St. Cloud State University - Saint Cloud, MN Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences
Assembly And Method For Loading A Self-Expanding Collapsible Heart Valve
US Patent:
2012008, Apr 5, 2012
Filed:
Sep 16, 2011
Appl. No.:
13/234688
Inventors:
Michael A. Johnson - Savage MN, US Valerie J. Glazier - Eden Prairie MN, US Huisun Wang - Maple Grove MN, US
International Classification:
A61F 2/24, B23P 19/00
US Classification:
623 211, 137 1501
Abstract:
An assembly for collapsing a prosthetic heart valve includes a compression member and a pusher member. The compression member has a first open end with a first diameter, a second open end with a second diameter less than the first diameter, and a tapered wall between the first open end and the second open end. The pusher member has a base adapted to engage an end of the valve. The pusher member and the compression member are movable relative to one another between an initial position in which the base of the pusher member is relatively far from the first open end of the compression member and an operative position in which the base of the pusher member is relatively close to the first open end of the compression member. Movement of the pusher and compression members from the initial position to the operative position radially compresses the valve.