Patent Application
20230201015
The present disclosure relates to implantable adaptor systems for engaging and retaining a prosthetic implant such as a prosthetic heart valve in a lumen of the body, such as a blood vessel or valve of the heart, which has a diameter greater than the functional diameter of the prosthetic heart valve.
Prosthetic heart valves can be used to treat cardiac valvular disorders. The native heart valves (the aortic, pulmonary, tricuspid and mitral valves) function to prevent backward flow or regurgitation, while allowing forward flow. These heart valves can be rendered less effective by congenital, inflammatory, infectious conditions, etc. Such conditions can eventually lead to serious cardiovascular compromise or death. For many years, doctors attempted to treat such disorders with surgical repair or replacement of the valve during open heart surgery.
A transcatheter technique for introducing and implanting a prosthetic heart valve using a catheter in a manner that is less invasive than open heart surgery can reduce complications associated with open heart surgery. In this technique, a prosthetic valve can be mounted in a crimped state on the end portion of a catheter and advanced through a blood vessel of the patient until the valve reaches the implantation site. The valve at the catheter tip can then be expanded to its functional size at the site of the defective native valve, such as by inflating a balloon on which the valve is mounted or, for example, the valve can have a resilient, self-expanding stent or frame that expands the valve to its functional size when it is advanced from a delivery sheath at the distal end of the catheter. Optionally, the valve can have a balloon-expandable frame, self-expanding frame, a mechanically-expandable frame, and/or a frame expandable in multiple or a combination of ways.
Transcatheter heart valves (THVs) may be appropriately sized for placement inside many native cardiac valves or orifices. However, with larger native valves, blood vessels (e.g., an enlarged aorta), grafts, etc., aortic transcatheter valves might be too small to secure into the larger implantation or deployment site. In this case, the transcatheter valve may not be large enough to sufficiently expand inside the native valve or other implantation or deployment site or the implantation/deployment site may not provide a good seat for the THV to be secured in place. As one example, aortic insufficiency can be associated with difficulty securely implanting a THV in the aorta and/or aortic valve. Accordingly, there exists a need for improved systems and methods of securing a THV in a relatively large diameter blood vessel or annulus.
Certain embodiments of the disclosure pertain to docking stations, frame adaptors, prestents, and the like for engaging and retaining a prosthetic implant such as a prosthetic heart valve in a lumen of the body, such as a blood vessel or valve of the heart. In a representative embodiment, a docking station comprises a radially expandable and collapsible frame comprising a first plurality of struts, the frame comprising an inflow end portion and an outflow end portion, and defining a longitudinal axis, a sealing member disposed on the outflow end portion and configured to form a seal between the docking station and a body lumen, and a valve seat coupled to the frame and configured to receive an expandable prosthetic valve, the valve seat comprising a second plurality of struts coupled to the frame extending in a downstream direction and angled inwardly toward the longitudinal axis of the frame.
In another representative embodiment, method comprises advancing the docking station of any of the disclosed embodiments to a treatment site in a radially collapsed state, expanding the docking station to anchor the docking station at the treatment site, and deploying a prosthetic valve in the valve seat of the docking station such that the prosthetic valve regulates blood flow through the docking station.
In another representative embodiment, a system comprises a delivery apparatus comprising a first shaft comprising a delivery capsule at a distal end portion of the first shaft. The system further comprises a second shaft disposed within the first shaft and comprising a retaining member at a distal end portion of the second shaft, and the docking station of any of the disclosed embodiments disposed within the delivery capsule and coupled to the retaining member.
In another representative embodiment, a docking station for a prosthetic valve comprises a radially expandable and collapsible frame comprising a plurality of struts, the frame comprising an inflow end portion and an outflow end portion and defining a longitudinal axis, and a valve seat coupled to the frame and configured to receive an expandable prosthetic valve. The valve seat is at least partially defined by a plurality of valve seat struts coupled to the frame at frame junctions and comprising free end portions, the valve seat struts being angled radially inwardly from the frame of the docking station toward the longitudinal axis such that the free end portions are offset from the frame junctions in a downstream direction along the longitudinal axis.
In another representative embodiment, a docking station for a prosthetic valve comprises a radially expandable and collapsible frame comprising a plurality of longitudinally-extending first struts circumferentially arranged about a longitudinal axis of the frame and extending between an inflow end portion and an outflow end portion of the frame, a plurality of angled second struts extending between adjacent first struts, and a valve seat coupled to the frame and configured to receive an expandable prosthetic valve.
