Three-dimensional annuloplasty ring

摘要

An annuloplasty ring having a three-dimensional discontinuous form generally arranged about an axis with two free ends that are axially offset. The ring is particularly suited for repair of the tricuspid valve, and more closely conforms to the annulus shape. The ring is more flexible in bending about radially extending axes than about the central axis. The ring may have an inner structural support covered by a pliable sleeve and/or a fabric tube. The structural support may have a varying cross-section, such as a C-shaped cross-section in a mid-section between two free ends and a rectangular cross-section at the free ends.

主权项

1. An annuloplasty ring sized and configured for attaching within a valve annulus, comprising:
a relatively rigid inner body defining an elongated arcuate path, the inner body generally arranged about an axis and being discontinuous so as to define two free ends with a break therebetween, the inner body being formed of a plurality of discrete flat bands extending co-extensively that may flex with respect to one another each having an axial dimension that is smaller than a radial dimension so as to be more flexible in bending about radial lines than about the axis; and a suture-permeable matrix closely surrounding the inner body.