
[0034] FIG. 13 is a side view of still another embodiment of a
frame.
[0035] FIG. 14 shows a schematic side view of yet another
embodiment of a frame.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0036] The present specification and drawings disclose aspects and
features of the invention in the context of several embodiments of
replacement heart valves and portions thereof that are configured
for replacement of natural heart valves in a patient. These
embodiments may be discussed in connection with replacing specific
valves such as the patient's aortic or mitral valve. However, it is
to be understood that the context of a particular valve or
particular features of a valve should not be taken as limiting, and
features of any one embodiment discussed herein can be combined
with features of other embodiments as desired and when
appropriate.
[0037] With initial reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, an embodiment of a
replacement heart valve 10 is shown. The illustrated replacement
heart valve 10 is designed to replace a diseased native mitral
valve. In this embodiment, the replacement heart valve 10 is made
up of a self-expanding frame 20 to which a valve body 30 is
attached. As best seen in FIG. 2, the valve body 30 includes
flexible leaflets 32 that open and close. The valve body 30 can
include two, three or more leaflets 32. The valve body 30 has an
inflow end 34 and an outflow end 36. The replacement heart valve 10
is shown with an upstream portion 38, a transition portion 40
adjacent the upstream portion 38 and a downstream portion 42
disposed adjacent the other side of the transition portion 40.
[0038] The valve body 30 can extend the length of the frame 20 or
it can extend along only part of the length of the frame 20. For
example, the valve body 30 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 extends along the
upstream portion 38 and the transition portion 40. The valve body
30 also extends along the non-foreshortening zone 52. In another
embodiment the valve body 30 also extends along the downstream
portion 42 and/or the foreshortening zone 54. As shown, in the
illustrated embodiment a connection skirt 50 extends along the
length of the downstream portion 42. In some embodiments, the ends
14, 16 of the replacement heart valve 10 can coincide with the
inflow end 34 of the valve body 30 and the outflow end 36 of the
valve body. In the illustrated embodiment, the inflow end 34
substantially coincides with one end 14 of the replacement heart
valve 10 while the other end 16 of the replacement heart valve 10
extends past the outflow end 36 of the valve body.
[0039] The valve body 30 can be implanted within a heart to replace
a damaged or diseased heart valve such as a mitral valve. The valve
leaflets 32 can function in a manner similar to the natural mitral
valve. For example, a plurality of valve leaflets 32 can open to
allow flow in a first direction and engage one another so as to
close and not allow flow in a second direction opposite the first
direction. The replacement heart valve 10 can be constructed so as
the open naturally with the beating of the heart.
[0040] Additional example replacement heart valves with valve
bodies and leaflets are discussed in detail in Applicants' U.S.
application Ser. No. 12/569,856, filed Sep. 29, 2009, incorporated
by reference herein in its entirety and with particular reference
to FIGS. 1-3C, 5-13 and 17-25 and the accompanying discussion
including paragraphs [0063]-[0070], [0083]-[0101], [0110]-[0114],
[0118], [0124]-[0128], and [0130]-[0137].
[0041] With continued reference to FIGS. 1-2, in this embodiment,
the frame 20 is elongate with different diameter sections. For
example, the upstream end 14 of replacement heart valve 10 or frame
20 has a first diameter that is substantially less than a second
diameter at the downstream end 16. The frame 20 maintains the first
diameter along its length in the upstream portion 38. In the
transition portion 40 between the upstream 38 and downstream 42
portions, the frame 20 flares outwardly so that the diameter
increases to the second diameter. The downstream portion 42
disposed adjacent the transition portion 40 preferably maintains
the second diameter along its length.
[0042] The frame 20 is constructed from a metal tube, such as a
nitinol tube. As such, the frame 20 can be expanded and/or
compressed and/or otherwise worked to have the desired introduction
and implantation configurations.
