Devices and methods for delivery of valve prostheses

Inventors

Zhang, Ji

Assignees

JC Medical Inc

Abstract

A valve prosthesis, an implantation device, and methods for use are provided. The devices described herein may be used for transcatheter delivery of an aortic valve prosthesis or transapical delivery of a mitral valve prosthesis. The implantation device can utilize movable claspers for both positioning and anchoring the valve prosthesis, reducing the extent of imaging needed during the implantation procedure.

Core Innovation

The invention relates to an implantation device that includes a delivery device with a control unit and a track wire, and a valve prosthesis with a radially expandable support frame and a plurality of flexible leaflets attached to the support frame. The valve prosthesis further includes a valve clasper movably coupled to the support frame so that the valve clasper is movable along the longitudinal axis from an engagement configuration to a nesting configuration. In the engagement configuration, the valve clasper and the support frame are collapsed against the delivery device and the valve clasper is physically separate from the support frame.

In the nesting configuration, the support frame is positioned within the valve clasper, enabling a change in relative positioning between the valve clasper and the support frame. The disclosed valve clasper is movably coupled to the support frame to permit this longitudinal-axis transition. The delivery device uses the track wire with a proximal portion attached to the control unit and a distal engagement portion to interact with the prosthesis components.

Embodiments also disclose a valve anchor movably coupled to the radially expandable support frame, with the valve anchor movable from an engagement configuration to a nesting configuration. In the engagement configuration, the valve anchor and the support frame are collapsed against the delivery device and the valve anchor is physically separate from the support frame, while in the nesting configuration the support frame is positioned within the valve anchor. The device is further supported by delivery arrangements including first and second sheaths and by disclosed clasper/anchor structures refined through apex joint features and multi-clasper arrangements.

Claims Coverage

The partial content provides two independent claims, each centered on a transition between an engagement configuration and a nesting configuration. Each independent claim includes a delivery device with a control unit and a track wire, and a radially expandable prosthesis component that changes relative positioning along a longitudinal axis.

Across both independent claims, the coverage centers on a radially expandable support frame paired with a movable valve clasper or valve anchor that transitions from an engagement configuration to a nesting configuration, using a delivery device with a control unit and a track wire having a proximal attachment and a distal engagement portion. Dependent claim refinements in the partial content further constrain clasper/anchor geometry at apex joints and introduce sheath-based encasing arrangements with defined relative placement.

Stated Advantages

Documented Applications