FUNCTIONAL SIZER FOR A HEART VALVE IMPLANTABLE DEVICE

摘要

A functional sizer and method of sizing that overcome the problems of relying purely on visual assessment of size in selecting an implantable heart valve device (repair implant or a heart valve replacement prosthesis) and of being unable to test the fit and performance of the heart valve implantable device until after it has been stitched in position. The invention provides a functional sizer that is functional and can be reversibly secured in position, largely using the valve sutures under tension, thereby enabling assessment of fit and performance prior to permanently stitching a heart valve prosthesis.

主权项

1. A functional sizer for sizing an implantable heart valve device for heart valve repair or replacement, the functional sizer comprising a ring-like body with a central hole, the ring-like body being of a sterilisable material,
wherein the ring-like body is one of the following two-dimensional shapes:
(a) a closed loop;(b) a penannular shape, and wherein the ring-like body substantially corresponds in inner circumference to a ring of suture threads positioned around a heart valve annulus for securing a heart valve implantable device of a predetermined size, each suture thread of the ring of suture threads having a free end wherein the functional sizer is adapted to be reversibly secured in position against the heart valve annulus, the reversibly secured functional sizer simulating an effect of a heart valve implantable device of a substantially corresponding size and form, thereby facilitating assessment of fit and function of the heart valve implantable device.