[0043] The frame 20 is constructed so that part of the frame
foreshortens as the frame is radially expanded from a collapsed
configuration. In the illustrated embodiment a foreshortening zone
54 generally corresponds with the downstream portion 42. A
non-foreshortening zone 52 extends upstream from the foreshortening
zone 54, and generally corresponds to the upstream 38 and
transition 40 portions.
[0044] Opposing anchors 22, 24 are constructed on the frame 20 so
that preferably their tips 26, 28 are in the downstream portion 42.
The anchors 22, 24 are configured to grasp opposite sides of the
native mitral annulus. In some embodiments, one or more of the
anchor tips 26, 28 are in the downstream portion 42, the upstream
portion 38, the transition portion 40, or at or near the border of
the transition portion 40 and the downstream portion 42 or the
border of the transition portion 40 and the upstream portion 38.
Preferably, each of the anchors 22, 24 also extends generally
radially outwardly from the frame 20 so that the anchor tips 26, 28
are generally spaced away from the rest of the frame 20. In some
embodiments, all or part of the structure connected to the anchor
tip and extending radially from the frame, including one or more
rings and/or struts, can be considered part of the anchor. The
anchors can include a base located on the anchor on a side opposite
the tip. The base can be for example where the anchor begins to
extend away from the frame 20.
[0045] As shown, the anchors 22 extend from the downstream portion
42 of the frame 20. For example, the anchors 22 can extend from the
end 16 of the frame 20. In some embodiments the anchors 22 can
extend from other parts of the downstream portion 42 of the frame.
The illustrated anchors 24 extend from the upstream portion 38 of
the frame 20. As such, the anchors 24 and the anchors 22 both
extend from regions having different diameters. As an additional
example, the anchors 24 can extend from the downstream portion 42
and the anchors 22 can extend from the transition portion 40.
Alternatively, both set of anchors 22, 24 can extend from the
transition portion 40.
[0046] The anchors 22, 24 can also extend from regions having the
same diameter. For example both sets of anchors can extend from the
downstream portion 42.
[0047] The anchors 22, 24 can be one of many different lengths. For
example, the anchors can be shorter than, as long as or longer than
any of the upstream 38, transition 40, and downstream 42 portions.
As shown, the anchors 24 are shorter than the downstream portion 42
and the anchors 22 are longer than the transition portion 40. The
anchors 22 extend from the upstream portion 38, through the
transition portion 40 and into the downstream portion 42. Other
configurations are also possible.
[0048] The anchor tips 26, 28 can have one of many shapes. For
example, the shape can be configured to increase the amount of
surface area of the tip that is in contact with tissue. The tips
26, 28 are shown as round or elliptical disks but can have other
shapes as well, such as tear drop, rectangular, rectangular with a
curved end, etc.
[0049] In preferred embodiments, the replacement heart valve 10 may
be deployed into a heart valve annulus, and positioned when
compacted so that the anchor tips 26, 28 of the opposing anchors
22, 24 are disposed on opposite sides of the native annulus. As the
replacement heart valve 10 is expanded, the opposing anchors are
drawn closer together so as to grasp opposite sides of the native
annulus with the anchor tips 26, 28 and securely hold the
replacement heart valve 10 in position. As such, the replacement
heart valve 10 can be held securely in position without requiring a
substantial radial force against the native annulus. The
foreshortening zone 54 can be used to move the anchor tips 26, 28
closer together as the replacement heart valve 10 moves to the
expanded position to thereby engage the native valve annulus.
[0050] Applicant's U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/084,586,
which was published on Aug. 27, 2009 as U.S. Publication No.
2009/0216314, discusses embodiments of foreshortening stents with
anchors, and can be referred to for further discussion of certain
aspects of the illustrated embodiments. The above application is
incorporated in its entirety by reference herein with particular
reference to the discussion concerning structure and operation of
embodiments of a foreshortening stent, particularly a
foreshortening stent having anchors.
