VALVE PROSTHESIS FOR IMPLANTATION IN BODY CHANNELS

摘要

The present invention is aimed to provide a valve prothesis (IV) especially used in case of aortic stenosis, which structure is capable of resisting the powerful recoil force and to stand the forceful balloon inflation performed to deploy the valve and to embed it in the aortic annulus. A valve prothesis (13) for implantation in a body channel according to the invention comprises a collapsible valvular structure (14) and an expandable frame (10, 10') on which said valvular structure (14) is mounted. The valvular structure (14) is composed of a valvular tissue compatible with the human body and blood, the valvular tissue being sufficiently supple and resistant to allow said valvular structure (14) to be deformed from a closed state to an opened state. Said valvular tissue forms a continuous surface and is provided with guiding means (17) formed or incorporated within, said guiding means creating stiffened zones which induce said valvular structure (14) to follow a patterned movement in its expansion to its opened state and in its turning back to its closed state. The valvular structure can be extended to an internal cover (19) which is fastened to the lower end (15) of the valvular structure to prevent from regurgitation.