Collabsible and re-expandable prosthetic heart valve cuff designs and complementary technological applications

ES 2 570 592 T3

DESCRIPTION

Collapsible and Reexpandable Prosthetic Heart Valve Cuff Designs and Complementary Technological Applications

Cross reference with related requests

This application claims the benefit of the filing date of US Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 134,995 filed July 15, 2008, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Field of the invention

The present invention is directed to prosthetic heart valves for replacement of native heart valves, to components for use in such prosthetic heart valves, and to methods of treating patients with such prosthetic heart valves.

Background of the invention

Certain prosthetic heart valves incorporate an expandable stent body and valve elements such as prosthetic valve leaflets mounted on the stent body. The prosthetic valve can also include a sleeve that includes one or more layers of materials such as fabric or animal tissue. Valves of this type can be implanted in the heart by advancing the valve into the patient's body with the stent body and the cuff in a collapsed state in which the stent body and the cuff have a relatively small diameter. Once the valve is positioned at the desired implantation site, the stent body is brought into an expanded state in which a portion of the stent body is generally tubular in shape. This part attaches to the surrounding native tissue and holds the valve in place. The sleeve forms a liner that covers all or part of the tubular stent body. The valve acts as a functional replacement for the diseased native valve. Thus, the valve elements within the stent body allow blood flow in the antegrade direction but substantially block the flow in the opposite retrograde direction. For example, a prosthetic valve can be advanced to a site within a diseased native aortic valve percutaneously through the arterial system and into the aorta to the native aortic valve. In a transapical placement, a prosthetic valve can be advanced through an incision in the apex of the heart and through the left ventricle to the native aortic valve. Other approaches can be used through other access points. Once the prosthetic valve is in place, it allows flow from the left ventricle to the aorta when the left ventricle contracts during systole, but substantially blocks retrograde flow from the aorta to the left ventricle during diastole.

There are significant challenges in designing an expandable valve. For example, the valve can desirably collapse to a relatively small diameter to facilitate advancement into the body. This imposes significant limitations on the design of the sleeve, such as the thickness of the material that can be incorporated into the sleeve. However, the stent body must be able to expand to an operative expanded state in which the stent body securely engages the surrounding native tissues to hold the valve in place. The stent body and the sleeve carried in the stent body must form a good seal with the surrounding native tissues to prevent leakage around the exterior of the prosthetic valve, commonly referred to as a perivalvular leak. However, the stent body and sleeve must not apply excessive forces to the native valve ring. Excessive forces on the native aortic valve annulus can disrupt the electrical conduction system of the heart and also impair mitral valve function. These issues are complicated by the fact that native valve leaflets and other diseased tissues can have an implantation site that is irregular. For example, patients with stenotic or calcified aortic valves cannot be treated well with current collapsible valve designs, and may encounter problems such as (1) perivalvular leak (PV leak), (2) valve migration, (3) compression mitral valve disease, (4) conduction system disturbance, etc., all of which can lead to adverse clinical outcomes. To reduce these adverse events, the optimal valve must seal and anchor properly without the need for excessive radial force that could damage nearby anatomy and physiology.

Numerous stent body and prosthetic valve designs have been proposed. However, despite all the attention devoted to such designs, further improvements would still be desirable. US2005 / 0283231 describes methods and apparatus for endovascularly replacing a patient's heart valve.

Brief summary of the invention

The invention relates to a prosthetic heart valve as described in claim 1. When the word invention is used below and / or features are presented as optional, this should be interpreted in such a way as to seek protection for the invention as stated. claims. The valve according to this aspect of the invention desirably includes a stent body having a generally tubular annulus region. The stent body, and particularly the annulus region, has a proximal-to-distal axis. The stent body has a radially collapsed state and a radially expanded state, the ring region increases in diameter

ES 2 570 592 T3 during the transition from the radially collapsed state to the radially expanded state. The valve according to this aspect of the invention desirably includes one or more prosthetic valve elements such as, for example, prosthetic valve leaflets. The prosthetic valve elements are mounted on the stent body and are operative to allow proximal flow through the annulus region but to substantially block proximal flow through the annulus region when the stent body it is in the radially expanded state.

The valve according to this aspect of the invention most preferably includes a sleeve secured to the stent body. The sleeve may include a first sleeve portion covering at least a portion of the ring region for arrangement in said native valve ring, the first sleeve portion having a first diameter when the ring region is in the radially expanded state. In this aspect of the invention, the sleeve desirably also includes a second sleeve portion proximal to the first sleeve portion, the second sleeve portion having a second diameter when the ring region is in the radially expanded state, the second diameter being greater than the first diameter. The second cuff portion preferably is adapted for engagement with native tissue proximal to the native valve annulus. For example, when the prosthetic valve is implanted in a diseased native aortic valve, the second cuff portion can be coupled to the LVOT or left ventricular outflow tract.

A further aspect of the invention provides a prosthetic valve which may have a stent body and a valve element as discussed above. A valve in accordance with this aspect of the invention desirably includes a sleeve secured to the stent body and surrounding the annulus region, the sleeve having one or more pleats adapted to collapse in axial directions and expand in radial directions at the transition of the stent body. from the radially collapsed state to the radially expanded state. As discussed further below, the pleats can promote an effective seal with surrounding native structures.

A valve according to yet another aspect of the invention desirably includes a stent body with a generally tubular annular region having a proximal-to-distal axis, and desirably also includes prosthetic valve elements mounted to the stent body as discussed. previously. The valve according to this aspect of the invention most preferably includes having a sleeve secured to the stent body and surrounding the annulus region; and it also has one or more biasing elements separate from the sleeve. The biasing elements are mechanically connected to the stent body and the sleeve, and are adapted to bias at least a portion of the sleeve outwardly relative to the stent body. Merely by way of example, the biasing elements may include springs formed separately from the stent body or integral with the stent body, and may also include a water-swellable, hygroscopic material disposed between the sleeve and the stent body. By biasing the sleeve outwardly from the stent body, biasing elements tend to promote close coupling between the sleeve and surrounding tissues, even where the surrounding tissues are uneven.

A still further aspect of the invention provides a prosthetic valve that includes an expandable stent body and valve elements, and also includes a sleeve secured to the stent body. The sleeve desirably has a movable portion movable in an axial direction relative to the stent body such that when the stent body is in the radially collapsed state, the movable portion of the sleeve is axially offset from the ring region of the stent body. . Most preferably, the movable portion of the sleeve is movable to an operative position in which the movable portion of the sleeve extends around the ring section. For example, the sleeve may have a generally tubular wall with a fixed end connected to the stent body and a free end that projects axially away from the ring section when the stent body is in the radially collapsed state. In this arrangement, the movable part of the sleeve includes the free end of the tubular wall. The tubular wall is desirably constructed and arranged so that the tubular wall can be rotated from the inside out to bring the free end of the tubular wall into operative position. Thus, the free end of the tubular wall extends around the ring region when the sleeve is in the operative position.

Still another aspect of the invention provides a valve with a stent body and valve elements. The valve further includes a sleeve having open-sided pockets. The open sides are oriented in an axial direction, such as distally, so that blood flow will tend to expand the pockets and bring the cuff into a tighter engagement with surrounding tissues.