In another representative embodiment, a docking station for a prosthetic valve comprises a radially expandable and collapsible frame comprising a plurality of struts, the frame comprising an inflow end portion and an outflow end portion, and defining a longitudinal axis, a sealing member disposed on the outflow end portion and configured to form a seal between the docking station and a body lumen, and a valve seat coupled to the frame and configured to receive an expandable prosthetic valve, wherein the struts of the frame define a plurality of free apices offset circumferentially from each other around a circumference of the frame and configured to resist movement of the docking station within a body lumen.
In another representative embodiment, a docking station for a prosthetic valve comprises a radially expandable and collapsible frame comprising a plurality of struts, the frame comprising an inflow end portion and an outflow end portion and defining a longitudinal axis, a sealing member disposed on the outflow end portion and configured to form a seal between the docking station and a body lumen, and a valve seat within the frame and configured to receive an expandable prosthetic valve, the valve seat comprising an inflow end portion coupled to the frame and a free outflow end portion, the free outflow end portion being downstream of the inflow end portion of the valve seat and upstream of the outflow end of the frame of the docking station.
In another representative embodiment, a docking station for a prosthetic valve comprises a radially expandable and collapsible frame comprising a first plurality of struts, the frame comprising an inflow end portion and an outflow end portion, the outflow end portion of the frame comprising a plurality of supports defined by struts of the first plurality of struts, the frame defining a longitudinal axis. The docking station further comprises a sealing member disposed on the outflow end portion and configured to form a seal between the docking station and a body lumen, the sealing member being engaged by the plurality of supports of the outflow end of the frame, and a valve seat within the frame and configured to receive an expandable prosthetic valve, the valve seat comprising a second plurality of struts coupled to the frame and defining a plurality of supports, wherein the outflow end portion of the frame comprises more supports than the valve seat.
In another representative embodiment, a docking station for a prosthetic valve comprises a radially expandable and collapsible frame comprising a plurality of struts, the frame comprising an inflow end portion and an outflow end portion, and defining a longitudinal axis, a sealing member disposed on the outflow end portion and configured to form a seal between the docking station and a body lumen, and a valve seat coupled to the frame and configured to receive an expandable prosthetic valve, wherein at least an outflow edge of the sealing member is disposed at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the frame to align with an outlet of the body lumen.
In another representative embodiment, a docking station for a prosthetic valve comprises a radially expandable and collapsible frame comprising a plurality of longitudinal struts extending between an inflow end portion and an outflow end portion of the frame, the frame further comprising a plurality of angled struts arranged circumferentially to form a plurality of cylindrical, spaced apart frame portions interconnected by the longitudinal struts, and a valve seat at the outflow end portion of the frame.
In another representative embodiment, a sealing member comprises a first tubular portion which tapers along a longitudinal axis from a first diameter to a second diameter less than the first diameter, a second tubular portion coupled to the first tubular portion and comprising the second diameter, and a third tubular portion coupled to the second tubular portion such that the second tubular portion is between the first tubular portion and the third tubular portion, the third tubular portion having a diameter which increases from the second diameter toward the first diameter in a direction along the longitudinal axis.
In another representative embodiment, a docking station comprises a radially expandable and collapsible frame comprising a first plurality of struts, the frame comprising an inflow end portion and an outflow end portion, and defining a longitudinal axis, a sealing member disposed on the outflow end portion and configured to form a seal between the docking station and a body lumen, and a valve seat within the frame and configured to receive an expandable prosthetic valve, the valve seat comprising a second plurality of struts coupled to the frame and angled inwardly toward the longitudinal axis of the frame.
The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the described technology will become more apparent from the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying figures.
For purposes of this description, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the embodiments of this disclosure are described herein. The disclosed methods, apparatus, and systems should not be construed as being limiting in any way. Instead, the present disclosure is directed toward all novel and nonobvious features and aspects of the various disclosed embodiments, alone and in various combinations and sub-combinations with one another. The methods, apparatus, and systems are not limited to any specific aspect or feature or combination thereof, nor do the disclosed embodiments require that any one or more specific advantages be present or problems be solved.
