IMPLANTABLE PROSTHETIC VALVE ASSEMBLY AND METHOD FOR MAKING THE SAME

摘要

A folding apparatus (200) for use in mounting a prosthetic valve (102) on a stent (104), the valve having an expanded diameter, the apparatus configured to fold the valve into an undulated shape having multiple folds and a diameter that is less than the expanded diameter. The apparatus comprises: a base (202); a plurality of stationary posts (204) connected to the base at fixed locations, nd a plurality of moveable posts (206) connected to the base and moveable relative to the base radially inwardly toward each other and the center point and radially outwardly away from each other and the center point; wherein when the valve (102) is placed around the posts with the valve extending around outer sides of the stationary posts and inner sides of the moveable posts, moving the moveable posts radially inwardly toward each other folds the valve.