[0051] FIGS. 3A-B show an embodiment of the valve body 30 separate
from the other components of the replacement heart valve 10. The
valve body 30 preferably is shaped to accommodate the transition
portion 40 of the frame 20. More specifically, the valve body
transition portion 40 is generally conical, where the upstream
portion 38 is generally cylindrical. In embodiments where the valve
body 30 extends into the downstream portion 42, the downstream
portion can also be generally cylindrical. In some embodiments, one
or more of the upstream portion 38 and the downstream portion 42
can be generally conical. In the illustrated embodiment, the
upstream portion 38 of the valve body 30 has an inflow diameter
D.sub.1. A downstream, or outflow end 36 of the valve body 30 has a
diameter D.sub.2 that is greater than the upstream portion diameter
D.sub.1. Approaching the outflow end 36 of the valve body 30, the
valve body flares outwardly to the larger diameter. As such, the
inflow diameter D.sub.1 of the valve body 30 is less than the
outflow diameter D.sub.2 of the valve body 30. The inflow D.sub.1
and outflow D.sub.2 diameters can vary greatly, in some
embodiments, the inflow diameter D.sub.1 can be approximately 30 mm
and the outflow diameter D.sub.2 can be approximately 40 mm.
[0052] The valve leaflets 32 extend along all or part of the length
of the valve body 30, and including all or part of the reduced and
increasing diameter portions of the valve body, i.e. the upstream
38 and transition 40 portions, as shown. In some embodiments, the
leaflets 32 can also span all or part of the length of the
downstream portion 42.
[0053] As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the replacement heart valve
10 can also include a connection skirt 50. The connection skirt 50
can be a flexible fabric, preferably a knit polyester fabric. The
connection skirt 50 can be attached to one or both of the frame 20
and the valve body 30. As shown, the connection skirt 50 is
attached to the distal end of the valve body 30 and also attached
to the frame 20 in the foreshortening zone. In the illustrated
embodiment, the valve body 30 is attached to the frame 20 so that
it is contained within the non-foreshortening zone. In other
embodiments, the valve body 30 may be partially contained in both
the non-foreshortening zone 52 and the foreshortening zone 54. Some
embodiments may not include the connection skirt 50.
[0054] With additional reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, a schematic side
view of the frame 20 is shown, along with a flat pattern depiction
of the pattern from which the frame 20 is cut from a metal tube,
such as a nitinol tube. As mentioned previously, the frame 20 has a
non-foreshortening zone 52 and a foreshortening zone 54. As shown,
longitudinal struts 56 span the length of the non-foreshortening
zone 52. Distal or downstream portions of the longitudinal struts
56 make up the transition portion 40, in which the struts 56 bend
so as to flare radially outwardly and then bend again so as to stop
expanding in radius and attach to the foreshortening zone 54 of the
frame 20. As such, the frame 20 is generally divided into an
upstream portion 38 made up of the first diameter, a transition
portion 40 at which the diameter is expanding, and a downstream
portion 42 which includes the foreshortening zone 54 and which is
adapted to engage the native valve annulus.
[0055] First 58, second 60, and third 62 rings made up of
undulating struts are connected to the longitudinal struts 56 in
the non-foreshortening zone 52. The illustrated first 58 and second
60 rings are of generally the same size, however, the struts in the
third ring 62 are substantially larger and longer than the struts
in the first 58 and second 60 rings. For example, the struts of the
first 58 and second 60 rings can be about twice as long as the
struts of the third ring 62, or longer. Additionally, upstream
anchors 22 extend from the free apices of the struts in the third
ring 62. As best shown in FIG. 4, the struts in the third ring 62
preferably are flared radially out at a more dramatic angle than is
the longitudinal strut 56 at the transition portion 40. In the
illustrated embodiment, the third ring struts 62 can be considered
part of the upstream anchors 22.
