IMPLANT FOR RESTORING VENOUS VALVULAR FUNCTION

摘要

An implant for restoring venous valvular function is formed from a vein segment of a biological source. The implant includes a wall section of the vein segment and a single valvular leaflet formed on the wall section. The wall section and leaflet are excised from the vein segment to form a patch. The patch is implanted within a valve-deficient vein of a patient. The size of the leaflet is selected such that when the valve is closed, the single leaflet substantially prevents backflow of blood through the patient's vein. A holding device can be used with the patch to ease storage, transportation and/or implantation of the patch within the patient. The holding device includes a base portion and a detachable holder. The base portion can be attached to an outer surface of the wall section of the patch.