Prosthesis e.g. heart valve secured in place by ring with shape memory material anchor, includes anchor temperature control system

摘要

The prosthesis has an anchor temperature control system. A prosthesis comprises a ring (8) with an anchor for securing it inside a passage surrounded by body tissue, especially blood- stream tissue, and an applicator (1) for placing the ring inside the passage. The anchor can adopt an anchoring position in which it protrudes beyond the ring and it comprises a shape memory material, e.g. shape memory metal or polymer, so that a spring force can be overcome to move it from the anchoring position into an insertion position. The anchor can be frozen when in the insertion position and when it exceeds a given temperature the spring force urges it back into the anchoring position. The distal part of the applicator includes a support for the ring. The prosthesis also has an anchor temperature control system which is used to increase the anchor temperature so that it moves back into the anchoring position.