[0056] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, a fourth ring 64 is attached to
the distal end of the longitudinal struts 56 at an apex of the
fourth ring 64. A fifth ring 66 attaches to the fourth ring 66 on
the side opposite the longitudinal struts 56. The fifth ring 66 can
be a mirror image of the fourth ring 64. As illustrated, the fourth
64 and fifth 66 rings are of generally the same size. The fourth 64
and fifth 66 rings are made up of undulating struts and make up the
foreshortening zone 54. Expansion of the replacement heart valve 10
causes the struts of the fourth ring 64 to move farther apart such
that they are at a greater angle relative to one another. Thus,
they move from a relatively vertical orientation to a more
horizontal orientation. This also causes the ring to shrink in
vertical height. The fifth ring exhibits similar behavior when the
valve 10 expands. This movement of the fourth 64 and fifth 66 rings
results in foreshortening of the frame 20.
[0057] Additionally, downstream anchors 24 extend from the free
apices of the fifth ring 66. As best shown in FIG. 4, the
downstream anchors 24 are bent down and flared radially out from
the struts of the fourth 64 and fifth 66 rings. The upstream
anchors 22 on the third ring 62 are bent so as to generally oppose
the downstream anchors 24 that extend from the foreshortening zone
54. A tip 26 of each upstream anchor 22 is downstream of the
transition portion 40. As such, the downstream anchors 24 extend
from the distal or outflow end 16 of the valve 10, and the upstream
anchors 22 extend outwardly from the upstream portion of the valve
10, upstream of the transition portion 40.
[0058] The shape of each of the anchors will now be described in
more detail with reference to FIG. 4. Each anchor 22, 24 can have
one or more bending stages to position the anchor tip in the
desired location. Preferably, each anchor has at least two bending
stages.
[0059] The downstream anchor 24 has a base 76 that is connected to
a free apex of the fifth ring 66. After the base 76 there is a
first bending stage 78 so that the anchor is radially spaced
outwardly from the frame 20. As shown, the anchor at the first
bending stage 78 is bent approximately 180 degrees. A large bend
such as a bend of approximately 180 degrees, or between around
150-200 degrees, can provide structural support and strength to the
anchor. Such a large bend can also be located at other points in
the anchor and at other bending stages. A second bending stage 80
is shown used to flare the anchor radially outwardly from the frame
20. In a third bending stage 82 the anchor bends in a radially
inward direction so as to direct the anchor tip 28 towards the
opposing anchor 22 and position the portion of the anchor between
the tip and the third bending stage parallel or substantially
parallel to the frame 20. In some embodiments more or fewer bending
stages can be used. In addition, the various bending stages can be
used to different purposes and to provide different positions of
the anchor than those described above.
[0060] The upstream anchor 22 can also have one or more bending
stages. The anchor 22 has a base 84 where the strut of the third
ring 62 connects to the longitudinal strut 56. A first bending
stage 86 of the anchor 22 can be located at the base to move the
anchor 22 radially outwardly from frame 20. A second bending stage
88 can further move the anchor 22 radially outwardly from frame 20.
In this way, the anchor 22 can be bent in a gradual manner away
from the frame 20. In some embodiments, one bending stage can be
used to move the anchor 22 away from the frame. The anchor 22 can
also include a large bend similar to the approximately 180 degree
bend in the first bending stage 78 of anchor 24. Finally, anchor 22
is also shown with a third bending stage 90. The third bending
stage 90 can direct the anchor tip 26 towards the opposing anchor
24 and position the tip parallel or substantially parallel to the
frame 20.
[0061] The transition portion 40 can also include one or more
bending stages, such as bending stages 92, 94 shown in FIG. 4.
[0062] Notably, in this embodiment the native annulus which is
intended to be gripped between the anchor tips 26, 28 will be
engaged by the foreshortening zone 54 of the frame 20, and will not
engage the transition portion 40 of the frame 20. Rather, in a
mitral placement, the upstream 38 and transition 40 portions of the
replacement valve 10 will not necessarily be disposed within the
annulus but mostly or entirely in the atrium.