Yet another aspect of the invention provides a valve having a stent body, valve elements, and a sleeve having a plurality of regions disposed around the circumference of the stent body. In an operative implanted state, the regions of the sleeve have different radial thickness. For example, the sleeve may include several bulge regions separated from each other by intermediate regions that are less radially thick than the bulge regions. For example, a valve implanted in a generally triangular opening in a stenosed tricuspid arterial valve may have three bulge regions. The bulge regions may be accommodated at the corners of the triangular opening. The various regions of the sleeve may be provided with

ES 2 570 592 T3 individual inflatable chambers, so that bulge regions and intermediate regions can be formed as needed for an individual patient.

Still other aspects of the invention provide valve implantation methods such as those discussed above, and kits for performing such methods.

Brief description of the drawings

The present invention can be more fully appreciated with reference to the following detailed description, which in turn refers to the drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a schematic sectional representation of an aortic root anatomy;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a portion of a stent body used in an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3 is a partial elevation view of a valve according to one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 is an end view of the valve shown in Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a fragmentary schematic sectional view showing parts of the valve of Figures 3 and 4 in an implanted state, together with parts of the native tissue;

Figure 6 is a view similar to Figure 5 showing the valve of Figures 3 and 4 in a different implanted state;

Figure 7 is a fragmentary schematic elevation view of a part of a valve according to a further embodiment of the invention;

Figure 8 is a fragmentary schematic perspective view depicting parts of a valve according to yet another embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 9 is a schematic perspective view of a valve according to another embodiment of the invention;

Figure 10 is a schematic perspective view of a valve according to a further embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 11 is a schematic sectional view showing parts of a valve according to yet another embodiment of the invention;

Figure 12 is a fragmentary perspective view showing elements of the valve shown in Figure 11;

Figure 13 is a schematic perspective view of an element for use in a further embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 14 is a schematic end view of a structure used in yet another embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 15 is a partially sectional view of a valve according to yet another embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 16 is a view similar to Figure 15 but showing a valve according to still a further embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 17 is a perspective view of a sleeve for use in a valve according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 18 is a perspective view of a valve incorporating the sleeve of Figure 17;

Figure 19 is a perspective view of another sleeve for use in a valve according to yet another embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 20 is a perspective view of a valve invention using the sleeve of Figure 19;

Figure 21 is a fragmentary schematic elevational view of a collapsed configuration of a valve in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 22 is a schematic view of the valve of Figure 21 in a different operating state;

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Figure 23 is a partially sectional schematic view of a valve according to another embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 24 is a fragmentary schematic view of a valve according to another embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 25 is a schematic partial elevation view of a valve in accordance with yet a further embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 26 is a schematic view of a valve according to an embodiment of the present invention in an implanted state, together with native tissues;

FIG. 27 is a fragmentary schematic elevation view of a valve according to yet another embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 28 is a schematic view of a valve of Figure 27 in an implanted state, along with native tissue;

Figure 29 is a schematic and fragmentary elevational view of a valve in accordance with yet a further embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 30 is a fragmentary schematic view of a part of the valve of Figure 30 in a different operating state;

Figure 31 is a schematic view of the valve of Figures 29 and 30 in an implanted state, along with native tissue;

Figure 32 is a view similar to Figure 31 but showing a valve according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 33 is a fragmentary, schematic sectional view depicting a valve according to yet another embodiment of the present invention; Y

Figure 34 is a partial side elevational view of a valve according to a further embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed description

Figure 1 is a simplified view of the geometry or anatomy of the aortic root tissue in a typical human heart. The left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) 1 communicates with the ascending aorta 5 through the annulus 2 of the native aortic valve and the sinus of Valsalva 3. The sinus joins the aorta at the sinotubular junction (STJ) 4. The native aortic valve typically includes three native valve leaflets 6, of which only two are visible in Figure 1. When the left ventricle contracts during systole, blood is forced from LVOT 1 through the native valve and sinus and into the aorta 5, generally moving in the downstream or antegrade flow direction indicated by arrow D Each native valve leaflet has an inner surface 7 generally oriented proximally and generally inward towards the other native valve leaflets, and has an oppositely oriented outer surface 8. In a healthy individual, the native valve leaflets 6 open away from each other and move to the position shown schematically in 6 'broken lines to allow flow in this direction. During diastole, when the ventricle is not contracting, the native valve leaflets 6 return to the position indicated in solid lines in Figure 1, where they abut each other or are clamped together to substantially block retrograde or upstream flow. , opposite arrow D. The distal direction as used herein with reference to a feature of the native circulatory system refers to the forward direction of flow, that is, the predominant direction of blood flow through that feature, as indicated by arrow D. Proximal as used herein with reference to a characteristic of the native circulatory system is the opposite.

The parameters identified in Figure 1 are as follows: OD = hole diameter, that is, the inside diameter of native ring 2; DA = the diameter of the aorta just distal to the sinus; DB = maximum projected sinus diameter (this sinus is sometimes known as the sinus of Valsalva); LA = sinus length, that is, the dimension distally from annulus 2 to sinotubular junction 4; and LB = distance distally between DO and DB.

The leaflets 6 have distal edges 9 at a distance from the ring 2. Each native leaflet 6 has a surface 7, referred to herein as the inner surface of the leaflet, generally oriented towards the other leaflets. Each native leaflet 6 also has a surface 8, referred to herein as the outer surface of the leaflet, facing outward, away from the other leaflets and towards the wall of the sinus 3. The cross-sectional shape of such a native valve varies somewhat from one individual to another, and this variation can be increased by various types of disease. For example, a disease may reshape the cross section of a patient's valve to a circular, triangular, or elliptical shape, depending on the disease state.

ES 2 570 592 T3

An expandable stent body 10 (Figure 2) for a prosthetic heart valve according to one embodiment of the present invention is formed as a unitary structure, for example, by laser cutting or etching a tube of a superelastic metal alloy such as nickel-titanium alloy of the type sold under the designation NITINOL. Such a unitary structure can also be referred to as a non-woven structure, because it is not formed by interlacing or winding one or more filaments. In the fully expanded unconstrained configuration shown in Figure 2, the stent body 10 includes a ring section 30, an aorta section 20, and support struts 60 that extend between the ring section and the aorta section. Ring section 30 in the expanded configuration is generally in the form of a cylindrical tube having a central axis 14, while aorta section 20 is generally in the form of a ring coaxial with the ring section. In the expanded configuration, the ring section has a substantially constant diameter except that the ring section has a flared region 40 at one end. The tubular ring section 30 has a wall formed by numerous interconnected cell struts to form a plurality of cells. Aortic section 20 is defined by a similar wall formed of multiple cells, each of which includes a plurality of interconnected cell struts.

