Valve frame

摘要

The disclosure relates to support frames for prosthetic implantable valves. The support frames may include a plurality of symmetrically arrayed interconnected U-shaped member structures. Preferred support frames are tubular structures enclosing a longitudinal axis and including a plurality of U-shaped member structures facing a distal or a proximal end of the support frame. Each U-shaped member structure may be connected to a single longitudinally adjacent U-shaped member facing in an opposite longitudinal direction, as well as two laterally adjacent U-shaped members.

主权项

1. A support frame suitable for prosthetic implantable valves comprising:
a proximal annular member longitudinally spaced from a distal annular member axially aligned with the proximal annular member around a longitudinal axis; a plurality of longitudinal connecting members extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis from the proximal annular member to the distal annular member and defining a hypothetical circumferential plane around an outer surface of the support frame and defining a lumen extending from a proximal end to a distal end of the support frame around the longitudinal axis; the plurality of longitudinal connecting members including a first member opposably positioned across the lumen from a directly circumferentially adjacent second member without an intervening member disposed therebetween, a third member circumferentially adjacent to the first member, and a fourth member circumferentially adjacent to the third member; wherein a first circumferential distance is disposed between the first member and the second member, a second circumferential distance is disposed between the third member and the first member, and a third circumferential distance is disposed between the third member and the fourth member; wherein the first circumferential distance is greater than each of the second circumferential distance and the third circumferential distance; and wherein the circumferential distances are measured along the circumferential plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis at a position between the proximal end and the distal end.