[0063] In the embodiment illustrated in connection with FIGS. 1-5,
the valve body 30 is a two-layer valve comprising an outer valve
skirt 33 and inner leaflets 32 (see FIGS. 2 and 3A). The outer
valve skirt 33 is disposed between the leaflets 32 and the frame
20. It is to be understood, however, that in other embodiments, a
single-layer valve body 30 not having an outer valve skirt 33 may
be employed.
[0064] With particular reference next to FIG. 6, an embodiment of
conical valve leaflet 32 is shown. This figure shows one embodiment
of a pattern for cutting the leaflets 32 from a flat, tissue
material such as pericardium. Preferably, upstream portions of the
leaflets are generally curved and commissures are disposed along
downstream side edges of the leaflets. The curvature and size of
the pattern cuts, and particularly the curvature of the side edges,
is chosen so that the valve fits within the generally conical shape
defined by the frame 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the side
edges at and adjacent the downstream end are angled relative to a
longitudinal axis of the valve. As such, the valve as defined by
the leaflets 32 has an outflow diameter that is greater than its
inflow diameter. In addition, as discussed previously, the leaflets
can extend between different diameter sections of the valve body,
thus the leaflets are generally positioned at a smaller diameter at
the upstream end than at the downstream end. FIG. 6A shows another
embodiment of a conical leaflet pattern 32'.
[0065] In the illustrated embodiments, the outer valve skirt 33 is
attached to the frame 20 and the leaflets 32 are attached to the
outer valve skirt 33. Preferably, the outer valve skirt 33 is also
formed of a pericardium tissue similar to the leaflets 32. The
outer valve skirt 33 can be constructed in multiple different ways.
For example, with reference next to FIGS. 7 and 8, embodiments show
that an outer valve skirt 33, 33' can be made by cutting multiple
pieces of flat tissue material and sewing the tissue together to
form the outer valve skirt with the flared transition portion. In
FIG. 7, a generally rectangular piece 68 makes up the
constant-diameter upstream portion 38 of the outer valve skirt 33,
and three or more curving pieces 70 that can be sewn together to
approximate the shape of the flared transition portion 40 are cut,
sewn together, and sewn to the downstream end of the upstream
portion 38 to construct the outer valve skirt 33.
[0066] In FIG. 8, multiple pieces 72, each having a constant-width
upstream portion, an expanding-width transition portion, and a
constant-width downstream portion can be employed to form an outer
valve skirt 33'. In the illustrated embodiment, three such pieces
are shown and can be sewn together to create the flared valve
skirt. However, it is to be understood that in other embodiments,
six, nine, or 12 pieces, or even other numbers of pieces can be
employed to construct a flared outer valve skirt 33'.
[0067] With reference next to FIG. 9, an embodiment of a pattern
for forming an outer valve skirt 33'' out of a single piece of flat
tissue is shown. In this embodiment, the downstream end is
generally contiguous, but cavities are cut from an upstream end
down to a point adjacent the downstream end. Upstream portions of
the cavities are generally constant in width so as to approximate
the upstream portion of the outer valve skirt 33'', and transition
portions of the pattern progressively reduce in width until forming
a point so as to correspond to the transition portion. In
constructing the outer valve skirt 33'', the opposing edges of the
cavities are sewn together so that the valve skirt takes on the
flared shape generally corresponding to the frame 20. In the
illustrated embodiment, six cavities are used. However, in other
embodiments, more or less cavities such as three, nine, or 12, can
be employed.
[0068] Preferably, the outer valve skirt 33 is constructed of a
tissue that is flexible, but not particularly expansive and
stretchy. As such, in the illustrated embodiments, the outer valve
skirt 33 extends through the non-foreshortening zone 52 of the
frame 20, but does not extend into the foreshortening zone 54 of
the frame 20. However, in other embodiments, a portion of the outer
valve skirt 33 may extend into the foreshortening zone 54.