The stent body is adapted for installation in a patient's body with the annulus section adjacent to annulus 2 (Figure 1) and with the aorta section 20 adjacent to the sinotubular junction 4 and aorta 5. Thus, when the valve that incorporating the stent body is positioned on the patient, the aorta section 20 will be distal to the annulus section 30 in the frame of reference of the patient's circulatory system. Accordingly, as used with reference to valve and stent body characteristics, direction D (FIG. 2) along axis 14 from flare region 40 of ring section 30 through ring section and from the annulus section to the aorta section 20 is referred to as the distal direction, and the opposite direction is taken as the proximal direction. Expressed another way, the distal direction along the stent body is the direction from the end of the stent that is intended for disposition at a location proximal in the circulatory system frame of reference to the end of the stent that is intended for disposition in a more distal location in the frame of reference of the circulatory system. The axial directions as referred to herein are the proximal and distal directions. In addition, the outward direction as used in reference to the valve is the direction away from the proximal-to-distal axis 14. As used in reference to valve characteristics, the circumferential directions are the directions around axis 14. .

Stent body 10 includes features that facilitate valve leaflet connection as discussed further below. In this particular stent body, the leaflet connection features include three commissure posts 50 formed integrally with the remainder of the stent and extending axially in the ring section 30. The commissure posts connect to the cell struts of the ring section and are equally spaced around the ring section 30.

The particular construction of the stent body 10 shown in Figure 2 (and subsequent figures) is an example only. Numerous other collapsible and expandable stent bodies can be used. Merely by way of example, the ring region can include multiple rows of cells; leaflet connection characteristics other than axially extensive posts can be used; and the aortic section 20 and struts 60 can be omitted. As an example, Figure 33 shows a stent variation with multiple rows of circumferentially collapsible / expandable cells in annular valve section 30 of the stent body 10. Referring to Figure 34, a few representative cells in the most distal row or downstream are numbered 32a, while a few representative cells in the most proximal or upstream row are numbered 32b. The locations of some of the cells, which are otherwise hidden by sleeve material in Figure 34, are enhanced by the addition of dotted lines.

A valve 100 (FIG. 3) incorporating a stent body 10 similar to that discussed above with reference to FIG. 2 includes three flexible prosthetic leaflets 70 formed of a biocompatible material such as an animal tissue such as, for example, pericardial tissue or a synthetic polymeric, such as a silicone-polyurethane polymer. The leaflets are mounted on the stent body as, for example, by suturing the leaflets to posts 50, so that when the valve and the stent body are in an expanded state as shown in Figure 3, the leaflets they are disposed wholly or in part within the ring section 30 of the stent body.

The valve also includes a sleeve 85. The sleeve includes a first sleeve portion 80, also referred to herein as a supraannular sleeve portion, which extends over a region of the tubular wall of the ring section 30 remote from the end. proximal to the ring section and distal to the flare region 40 of the ring section. The sleeve also includes a second portion, also referred to herein as the subannular sleeve portion 90, proximal to the first portion 80. A line 110 is shown in Figure 3 as the boundary between these two sleeve portions for clarity of illustration. In actual practice, there may or may not be a visible demarcation between these parties. Line 110 is roughly at the bottom of commissure posts 50. Expressed otherwise, in this embodiment, the second sleeve portion 90 is disposed proximal to the commissure posts and proximal to the prosthetic leaflets 70. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, both the first sleeve portion 80 and the second sleeve portion 90 extends over the outer surface of the stent body, that is, the surface facing outward away from axis 14. The second portion o

ES 2 570 592 T3 subannular sleeve 90 also includes a layer of material 120 (FIG. 4) on the inner surface of the flared portion 40 of the stent. Thus, the second or subannular portion 90 of the sleeve is thicker than the first or supraannular portion 80. A dashed line 105 is shown in Figure 4 for clarity of illustration at the juncture of the inner layer 120 and the surface layer. exterior, that is, on the proximal edge of the stent body. In actual practice there may be no visible border at this location. In the particular embodiment represented in Figure 4, the entire sleeve 85 is formed from a unitary sheet of material. Layer 120 is integral with the sleeve material on the exterior of the stent, and is formed by folding the unitary sheet around the proximal edge of the stent. The material on the inside and outside of the stent can be sutured together.

This particular embodiment is only illustrative; In other arrangements, the sleeve portions 80 and 90 may be formed as separate pieces of the same or different materials. One or both sleeve parts may include one or more layers on the inside of the stent body, one or more layers on the outside of the stent body, or both. The layers on the inside and outside of the sleeve can be formed separately from each other or integrally with each other. The sleeve is desirably connected to the stent, for example, by suturing to the cell struts, the junctions between the cell struts, or both. The sleeve can be formed of materials such as animal fabrics such as, for example, porcine, sheep and bovine pericardium, porcine submucosa, and synthetic fabrics such as a knitted or woven polyester, and non-woven fabrics. Collagen impregnated fabrics can be used. In addition, bioabsorbable materials such as polyglactin, copolymers of lactide and caprolactone, and polylactides can be used.

Figure 4 shows valve 100 (Figure 3) as seen in an axial view, looking distally from the proximal end of the valve. The three flexible leaflets 70 can be seen in Figure 4 in their nearly closed state (ie, upper free edges of the leaflets approaching approximately in a Y pattern). The valve is preferably designed to close with fully redundant joint clamping under diastolic back pressure.

In operation, the valve is brought into a collapsed state and mounted on a delivery device (not shown) such as an elongated probe having a sheath adapted to retain the stent body in the collapsed state. The delivery device may include one mechanical arrangement or another to release the stent body from the sheath once the valve has advanced to the desired location within the body. For example, the delivery device can be arranged to move the sheath relative to the stent body in response to manipulation by the operator. In the collapsed state, the stent body, including ring section 30 and aorta section 20, is radially compressed. The prosthetic valve leaflets 70 are folded within the stent body. Since the second or thick subannular portion 90 of the sleeve is disposed proximal to the valve leaflets, it does not prevent collapse of the valve to a relatively small diameter.

The delivery device is advanced into the patient's body until the valve is aligned with the native aortic valve, with the annulus section 30 adjacent to the annulus of the aorta. The valve is released from the sheath and the stent body 10 expands under its own resilience. Resilient expansion may occur only as a result of the release of the mechanical constriction of the stent body, or it may include expansion resulting from the effects of temperature change in the material of the stent body. In this embodiment, the entire expansion of the stent body from its collapsed state to its expanded operational state is caused by the stent body itself. In other words, the stent body is desirably fully self-expanding and does not require a balloon or mechanical movement device to cause any part of the expansion. As best seen in Figure 5, the annulus section 30 carries the first or supraannular section 80 of the cuff to the coupling that couples the annulus 2 of the native aortic valve, and to the coupling with the inner surfaces 7 of the valve leaflets. native valve. The expansion of the ring section 30 and, particularly, the expansion of the flare portion 40 brings the second or subannular section 90 of the sleeve into engagement with the LVOT proximal to the ring 2. The sleeve forms a seal with the native anatomy. Depending on the anatomy of the particular patient, the seal may be formed with one or more of the inner surfaces 7 of the native valve leaflets, the annulus, and the LVOT. The aortic section 20 (figure 1) is coupled to the native anatomy at or near the sinotubular junction 4.