It should be understood that the disclosed embodiments can be adapted for delivery and implantation in any of the native annuluses and blood vessels of the heart (e.g., the pulmonary, mitral, and tricuspid annuluses, the inferior and superior vena cava, etc.), and can be used with any of various delivery approaches (e.g., retrograde, antegrade, transseptal, transventricular, transatrial, etc.).
Although the operations of some of the disclosed embodiments are described in a particular, sequential order for convenient presentation, it should be understood that this manner of description encompasses rearrangement, unless a particular ordering is required by specific language set forth below. For example, operations described sequentially may in some cases be rearranged or performed concurrently. Moreover, for the sake of simplicity, the attached figures may not show the various ways in which the disclosed methods can be used in conjunction with other methods. Additionally, the description sometimes uses terms like “provide” or “achieve” to describe the disclosed methods. These terms are high-level abstractions of the actual operations that are performed. The actual operations that correspond to these terms may vary depending on the particular implementation and are readily discernible by one of ordinary skill in the art.
All features described herein are independent of one another and, except where structurally impossible, can be used in combination with any other feature described herein. For example, the sealing member 436 shown in
As used in this application and in the claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural forms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Additionally, the term “includes” means “comprises.” Further, the terms “coupled” and “associated” generally mean electrically, electromagnetically, and/or physically (e.g., mechanically or chemically) coupled or linked and does not exclude the presence of intermediate elements between the coupled or associated items absent specific contrary language. As used herein, the term “and/or” used between the last two of a list of elements means any one or more of the listed elements. For example, the phrase “A, B, and/or C” means “A”, “B,”, “C”, “A and B”, “A and C”, “B and C”, or “A, B, and C.”
In the context of the present application, the terms “lower” and “upper” are used interchangeably with the terms “inflow” and “outflow”, respectively. Thus, for example, typically the lower end of a valve or docking station as depicted in the figures is its inflow end and the upper end of the valve or docking station is its outflow end.
As used herein, the term “proximal” refers to a position, direction, or portion of a device that is closer to the user and further away from the implantation site and/or body lumen orifice. As used herein, the term “distal” refers to a position, direction, or portion of a device that is further away from the user and closer to the implantation site and/or body lumen orifice. Thus, for example, proximal motion of a device is motion of the device toward the user, while distal motion of the device is motion of the device away from the user.
The terms “longitudinal” and “axial” refer to an axis extending in the upstream and downstream directions, or in the proximal and distal directions, unless otherwise expressly defined.
Although there are alternatives for various components, features, parameters, operating conditions, etc., set forth herein, that does not mean that those alternatives are necessarily equivalent and/or perform equally well. Nor does it mean that the alternatives are listed in a preferred order unless stated otherwise.
Directions and other relative references (e.g., inner, outer, upper, lower, etc.) may be used to facilitate discussion of the drawings and principles herein, but are not intended to be limiting. For example, certain terms may be used such as “inside,” “outside,”, “top,” “down,” “interior,” “exterior,” and the like. Such terms are used, where applicable, to provide some clarity of description when dealing with relative relationships, particularly with respect to the illustrated embodiments. Such terms are not, however, intended to imply absolute relationships, positions, and/or orientations. For example, with respect to an object, an “upper” part can become a “lower” part simply by turning the object over. Nevertheless, it is still the same part and the object remains the same. As used herein, “and/or” means “and” or “or”, as well as “and” and “or”.
As used herein, the terms “integrally formed” and “unitary construction” refer to a construction that does not require any sutures, fasteners, or other securing means to attach two portions of the construction together.
The present disclosure pertains to valve adapter/docking station/landing zone/prestent technology for implanting a prosthetic heart valve, such as a transcatheter heart valve, in a lumen or valve of the heart where the diameter of the lumen or valve is significantly greater than the functional diameter of the prosthetic valve. In certain examples, the docking station can comprise a radially expandable and collapsible frame formed from a plurality of struts, and including a valve seat within the frame configured to receive an expandable prosthetic valve. In certain embodiments, the valve seat can comprise a plurality of struts coupled to the frame and angled inwardly toward the longitudinal axis of the frame. The valve seat can be configured to engage and retain prosthetic valves of a variety of types and sizes. The outer aspect of the docking station frame can engage the surrounding tissue of the native lumen and form a seal, and the valve seat can engage and retain the prosthetic heart valve within the docking station. In certain embodiments, the frame can comprise a sealing member configured to form a seal between the frame and the surrounding anatomy without substantially interfering with blood flow entering the upstream portions of the frame, such as adjacent the ostia of the hepatic veins when implanted in the inferior vena cava.