[0069] Referring back to FIGS. 1 and 2, in a preferred embodiment a
downstream end of the outer valve skirt 33 is sewn to a connection
skirt 50. The connection skirt 50 can be made of knit polyester or
another stretchable fabric. The connection skirt 50 can be made to
move with the foreshortening portion 54 of the frame 20.
[0070] With additional reference next to FIG. 10, one embodiment of
a flat pattern for a connection skirt 50 is illustrated. In this
embodiment, an upstream edge of the connection skirt 50 is
generally straight so as to correspond to the downstream edge of
the outer valve skirt 33 and contribute to an advantageous seam
structure. A downstream end of the connection skirt, 50 however,
undulates. Preferably, the undulations are patterned to generally
correspond to undulations of struts in the foreshortening zone 24
of the frame 20, such as struts of the fifth ring 66. The
undulations can match the curvature of the struts, and the
connection skirt 50 is sewn along the edges of its undulations to
the corresponding foreshortening cell struts, as shown in FIGS. 1
and 2. It is to be understood that other configurations of
connection skirts 50 can be employed. For example, a connection
skirt 50 can have a generally straight downstream end or can have
undulations that do not correspond with the end 16 of the frame
20.
[0071] With reference next to FIGS. 11 and 12, a schematic side
section view and flat pattern cutout view of a frame 20' in
accordance with another embodiment is shown. As with the embodiment
in FIGS. 1-5, the illustrated frame 20' has an upstream portion 38'
of generally constant diameter, a transition portion 40' of
expanding diameter and a downstream or annulus-engagement portion
42' of generally constant diameter, which diameter is greater than
the upstream portion diameter. In this embodiment, longitudinal
struts 56' extend distally beyond the transition portion 40', and
define the upstream anchors 22'. More specifically, the
longitudinal struts 56' bend radially outwardly from the upstream
portion 38' upstream of the transition portion 40', and extend
downstream beyond the transition portion 40' so that a downstream
tip of each strut defines an anchor tip 26'. The transition portion
40' in this embodiment is made up of the undulating struts in the
third ring 62'. The transition portion 40' also includes two
bending stages 92', 94'. Downstream apices in the third ring 62'
have second longitudinal struts 74 extending therefrom, which
connect each downstream apex to an apex of closed foreshortening
cells defined by the fourth 64' and fifth 66' rings.
[0072] The anchor 24' is shown with a base 76' connected to the
fifth ring 66'. The anchor 24' includes first 78' and second 80'
bending stages. The first bending stage 78' positions the anchor
24' away from the frame 20' and the second bending stage 80'
positions the tip 28'. The anchor 22' also has first 86' and second
88' bending stages. The first bending stage 86' is located at and
near the base 84' and positions the anchor 22' away from frame 20'.
The second bending stage 88' positions the anchor tip 26' towards
the opposing anchor 24' and positions the tip parallel or
substantially parallel to the frame 20'.
[0073] In the frame 20' embodiment of FIGS. 11 and 12, since the
third ring 62' is attached to the longitudinal struts 56' only at
the upstream apices, at least some foreshortening can be
anticipated in the transition portion 40' due to expansion of the
third ring struts. In a preferred embodiment, a greater proportion
of foreshortening takes place in the closed foreshortening cells of
the downstream fourth 64' and fifth 66' rings than in the third
ring 62'. In some embodiments, a greater proportion of the outer
valve skirt or all of the outer valve skirt can be constructed of
flexible fabric so that the outer valve skirt can accommodate and
move with the foreshortening third ring 62', while the leaflets can
continue to be made of a generally nonelastic material such as
pericardium. In further embodiments, a pericardium outer valve
skirt can be relatively-loosely stitched or otherwise attached to a
connection skirt and the frame 20' along, for example, the second
longitudinal struts 74 so that during the radial expansion process,
the distal end of the outer valve skirt can move relative to the
frame 20' so that the outer valve skirt and the leaflets maintain
optimal geometry and placement as the frame length changes. In
still further embodiments, the struts of a third ring 62' can be
configured so that any foreshortening during radial expansion is
sufficiently minor or small so as to not substantially affect
tissue-based valve members such as the outer valve skirt and/or
leaflets.