Although the stent reaches an expanded configuration, it typically does not reach its fully expanded unconstrained configuration. Thus, the resilience of the stent body typically causes the aortic section 20 to bear against the sinotubular junction and also causes the annulus section 30 to bear against the annulus and the interior surfaces of the leaflets, which helps maintain the cuff sealing coupling with native anatomy. Prosthetic valve leaflets 70 open to allow distal or antegrade blood flow during systole, and close to block proximal or retrograde flow during diastole. The cuff sealing engagement with the native anatomy helps to block retrograde flow around the exterior of the stent body, commonly referred to as perivalvular leakage. The valve does not block flow to the coronary arteries. For example, the support struts 60 can extend through the sinus of Valsalva so that blood can flow to the coronary arteries through spaces between the support struts.

Figure 6 is similar to Figure 5, but shows the valve used in an alternative implantation procedure. In this procedure, the patient's native aortic valve leaflets have been resected (removed), typically prior to implanting the prosthetic valve 100 in the patient as shown. In this realization

ES 2 570 592 T3 furthermore, the first or supraannular part 80 of the cuff engages with the native valve ring 2, while the second cuff part 90 is in contact with the native anatomy proximal to the annulus 2, that is, with the Distal end of the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT).

The embodiment discussed above can be varied in many ways. For example, Figures 5 and 6 depict the sleeve disposed only outside the ring region 30 and the flared portion 40 of the stent body. However, the sleeve can be arranged only inside or inside and outside at the same time. Furthermore, the stent body may not be entirely or even partially self-expanding. The stent body can be brought from its collapsed state to an expanded operational state by one or more inflatable balloons or mechanical elements incorporated in the delivery device.

A valve according to a further embodiment includes a sleeve 200 (FIG. 7) formed to extend around the outside of the ring section 202 of the stent. In the radially expanded state of the stent body, the sleeve material is folded. In this embodiment further, the stent is a radially collapsible structure, and may be similar to the stent body discussed above. For example, the ring section may include numerous cells that cooperatively define a tubular wall, each of said cells being formed of interconnected cell struts 204. In the radially collapsed state (not shown), the cell struts are oriented almost further. parallel to the proximal-to-distal axis 214 of the stent body. Thus, as the stent transforms from the radially expanded state shown in Figure 7 to the radially collapsed state, the ring section tends to elongate in the axial direction. In the reverse transition, from the radially collapsed state to the radially expanded state, the annulus region decreases in axial length as it increases in diameter. The pleats in the sleeve define a plurality of valley regions 203 and ridge regions 205 that extend generally in the circumferential direction. As the stent decreases in axial length during the transition to the radially expanded state, the adjacent valley regions approximate each other. This facilitates radial expansion of the ridge regions. Optionally, the sleeve can be connected to the stent body only in the valley regions. The folds may or may not be present in the radially collapsed state of the stent body. In other words, the axial extension of the stent body during radial collapse can collapse ridge regions 205 inward to the same diameter as the valley regions 203. In the radially expanded state of the stent body, the pleats help to form an effective seal with native tissue. Pleated sleeves according to this embodiment can be formed from sleeve materials discussed above. The pleats do not need to be exactly circumferential. For example, they may be one or more helical valley regions and one or more helical ridge regions, such that the valley and ridge regions cooperatively define a generally screw thread-like shape.

The valve of Figure 7 also includes biasing elements 210 of hygroscopic sponge-like material that easily collapse and fill a larger volume as the stent expands after implantation. Merely by way of example, the hygroscopic material may be a collagen sponge or foam similar to the commercially available material under the Angioseal trademark used to plug arteries, and the similar material currently used for embolic protection. The biasing bands or elements 210 are formed separately from the sleeve and engage between the crest regions 205 of the sleeve and the outer surface of the ring portion 203 of the stent. Thus, the biasing elements are mechanically coupled to the sleeve and the stent body. When the valve is implanted and the material of the bands 210 swells, the biasing elements force the crest regions of the sleeve outward relative to the ring region 202 of the stent body. In the embodiment of Figure 7, the bands of hygroscopic material are disposed proximal to the prosthetic valve leaflets 271, and thus are axially offset from the leaflets. This facilitates the collapse of the valve down to a small diameter. In a valve according to yet another embodiment (Figure 8), the predisposing element includes a helical band 211 of hygroscopic material disposed within the sleeve 201.

Biasing elements, such as hygroscopic material, can be used with sleeves other than the folded sleeves shown in Figures 7 and 8. Bands of hygroscopic material can be integrated into the valve to take advantage of the specific geometry in order to increase the capacity of sealing them, while not compromising (i.e. unduly increasing) the collapsed valve diameter. For example, in a valve that includes a sleeve having a subannular portion as discussed above with reference to Figures 3 and 4, the biasing member may be positioned to expand the subannular sleeve portion (i.e., on the side upstream of the patient's native valve ring). Here again, as the biasing element is axially offset from the prosthetic valve elements, it does not add to the prosthetic valve cross section where the leaflets are when the valve is collapsed. In the collapsed state, the volume of the predisposing element does not overlap the volume of the leaflets. This helps to allow the valve to collapse to a smaller circumferential size than would be possible if both the leaflets and the predisposing element were in the same cross-sectional area of ​​the valve.

In a further variant, a biasing element, such as a water-absorbent polymer, can be positioned between layers of sleeve material so that the biasing element forces the outer layer away from the stent body. In a further embodiment, the sleeve material can be impregnated with a

ES 2 570 592 T3 polymer of this type. When allowed to expand as a result of implantation in a patient and subsequent absorption of water from the patient's tissue and / or blood, these materials can fill in any gaps in the sleeve material and can also fill gaps between the sleeve material and native tissue to reduce PV leakage.

Staples and / or sutures can be used to secure the valve to the patient's native valve annulus using elongated instruments inserted transapically or percutaneously. The valve depicted in Figure 9 has a stent body having a ring section 30 similar to the valve ring section discussed above with reference to Figures 2-4. This particular valve body does not have an aortic section as used in the valve body of Figures 2-4. Ring section 30 has a flared portion (not shown) at its proximal end, that is, at the bottom of the drawing as seen in Figure 9. In this embodiment furthermore, the sleeve includes a second or subannular portion 90 sleeve. The sleeve portion 90 can be sutured or stapled to the native tissue of the patient because the proximal bases or edges of the prosthetic valve leaflets 70 are downstream of the sleeve portion 90. Dotted lines 72 in Figure 9 indicate the approximate locations of the leaflet bases. The zones 92 of the second sleeve portion 90 are thus available to staple or suture through the sleeve 90 into the native tissue of the patient without interfering with the prosthetic leaflets 70.

The valve of Figure 10 includes a sleeve 285 that defines multiple pockets 220. Each sleeve has an open side 221 oriented distally. The other sides of each sleeve are substantially closed. When the valve is implanted, these pockets will prevent perivalvular leakage or retrograde blood flow around the outside of the stent body. The retrograde flow will tend to fill each pocket with blood and thus bias the outer surface of the pocket outward, until mating with the native tissue, for example, until mating with the native valve annulus or leaflets. In other words, the pockets act like miniature parachutes around the periphery of the valve. The pockets 220 are expected to eventually have incoming tissue growth to eliminate the long-term need for their PV leak prevention function. In Figure 10 the cuff minipockets 220 are constructed to prevent back flow. It will be appreciated, however, that the pockets may be oriented in the opposite direction (ie, to impede forward blood flow), with their open sides oriented generally proximally. Pockets can be provided in any number, size, and / or shape to minimize leakage. Pockets 220 can be made from the same sleeve materials as discussed above.

