SURGICAL HEART VALVE FLEXIBLE STENT FRAME STIFFENER

摘要

A prosthetic heart valve (1000) includes an annular frame (1010) having annularly spaced commissure portions and an annulus portion disposed near an inflow edge (1050), a fabric covering at least a portion of the frame and a valve assembly connected to the frame at the commissure portions, the valve assembly including a plurality of leaflets. A stiffening member (1020) i.s disposed about the frame to limit ovalization of the frame when a radial force is applied to the frame.