[0074] FIG. 13 shows yet another embodiment of a frame 20''. The
frame 20'' has a substantially constant inner diameter, such that
the diameter is substantially the same at the two opposing ends
14'' and 16''. This embodiment employs longitudinal struts 56'' in
the non-foreshortening portion 52'' and first 58'' and second 60''
rings of expansile struts connected to the longitudinal struts
56''. The second rings 60'' flare radially outwardly as part of the
anchors 22''. The foreshortening zone 54'' has two rows of closed
foreshortening cells made by third 62'', fourth 64'' and fifth 66''
rings. The downstream anchors 24'' extend from points adjacent the
downstream end 16'' of the frame 20'', but portions of some of the
foreshortening cells are downstream of the anchor bases. In the
illustrated embodiment, the downstream anchors are longer than the
upstream anchors.
[0075] Referring to FIG. 14, a schematic side view of a frame 20'''
is shown. As mentioned previously, the frame 20 has a
non-foreshortening zone 52''' and a foreshortening zone 54'''.
Longitudinal struts 56''' span all or part of the length of the
non-foreshortening zone 52'''. Distal or downstream portions of the
longitudinal struts 56''' make up all or part of the transition
portion 40''', in which the struts 56''' bend at bending stage
92''' so as to flare radially outwardly and then bend again at
bending stage 94''' so as to stop expanding in radius and attach to
the foreshortening zone 54''' of the frame 20'''. As such, the
frame 20''' is generally divided into an upstream portion 38'''
made up of the first diameter, a transition portion 40''' at which
the diameter is expanding, and a downstream portion 42''' which
includes the foreshortening zone 54''' and which is adapted to
engage the native valve annulus.
[0076] One, two, three, or more rings made up of undulating struts
can be connected to the longitudinal struts 56''' in the
non-foreshortening zone 52'''. One, two, three, or more rings made
up of undulating struts can also be used to form the foreshortening
zone 54'''.
[0077] Downstream anchors 24''' can extend from a portion of the
downstream portion 42''' or foreshortening portion 54''' as shown.
The downstream anchors 24''' are bent down or bent out from the
frame 20''' and flared radially out from the frame 20'''. Anchor
24''' is shown with a base 76''' connected to the frame 20'''. The
anchor 24''' includes first 78'', second 80''' and third 82'''
bending stages. The first bending stage 78''' is a radially inward
bend. The inward bend can be between about 5-30 degrees, for
example. The second bending stage 80''' can have a large bend, such
as an approximately 180 degree radially outwardly extending bend,
or between around 150-200 degrees, as has been described. After the
second stage bend the anchor extends in an upstream and radially
outward direction. The first 78''' and second 80''' bending stages
can position the anchor 24''' away from the frame 20'''. The third
bending stage 82''' can position the tip 28''', such as to position
the tip 28''' to oppose the anchor tip 26''' and/or position the
tip 28''' parallel or substantially parallel with the frame 20'''.
The bend at the third bending stage can be, for example, between
about 5-30 degrees.
[0078] Upstream anchors 22''' preferably extend from the
non-foreshortening portion 52'''. For example, upstream anchors
22''' and/or the ring(s) or struts to which they are attached, are
shown extending from the transition portion 40'''. As can be seen
in FIG. 14, the upstream anchors 22''' are flared radially out at a
more dramatic angle than is the longitudinal strut 56'''. As has
been mentioned above, the transition portion 40''' has a first
bending stage 92''' and a second bending stage 94''' which changes
the diameter of the frame 20''' between the upstream portion 38'''
and the downstream portion 42'''. The anchor 22''' also has first
86''' and second 88''' bending stages. The first bending stage
86''' is located near or at the base 84''' and directs the anchor
22''' away from frame 20'''. The second bending stage 88''' directs
the anchor tip 26''' towards the opposing anchor 24''' and
preferably positions the tip parallel or substantially parallel to
the frame 20'''.