A valve according to a further embodiment of the invention (FIG. 11) incorporates spring-shaped biasing elements 230 formed integrally with the stent body. In the expanded state of the stent body, parts of the springs protrude outwardly from the tubular wall of the ring section 30. The sleeve, or the outermost layer of the sleeve, is disposed away from the tubular wall and away from the springs, so that the springs tend to bias the sleeve 85 outward with respect to the wall of the ring section. Biasing elements of this type can be provided at any location along the sleeve. Springs 230 may be axially extending fingers as shown in FIG. 12, or they may have other configurations. For example, finger springs can be directed generally circumferentially. The fingers may have blunt ends for engagement with the sleeve, as depicted at 230c and 230d in Figure 12. Alternatively, the fingers may have sharp ends as depicted in Figure 12 at 230a and 230b. Fingers with sharp ends can pierce the cuff and can pierce native tissue as well.

The biasing elements can also include coil springs. As shown in Figure 13 a conical coil spring 250 has a spring axis 251 and a spring member arranged in a helix about the spring axis so that the spring member defines a plurality of turns of progressively increasing diameter. The largest turn 253 defines a base surface of the spring. A plurality of such springs can be mounted between the stent body and the sleeve, with the base surface facing inward toward the stent body, and with the spring axis extending generally in a radial or outward direction. Here again, the spring will tend to bias the sleeve outward with respect to the stent body. When the stent includes cells formed of cell struts, the base surface of each spring may be supported at a joint between the struts. In addition, when the stent includes commissure posts such as the posts 50 shown in FIG. 2, the springs can be supported by the commissure posts. In a further arrangement, the springs can be provided between layers of a multilayer sleeve. Each spring 250 can be cut from a flat sheet of a coil (spiral) pattern and shaped to a cone. The material can be a superelastic / shape memory material such as Nitinol. Depending on the size of the spring base, each turn of the coil can even be seat-shaped to allow the spring to conform to the curvature of the part of the stent where the spring sits (Figure 14).

In a further embodiment (Figure 14), the turns 251 are generally elliptical as seen in the end view, looking along the spring axis 250. Also, in this embodiment, the base surface defined by the largest turn 253 curves about an axis 257 transverse to the spring axis 250. Thus, portions 255 of turn 253 distance from axis 257 protrude in directions parallel to spring axis 250, out of the plane of the drawing, toward the observer as seen in Figure 13. The other turns desirably have a curvature.

ES 2 570 592 T3 similar. Thus, when the spring is fully collapsed, it is in the form of a part of a cylinder, with the axis 257 being the axis of the cylinder. A spring according to this embodiment can be mounted on the stent body, with the transverse axis 257 oriented generally parallel to the axis of the cylindrical surface, and desirably coaxial with said cylindrical surface. In other words, the spring in its collapsed or compressed state may coincide with the curvature of the stent body in its radially collapsed state. This design has the ability to be low profile, with minimal radial extension when collapsed and the ability to push radially outward when deployed.

Coil springs as shown in Figures 13 and 14 can be cut from a flat sheet, and then thermoset or formed into mandrels to make them obtain the characteristics of a spring. They can be connected by means of sutures, welds, locking mechanisms, etc. to the stent body or placed within the appropriate sleeve portion. Coil springs can also be formed integrally with the stent body.

A valve according to yet another embodiment of the invention includes a sleeve 85 similar to the sleeves discussed above. However, in this embodiment, the sleeve is provided with a thin ring 260 formed of a resilient material such as silicone rubber. The ring 260 extends circumferentially around the remainder of the sleeve and around the ring section 30 of the stent body. The ring has a main part 261 that abuts the stent body through the other layers of the sleeve, and has a free edge 262 axially offset from the main part. When the stent body is in its radially collapsed state, the free edge of the ring lies flat against the other structures of the stent. When the inner diameter of the ring is forcibly expanded by the transition of the ring section 30 of the stent body from the free edge 262 of the ring it tends to turn around and thus tends to protrude outwards relative to the main part 261 and to the stent body. This causes the free edge 261 of the hoop to seal against the surrounding native tissue, even when the native tissue is uneven. The ring is low-profile enough to collapse during delivery of the prosthetic valve to the patient. The ring can be positioned anywhere along the axial extent of the ring section. If it is axially offset from the prosthetic valve leaflets 70, such as placing it in the area of ​​the second subannular sleeve portion 90 this will minimize valve material in the cross section of the leaflets.

A ring such as the one discussed above with reference to Figure 15 can also be used as a biasing element, to bias another part of the sleeve outward with respect to the stent body. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 16, a ring 260 similar to that discussed above is disposed between the stent body and an overlapping portion 270 of the sleeve material. The free edge of the ring rests on this part 270 and forces it outwards with respect to the stent body. The cuff bulge shown in Figure 16 is thus caused by the free edge of the silicone ring being turned over.

Because the features, as discussed above with reference to Figures 7-16, provide an outward bias to the cuff portions, they tend to promote an effective seal between the cuff and surrounding native tissue even when the native tissue is irregular. . While these features have been discussed above in connection with an expandable stent body, they can be used with other types of stents. For example, a valve intended for implantation in an open surgical technique may include a rigid, substantially unexpandable stent. The predisposing characteristics can also be used with stents of this type.

The calcified patterns of aortic stenosis can occur in a variety of distribution patterns, which can have a direct effect on PV leakage between the stenotic leaflets and an implanted collapsible valve. In many cases, PV leak is more likely to occur at the commissure location between stenotic native leaflets (R. Zegdi et al., Is It Reasonable to Treat All Calcified Stenotic Aortic Valves With a Valved stent ?, Valvular Heart Disease , Vol. 51, no.5, pp. 579-84, February 5, 2008). In other words, the native valve annulus, and the space defined by the inner surfaces of the native valve leaflets, are not shaped in circular cross-section. A valve according to a further embodiment includes a sleeve 285 (FIG. 17) that includes a plurality of regions 280 distributed around the circumference of the sleeve. In the implanted operative configuration shown, some of these regions 280a, 280b, and 280c, referred to herein as bulge regions, have radial thickness R greater than the radial thickness of other regions, such as regions 280d, 280e, and 280f, referred to as herein as intermediate regions. In the particular example of Figures 17 and 18, there are three bulge regions spaced circumferentially from each other and intermediate regions between the bulge regions. In another example, there are two bulge regions 280a and 280b spaced apart and intermediate regions such as 280e and 280d between the bulge regions. The number and location of the bulge regions are desirably selected to match the native tissue configuration of the particular patient. Therefore, in order to tailor the valve cuff specifically for a particular patient, each region 280 incorporates a separate chamber 287, (FIG. 18). Each chamber can be inflated to provide a bulge region or left deflated to provide an intermediate region. This arrangement can provide sufficient sealing against PV leakage without adding additional unnecessary sleeve material. The configuration of Figures 17 and 18 can be used, for example, in a patient who has a typical tricuspid native aortic valve with native leaflets.

ES 2 570 592 T3 stenotic. The configuration of Figures 19 and 20 can be used in a patient who has a native stenotic bicuspid aortic valve.