In certain embodiments, the struts of the valve seat can form valve seat frame cells of the frame. In certain embodiments, struts and/or cells of the valve seat can comprise free end portions/apices, which can be disposed within the lumen of the docking station frame and define a reduced diameter portion configured to engage and retain a prosthetic heart valve. In certain embodiments, the struts of the valve seat can be coupled to the docking station frame at frame junctions, and the free end portions/apices of the valve seat can be offset from the frame junctions in a downstream direction toward the outflow end of the frame. This reduce or minimize the length of the prosthetic valve that protrudes or extends distally or in the downstream direction from the docking station. In certain embodiments, the struts of the valve seat can be wholly disposed within the docking station frame, or the free end portions/apices of the valve seat can define a downstream-most end of the docking station frame.
In certain embodiments, the docking station frame can comprise a plurality of circumferentially-arranged longitudinal struts. The longitudinal struts can reduce or prevent foreshortening of the frame between the collapsed and expanded configuration. This can facilitate more accurate and/or predictable deployment of the docking station from the collapsed delivery configuration. The longitudinal struts can also facilitate recapture of the docking station frame from a partially deployed state by limiting an angle formed by the flared, partially deployed portion of the frame and the longitudinal axis of the delivery apparatus. The longitudinal struts can also strengthen the frame and reduce or eliminate infolding or invagination of the frame during recapture.
In certain embodiments, the docking station frame can comprise a plurality of free end portions or apices arranged circumferentially around the frame. In certain embodiments, the free apices can be located between pairs of adjacent longitudinal struts. In certain embodiments, the free apices can be proximal and/or distal apices of frame cells defined between pairs of longitudinal frame struts. In certain embodiments, the frame cells can be axially spaced apart from each other. The free apices can be configured to engage the surrounding tissue of a body lumen in which the docking station frame is implanted to prevent frame movement/migration/rotation relative to the body lumen.
In some exemplary embodiments, docking stations/devices for prosthetic valves or THVs are illustrated as being used within the superior vena cava (SVC), inferior vena cava (IVC), or both the SVC and the IVC, although the docking stations/devices (e.g., docking station/device 10, other docking stations/devices described herein, modified versions of the docking stations, etc.) can be used in other areas of the anatomy, heart, or vasculature, such as the tricuspid valve, the pulmonary valve, the pulmonary artery, the aortic valve, the aorta, the mitral valve, or other locations. The docking stations/devices described herein can be configured to compensate for the deployed transcatheter valve or THV being smaller and/or having a different geometrical shape than the space (e.g., anatomy/heart/vasculature/etc.) in which it is to be placed. For example, the native anatomy (e.g., the IVC) can be oval, egg shaped, or another shape, while the prosthetic valve or THV can be cylindrical.
Various embodiments of docking stations/devices and examples of prosthetic valves or transcatheter valves are disclosed herein, and any combination of these options can be made unless specifically excluded. For example, any of the docking stations/devices disclosed, can be used with any type of valve, and/or any delivery system, even if a specific combination is not explicitly described. Likewise, the different constructions and features of docking stations/devices and valves can be mixed and matched, such as by combining any docking station type/feature, valve type/feature, covering/sealing element, etc., even if not explicitly disclosed. In short, individual components of the disclosed systems can be combined unless mutually exclusive or physically impossible.
For the sake of uniformity, in the present disclosure the docking stations are typically depicted such that the right atrium end (e.g., the outflow end) is up, while the ventricular end or IVC end (e.g., the inflow end) is down unless otherwise indicated.