[0079] In this embodiment, the anchors 22''' extend from the frame
20''' at the transition portion 40''' rather than at the upstream
portion 38'''. This allows the anchors 22''' to have a smaller bend
or angle at the first bending stage 86''' because some of the
desired bend is already provided by the first bending stage 92'''
of the transition at portion 40'''. For example, where it is
desired to position the anchor 22''' an angle A.sub.1 from the
upstream portion, the first bending stage 92''' of the transition
portion 40''' can be bent an angle A.sub.2 and then the first
bending stage 86''' of the anchor 22''' can be bent the remaining
amount to provide the angle A.sub.1. For example, where the anchor
22''' is positioned an angle A.sub.1 of approximately 40 degrees
from the frame of the upstream portion 38''', the transition
portion can be positioned at an angle A.sub.2 of approximately 20
degrees or 30 degrees and then the anchor 22 can be positioned an
additional amount from frame at the transition portion to make up
the entire 40 degrees.
[0080] In another embodiment, the anchor 22''' can extend from the
upstream portion of the frame, and can have a first bending stage
at which the anchor bends approximately the same as the first
bending stage of the transition portion. The anchor 22''' can have
a second bending stage spaced from the first stage and which
directs the anchor 22''' further radially outwardly to the desired
angle A.sub.1. The anchor 22''' has a third bending stage to
position the anchor tip 26'''.
[0081] The upstream anchors 22''' are bent so as to generally
oppose the downstream anchors 24''' that extend from the
foreshortening zone 54'''. A tip 26''' of each upstream anchor
22''' is downstream of the transition portion 40'''. As such, the
anchor tips 26, 28 of the opposing anchors 22, 24 can be disposed
on opposite sides of the native annulus of a heart valve and used
to engage the valve to thereby replace the valve with a replacement
heart valve as has been described herein.
[0082] As can also be seen in FIG. 14, the valve body 30''' can be
attached to the frame 20'''. The valve body 30''' can be positioned
in the upstream 38'', transition 40''', and/or downstream 42'''
portions. The valve body 30''' can also be positioned in both the
foreshortening 54''' and the non-foreshortening 52''' zones. An
example leaflet 32''' is also illustrated. In this embodiment, the
leaflet 32''' is within the transition portion 40''' and the
downstream portion 42''' but is not within the upstream portion
38'''.
[0083] Although this invention has been disclosed in the context of
certain preferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood
by those skilled in the art that the present invention extends
beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative
embodiments and/or uses of the invention and obvious modifications
and equivalents thereof. In addition, while a number of variations
of the invention have been shown and described in detail, other
modifications, which are within the scope of this invention, will
be readily apparent to those of skill in the art based upon this
disclosure. It is also contemplated that various combinations or
subcombinations of the specific features and aspects of the
embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the
invention. For example, the frame shown in FIG. 13 can include a
transition portion as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, FIGS. 11-12, or FIG.
14. In addition, the down stream anchors of FIG. 1 can be spaced
from the downstream end of the frame as shown in FIG. 13. As
another example, the anchors of the embodiments depicted in FIGS.
1, 2, 4, 11 and 13 can employ the bend stages shown in FIG. 14 or
vice versa. Accordingly, it should be understood that various
features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined
with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes
of the disclosed invention. Thus, it is intended that the scope of
the present invention herein disclosed should not be limited by the
particular disclosed embodiments described above, but should be
determined only by a fair reading of the claims that follow.
* * * * *