The chambers can be inflated either before implantation or after the valve has expanded into the native stenotic valve. Inflation can be achieved intraprocedurally with material such as liquid collagen or RTV silicone, or prior to the procedure with similar or other materials. This cuff construction offers the potential of a single collapsible valve design to be used in a variety of stenotic aortic valve sizes and calcified distribution patterns, while some of the previously known designs can only be used with distribution patterns. uniform calcified. This cuff design can also be used on underperforming (leaking) aortic valves due to its ability to fill PV leaks and clearances. Other possible uses for this sleeve design are in other valve positions. For example, a configuration such as that shown in Figures 19 and 20 may be particularly well suited for the mitral valve, which is naturally elliptical and often insufficient (leaking).

As discussed further below, certain techniques that can be employed in prosthetic heart valve procedures can best be applied while the regions treated by these techniques are temporarily isolated from direct blood flow. A device that isolates a working chamber can be beneficial. Such a device is described in R. Quaden et al .: Percutaneous Aortic Valve Replacement: Resection Before Implantation, European Journal of Cardio-thoracic Surgery, Vol. 27, 2005, pp. 836-40, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. As described in the article by Quaden et al., An aortic valve resection chamber is sealed by polyethylene balloons. Surgical instruments are inserted through an instrument channel. Two catheters with small sealing balloons provide cardioplegia to the coronaries and prevent coronary embolization during the resection process. Such a working chamber can also be beneficial (although not necessarily in all cases) for the application of some techniques such as those described later in this specification.

Many lasers have been used to coagulate tissue in the medical sector. An example of the laseroscope system used to cauterize tissue (available from Laseroscope, 3052 Orchard Drive, San Jose, CA 95134-2011). A low-power laser that can minimize tissue vaporization, even adhering tissue, is optimal. As alternatives, other energy sources such as ultrasound, cryogenics, an electrical resistance or another heating element can be used. The cuff of a prosthetic valve can be made to adhere to native tissue such as stenotic leaflets (or native valve annulus if the leaflets are resected) during or after implantation. For example, a porcine pericardial strip can be used on the outside of the cuff to adhere a tissue-to-tissue junction. Probes of various shapes (torus, pointed, etc.) can be used to directionally apply energy to desired locations.

Biocompatible adhesives, such as epoxyamines, have been applied in certain medical applications. See, for example, US Patent Nos. 6,780,510 and 6,468,660). Such adhesives can be applied around the perimeter of a prosthetic valve cuff to adhere to stenotic leaflets (or the annulus if the leaflets have undergone resection) during or after implantation. Other silicone materials can be used as a caulk in certain situations. The adhesive can be injected internally or externally through holes in the valve sleeve itself and / or the sleeve can have pockets to allow injection (see Figures 10, 12 and 16).

A valve according to a further embodiment of the invention (FIG. 21) includes an expandable stent body 10 having a ring section 30 with a proximal-to-distal shaft 14. The valve also includes a sleeve 400 having a generally tubular wall. with a free end 402 and with surfaces 403 and 404. In the collapsed state shown, surface 403 is the inner surface of the tube and surface 404 is the outer surface. In the radially collapsed state of the stent body 10, the tubular wall protrudes from the proximal end of the stent so that the free end 402 of the tubular wall is proximal to the ring section 30. In other words, in this state, the free end 402 of the tubular wall is axially offset from the ring section and is axially offset from the stent body. Thus Figure 21 shows collapsed or folded stent 30 and collapsed or folded cuff 400 at substantially non-overlapping different locations along the proximal-distal axis of the valve. Elements 30 and 400 can be connected to each other, e.g. eg, on an interface between them. But preferably they don't overlap, at least not to a great extent. Thus, in this state the thickness of the tubular wall 400 does not add to the diameter of the stent. This is desirable to keep the outer diameter, and therefore the circumferential size of the valve as small as possible for less invasive administration to the patient.

Figure 22 shows the structure of Figure 21 when implanted in the patient. In particular, Figure 22 shows the ring section 30 in a radially expanded state. The sleeve 400 is also radially expanded and has been turned inside out (flipped inside out) so that it is now disposed around the outside of at least a portion of the ring section 30 of the stent body. Note that surface 403 is now on the outside of the tube. On conversion from the collapsed state to the operational state, the free end 402 of the tube moves relative to the stent body. Accordingly, the free end 402 is referred to herein as a movable part of the sleeve. In the operating state shown in FIG. 22, the free end or

ES 2 570 592 T3 movable part is axially aligned with part of the annulus section 30. In this state the sleeve 400 helps to ensure a proper seal of the valve in the surrounding native tissue of the patient.

The tubular sleeve 400 can be turned over during administration of the valve to the patient but before the valve fully seats in the valve implantation site in the patient. Depending on the resilient properties of the tubular sleeve 400, the radial expansion of the stent body can cause the tubular sleeve to turn inside out as shown. Alternatively or additionally, the tubular sleeve may have a free or undistorted shape so that it naturally tends to turn inside out as shown in Figure 22 when unconstrained. The tubular sleeve may be forcibly distorted into the state depicted in Figure 21, and another element of the delivery device constrained in that position by a sheath. Thus, as shown in FIG. 23, after the sleeve 400 has emerged from the distal end of a delivery sheath 500, the sleeve tends to roll resiliently around the exterior of the stent body 10. FIG. 24 shows an alternative or addition in which sutures or wires 510 are used to pull the movable member or end 402 of the sleeve 400 up and around the exterior of the stent body 10. This movement can be performed before, during or after expansion of the stent body. Merely by way of example, when the delivery device includes an elongated probe, the sutures or wires 510 may extend the length of the delivery device to a handle or other item accessible to the operator. In addition, the sutures can be provided as loops that can be removed from the cuff by selectively pulling on one end of the loop. For example, sutures 510a and 510b are parts of a unitary loop that extend through holes in the cuff. Pulling on both ends of the loop simultaneously tends to pull the free edge or movable part 402. Pulling on one end of the loop will remove the suture from the sleeve. Figure 25 shows yet another alternative or addition where shape memory alloy members (eg. g., nitinol) 410 in the cuff 400 causes the cuff to roll over when the cuff is released from the constriction of the delivery system within the patient at or near the valve implant site.

A sleeve with a movable part can be arranged to form a seal with any part of the native anatomy. For example, Figure 26 shows a prosthetic valve 10 fully implanted in a patient, with the cuff 400 having been turned around the outside of the stent body 10 and pressed radially outward against the patient's native stenotic heart valve leaflets 6. to seal the prosthetic valve against PV leakage.

Figure 27 is generally like Figure 21, but in Figure 27 the sleeve 400 is longer than in Figure

twenty-one. Figure 28 is generally like Figure 23, but shows the structure of Figure 28 after it has been implanted in a patient. In the structure of Figures 27 and 28, the sleeve 400 has an axial extension that is approximately the same as the axial extension of the ring portion 20 of the stent body. In this embodiment, the proximal end of the stent can be disposed proximal to the native valve annulus 2, and even a portion of the cuff 400 will still arrive and seal against native structures such as annulus 2 and stenotic leaflets 6. The structure of the figures 27 and 28 incorporate a balloon 601 disposed on the delivery device within the stent body, such as within the ring region 30 of the stent body, to forcefully expand the stent body. This structure also includes an additional balloon 603 that is disposed within the sleeve when the stent is in the radially collapsed state. Sleeve 400 can be turned inside out by inflating balloon 603 before or during expansion of the stent body. In additional variants, the balloon can be arranged to expand progressively, starting at free end 402, to help rotate the stent from the inside out. Merely by way of example, balloon 603 may include a plurality of chambers disposed along the axis of the frame, such that these balloons can be inflated in sequence.

