Insertion Tool for a Heart Valve

摘要

An insertion tool for a heart valve includes a solid body portion in a first configuration having a first size and shape. The solid body portion in a second configuration having a second size smaller than the first size; said solid body portion comprises two or more parts; in the first configuration, the solid body portion provides a support portion for supporting a valve to be inserted by the insertion tool, and an insertion surface which protrudes distally from the support portion; the insertion surface is tapered from a small cross-section distally of the support portion to a greater cross section proximally to the support portion; in use the insertion surface elastically expands the periphery of an annulus into which the valve is to be fitted.

主权项

1. An insertion tool for a heart valve, said tool including
a solid body portion which provides a surface of a first size and shape in a first configuration, and which forms two or more parts each of which is of a lesser size than said first size and shape, in a second configuration; wherein, in said first configuration said body portion provides:
a support portion for supporting thereon a valve to be inserted by said tool; andan insertion surface arranged to protrude distally from said support portion; and wherein said insertion surface is tapered from a small cross-sectional size distally of said support portion to a greater cross-sectional size proximally to said support portion, such that in use said insertion surface can gently and elastically expand the periphery of an annulus into which said valve is to be fitted, as said insertion surface is pressed through said annulus.