Replacement heart valve leaflet stitching method and device

摘要

A replacement heart valve and stitching method for reducing the unexpanded profile of the replacement heart valve are herein provided. The method includes whip stitching a plurality of leaflets together with a first whip stitch pattern a second whip stitch pattern which overlaps the first whip stitch pattern and is wound in an opposite direction. The method further involves securing the valve leaflets to one another via a running stitch.

主权项

1. A method of forming a replacement heart valve, the method comprising:
providing a plurality of valve leaflets, each leaflet having a side edge; positioning two of the valve leaflets in facing orientation such that side edges of the leaflets are aligned; providing a first thread of suture material; threading the first thread of suture material through the two valve leaflets in a first pattern of whip stitches; threading the first thread of suture material through the two valve leaflets in a second pattern of whip stitches, wherein the first pattern of whip stitches is threaded in a first direction and the second pattern of whip stitches is threaded in a second direction opposite the first direction; providing a second thread of suture material; threading the second thread of suture material through the two valve leaflets in a first running stitch, the first running stitch being parallel to the side edges; and threading the second thread of suture material through the two valve leaflets in a second running stitch, the second running stitch being parallel to the side edges.