In other embodiments, the movable portion of the sleeve is movable relative to the stent body by engagement with native anatomical structures. For example, the cuff can be constructed and administered to engage the native stenotic heart valve leaflets of the patient during administration. Figures 2931 show examples of this action. The valve of Figure 30 is generally similar to the valves of Figures 22 and 28, but shows the addition of hook-shaped coupling elements 420 at the free end 402 of the sleeve 400 away from the stent 30. Figure 30 shows the structure of figure 29 in a deployment phase. In this phase, the tubular sleeve has been deformed to a configuration in which the hook members or hooks 420 can engage (engage over) the distal edges of the patient's native stenotic leaflets 6. Once the engagement members have been engaged, the stent body moves proximal to the native anatomy. As shown in Figure 31, the proximal movement of the stent body 10 into the space limited by native leaflets 6 causes the sleeve 400 to flip inside out around the outside of the stent 10. This is aided by the fact that hooks 420 secure free end 402 of sleeve 400 to the distal edges of leaflets 6. Ultimately (as shown in FIG. 31), sleeve 400 is sandwiched between stent body 10 and native leaflets 6. The presence of the hooks 420 on native leaflets 6 assists the cuff 400 in sealing the prosthetic valve against PV leakage, and also assists in anchoring the valve in place in the patient.

The coupling elements or hooks 420 can be of any suitable material. One possibility is that the hooks 420 are made of nitinol and extend through the fabric or other material of the sleeve 400. The hooks

ES 2 570 592 T3

420 they can be connected to the ring section 30 or other parts of the stent body, and can be integrally formed with the stent body.

In the procedure of Figures 29-31, the mobile element is moved during proximal movement of the valve, from the aorta 5 towards the left ventricle 1. In a further variant, the mobile element is deployed by movement in the opposite distal direction. relative to native anatomy. In such a case, the hooks 420 'can be arranged to hook onto the ring 2 as shown in Fig. 32. In this arrangement, the tubular sleeve member initially protrudes from the distal end of the annulus section 30. The engagement members 420 'engage native anatomical structures such as the LVOT. The free end or movable member moves proximally with respect to the ring section 30 of the stent body as the stent body moves distally of the native anatomy.

The movable portion of the sleeve may include the entire sleeve or any part of the sleeve. Furthermore, the movement of the movable part of the sleeve may occur in ways other than turning the sleeve from the inside out. For example, the structure of Figure 33 incorporates a sleeve 400 and a stent body 10 having an annulus region 30. During the advancement of the valve into the patient, the stent is constrained in its radially collapsed state by a sheath 605. . Sleeve 400 includes a resilient tube having an unconstrained internal diameter approximately equal to or greater than the external diameter of ring region 30 in its radially collapsed state. During advancement into the patient, the sleeve is retained in a collapsed state by an additional sleeve 607 separate from sleeve 605. During deployment, sheath 607 moves in the axial direction A1 relative to the sheath, to release at least the portion of the sleeve 400 closest to the stent body and allow it to expand. As sheath 605 moves axially in the direction A2 relative to the stent body, the sleeve also moves relative to the stent body before the stent body fully expands to its radially expanded operative state. For example, the delivery device may include sutures 510 similar to those discussed above with reference to FIG. 24 to move the cuff. As the stent body expands, it engages within the sleeve. When the stent body is forcibly expanded by a balloon or mechanical element, the sleeve may slide on the outside of the stent body to pull the sleeve around the outside of the stent body before or during operation of the expansion device.

Although valves have been discussed above with reference to implantation of the valves in native naturally occurring valves of a patient, the valves can also be implanted within previously implanted prosthetic valves. In such a procedure, the previously implanted prosthetic valve constitutes the native valve. For example, the sleeve will seal against previously implanted prosthetic valve structures such as, for example, the interior of the previously implanted stent body and sleeve, or the interior surfaces of previously implanted prosthetic valve leaflets.

The invention is also related to the following elements:

1. A prosthetic heart valve for replacement of a native heart valve having a native valve annulus comprising:

(a) A stent body that includes a generally tubular annulus region having a proximal-to-distal axis and having a radially collapsed state and a radially expanded state, the annulus region increases in diameter during the transition from the radially expanded state. radially collapsed to the radially expanded state;

(b) one or more prosthetic valve elements mounted on the stent body and operative to allow proximal flow through the annulus region, but to substantially block proximal flow through the annulus region; and (c) a sleeve secured to the stent body, the sleeve (i) comprising a first sleeve portion covering at least a portion of the ring region for arrangement in said native valve ring, the first sleeve portion having a first diameter when the ring region is in the radially expanded state and (ii) a second sleeve portion proximal to the first sleeve portion, the second cuff part has a second diameter when the annulus region is in the radially expanded state, the second diameter being greater than the first diameter, the second cuff part being adapted for engagement with native tissue proximal to the native valve annulus .

two. A valve as claimed at item 1 wherein the stent body includes a flare section proximal to the annulus region, the flared section has a larger diameter than the annulus region when the stent body is in the expanded configuration, as At least one part of the second sleeve part extends along the flared section of the stent body.

ES 2 570 592 T3

3. A prosthetic heart valve that includes:

(a) A stent body including a generally tubular ring region having a proximal-to-distal axis and having a radially collapsed state and a radially expanded state, the ring region increases in diameter and decreases in axial length during the transition from the radially collapsed state to the radially expanded state;

(b) one or more prosthetic valve elements mounted on the stent body and operative to allow proximal flow through the annulus region, but to substantially block proximal flow through the annulus region; and (c) a sleeve secured to the stent body and surrounding the ring region, the sleeve has one or more pleats adapted to collapse in axial directions and expand in radial directions at the transition of the stent body from the radially collapsed state to the radially expanded state.

Four. A prosthetic heart valve that includes:

(a) a stent body that includes a generally tubular ring region having a proximal-distal axis;

(b) one or more prosthetic valve elements mounted on the stent body and operative to allow proximal flow through the annulus region, but to substantially block proximal flow through the annulus region; and (c) a sleeve secured to the stent body and surrounding the annulus region; and (d) one or more separate biasing elements of the sleeve mechanically connected to the stent body and the sleeve, the one or more biasing elements being adapted to bias at least a portion of the sleeve outward relative to the stent body.

5. A valve as claimed in item 6, wherein the stent body is an expandable metal stent body having a radially collapsed state and a radially expanded state, the annulus region increases in diameter during the transition from the radially collapsed state. to the radially expanded state.

6. A valve as claimed in item 5 wherein the one or more biasing elements include one or more springs.

7. A valve as claimed at item 6 wherein the springs are integrally formed with the stent body.

8. A valve as claimed at item 6 wherein the springs include a plurality of coil springs, each of the coil springs has a spring axis and an elongated member that extends a plurality of turns around the spring axis.

9. A valve as claimed at point 8 wherein the turns of each spring curve about an axis transverse to the spring axis and parallel to the proximal-to-distal axis of the stent body.

10. A valve as claimed in item 5 wherein the one or more biasing elements include a hygroscopic material.

eleven. A valve as claimed at item 10 wherein the one or more valve elements include a plurality of prosthetic valve leaflets disposed at least partially within the annulus region and the hygroscopic material is offset proximally or distally from the leaflets valve at least when the stent body is in the radially collapsed state.

12. A valve as claimed at item 10 wherein the hygroscopic material includes a helical hygroscopic element that extends around the annulus region.

13. A valve as claimed at item 5 wherein the one or more predisposing elements include a resilient ring that extends circumferentially around the ring region, the ring has a main part that rests on the stent body and an edge free not connected to the stent body, the ring is constructed and arranged so that with radial expansion of the ring, the ring is deformed and said deformation biases the free edge outwards with respect to the main part and the body of the stent.

14. A prosthetic heart valve that includes:

ES 2 570 592 T3 (a) a stent body including a generally tubular ring region having a proximal-to-distal axis and having a radially collapsed state and a radially expanded state, the ring region increases in diameter during the transition from the radially collapsed state to the radially expanded state;

(b) one or more prosthetic valve elements mounted on the stent body and operative to allow proximal flow through the annulus region, but to substantially block proximal flow through the annulus region; and (c) a sleeve secured to the stent body that extends around the ring region, the sleeve includes a ring that extends circumferentially around the stent body, the ring has a main part that abuts the stent body. and a free edge not connected to the stent body, the ring is constructed and arranged so that with the radial expansion of the ring, the ring is deformed and said deformation biases the free edge outwards with respect to the main part and the body of the stent.

fifteen. A prosthetic heart valve that includes:

(a) A stent body that includes a generally tubular annulus region having a proximal-to-distal axis and having a radially collapsed state and a radially expanded state, the annulus region increases in diameter during the transition from the radially expanded state. radially collapsed to the radially expanded state;

(b) one or more prosthetic valve elements mounted on the stent body and operative to allow proximal flow through the annulus region, but to substantially block proximal flow through the annulus region; and (c) a sleeve secured to the stent body, the sleeve has a movable part movable in an axial direction with respect to the stent body so that when the stent body is in the radially collapsed state, the movable part of the sleeve is axially offset from the ring region of the stent body and the movable portion of the sleeve can be moved to an operative position in which the movable portion of the sleeve extends around the ring section.

16. A valve as claimed at item 15 wherein the sleeve has a generally tubular wall with a fixed end connected to the stent body and a free end that protrudes axially away from the annulus section when the stent body is in the collapsed state radially, the movable part of the sleeve includes the free end of the tubular wall, the tubular wall is constructed and arranged so that the tubular wall can be rotated from the inside out to bring the free end of the tubular wall into the operative position, the free end of the tubular wall extends around the ring region when the sleeve is in the operational position.

17. A valve as claimed at item 16 wherein the sleeve is constructed and arranged to rotate from the inside out to bring the free end of the tubular wall into the operative position at least in part in response to the transition of the annulus region from the radially collapsed state to the radially expanded state.

18. A valve as claimed at item 16 further comprising sleeve coupling elements connected to the free end of the sleeve, the sleeve coupling elements are constructed and arranged to engage one or more features of native anatomy such that the sleeve it can be rotated from the inside out at least in part by axial movement of the stent body relative to the mating features of the native anatomy.

19. A valve as claimed at item 18 where the free end of the sleeve protrudes proximally from the ring region of the stent body and where the engagement features are adapted to engage the native valve leaflets.

twenty. A prosthetic heart valve that includes:

(a) a stent body that includes a generally tubular ring region having a proximal-distal axis;

(b) one or more prosthetic valve elements mounted on the stent body and operative to allow proximal flow through the annulus region, but to substantially block proximal flow through the annulus region; and (c) a sleeve defining one or more pockets outside the ring region, each of said pockets having an outer wall, an open side oriented in a first axial direction and having a closed side oriented in a second axial direction. opposite to the first axial direction so that the blood flow in the

The second axial direction will tend to force the blood into the pocket and bias the outside of the pocket outwards with respect to the stent body.

twenty-one. A valve as claimed at item 20 wherein the one or more pockets includes a plurality of pockets having distally oriented open sides.

22. A prosthetic heart valve that includes:

(a) a stent body that includes a generally tubular ring region having a proximal-distal axis;

(b) one or more prosthetic valve elements mounted on the stent body and operative to allow proximal flow through the annulus region, but to substantially block proximal flow through the annulus region; and (c) a sleeve that extends around the ring region, the sleeve has a plurality of regions circumferentially spaced from each other, each region has a radial thickness, the radial thicknesses of at least one of the regions is different from the radial thickness. of at least one of the other regions when the sleeve is in an operative configuration.

2. 3. A valve as claimed at item 22, wherein at least one of the regions includes hollow chambers so that the sleeve can be brought into operative configuration by inflating the hollow chambers.

24. A valve as claimed at item 23 wherein the hollow chambers are constructed and arranged so that the one or more hollow chambers can be inflated independently of one or more of the other hollow chambers.

25. A valve as claimed at item 22 wherein the plurality of regions includes three bulge regions circumferentially spaced from each other and intermediate regions disposed between the bulge regions, the bulge regions having greater radial thickness than the intermediate regions.

26. A valve as claimed at item 22 wherein the plurality of regions includes two bulge regions circumferentially spaced from each other and intermediate regions disposed between the bulge regions, the bulge regions having greater radial thickness than the intermediate regions.

27. A valve as claimed in any of the foregoing points wherein said one or more valve elements include a plurality of flexible prosthetic valve leaflets disposed at least partially within said annulus region.

28. A method of treating a patient comprising the stages of:

(a) inserting a prosthetic valve that includes a stent body, one or more prosthetic valve elements connected to the stent body, and a sleeve that extends over at least a portion of the stent body into the patient while the stent body and sleeve they are in a radially collapsed state;

(b) bringing the sleeve and stent body to a radially expanded state and positioning the sleeve and stent body so that a first portion of the sleeve engages a native valve ring and a second portion of the sleeve engages native tissue adjacent to the ring; and (c) securing the second part of the sleeve to the native tissue.

29. The method of item 28 wherein said second part of said cuff is attached to said native tissue by means of sutures or staples.

30. The method of item 28 wherein said fixing step includes applying energy to said second part of said sleeve to form an adhesion with native tissue.

31. The method of item 28 where the native valve annulus is the native aortic valve annulus and where the second part of the cuff engages the native left ventricular outflow tract.

32. A kit for performing a method as claimed in any of items 38-31 that includes (i) a prosthetic valve that includes a stent body, one or more prosthetic valve elements connected to the stent body, and a sleeve that extends on at least one part of the stent body; and (ii) at least one fixation tool adapted to fix the cuff to native tissue.

ES 2 570 592 T3

Although the invention herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present invention. It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications can be made to the illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements can be devised without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.