The right atrium RA receives deoxygenated blood from the venous system through the superior vena cava SVC and the inferior vena cava IVC, the former entering the right atrium from above, and the latter from below. The hepatic veins 17 carry blood from the liver to the inferior vena cava IVC. The coronary sinus CS is a collection of veins joined together to form a large vessel that collects deoxygenated blood from the heart muscle (myocardium), and delivers it to the right atrium RA. During the diastolic phase, or diastole, seen in
The devices described herein can be used to supplement the function of a defective tricuspid valve and/or to prevent too much pressure from building up in the RA. During systole, the leaflets of a normally functioning tricuspid valve TV close to prevent the venous blood from regurgitating back into the right atrium RA. When the tricuspid valve does not operate normally, blood can backflow or regurgitate into the right atrium RA, the inferior vena cava IVC, the superior vena cava SVC, and/or other vessels in the systolic phase. Blood regurgitating backward into the right atrium increases the volume of blood in the atrium and the blood vessels that direct blood to the heart. This can cause the right atrium to enlarge and cause blood pressure to increase in the right atrium and blood vessels, which can cause damage to and/or swelling of the liver, kidneys, legs, other organs, etc. A transcatheter valve or THV implanted in the inferior vena cave IVC and/or the superior vena cava SVC can prevent or inhibit blood from backflowing into the inferior vena cave IVC and/or the superior vena cava SVC during the systolic phase.
The length L, diameter D, and curvature or contour may vary greatly between the superior vena cava SVC and inferior vena cava IVC of different patients. The relative orientation and location of the IVC and/or SVC can also vary between patients. Further, the size or diameter D can vary significantly along the length L of an individual IVC and/or SVC. Also, the anatomy of the IVC and/or SVC is soft, flexible, and dynamic as compared to other cardiac vessels, such as the aorta. This softer, more flexible, and/or more dynamic (moving and/or shape changing) characteristic of the IVC and SVC make it more difficult for a transcatheter valve frame or a docking station that supports a transcatheter valve to anchor in the IVC and/or the SVC than in the aorta. Further, other regions or other vasculature in other areas of the body and across patients where docking stations could be used can also vary significantly in shape and size.
The left atrium LA receives oxygenated blood from the left and right pulmonary veins, which then travels through the mitral valve to the left ventricle. During the diastolic phase, or diastole, seen in
Referring to
The retaining portion 14 helps retain the docking station 10 and the valve 29 at the implantation position or deployment site in the circulatory system. The retaining portion 14 can take a wide variety of different forms. In one exemplary embodiment, the retaining portion 14 includes friction enhancing features that reduce or eliminate migration of the docking station 10. The friction enhancing features can take a wide variety of different forms. For example, the friction enhancing features can comprise barbs, spikes, texturing, adhesive, and/or a cloth or polymer cover with high friction properties on the retaining portions 14. Such friction enhancing features can also be used on any of the various docking stations or retaining portions described herein.
Expandable docking station 10 and valve 29 as described in the various embodiments herein are also representative of a variety of docking stations and/or valves described herein or that might be known or developed, e.g., a variety of different types of valves could be substituted for and/or used as valve 29 in the various docking stations.
In one exemplary embodiment, the docking station 10 acts as an isolator that prevents or substantially prevents radial outward forces of the valve 29 from being transferred to the inner surface 16 of the circulatory system. In one embodiment, the docking station 10 includes a valve seat 18 that resists expansion, e.g., is not expanded radially outwardly (e.g., the diameter of the valve seat does not increase) or is not substantially expanded radially outward (e.g., the diameter of the valve seat increases by less than 4 mm) by the radially outward force of the transcatheter valve or valve 29. The valve seat can be configured such that expansion of a THV/valve 29 increases the diameter of the valve seat only to a diameter less than an outer diameter of the docking station 10 when the docking station is implanted. Retaining portions 14 and sealing portions 12 can be configured to impart only relatively small radially outward forces on the inner surface 16 of the circulatory system (as compared to the radially outward force applied to the valve seat 18 by the valve 29). Having a valve seat 18 that is stiffer or less radially expansive than the outer portions of the docking station (e.g., retaining portions 14 and sealing portions 12), as in the various docking stations described herein, provides many benefits, including allowing a THV/valve 29 to be implanted in vasculature or tissue of varying strengths, sizes, and/or shapes. The outer portions of the docking station can better conform to the anatomy (e.g., vasculature, tissue, heart, etc.) without putting too much pressure on the anatomy, while the THV/valve 29 can be firmly and securely implanted in the valve seat 18 with forces that will prevent or mitigate the risk of migration or slipping.
The docking station 10 can include any combination of one or more than one different types of valve seats 18, retaining portions 14, and/or sealing portions 12. For example, the valve seat 18 can be a separate component that is attached to the frame 28 of the docking station 10, while the sealing portion is integrally formed with the frame 28 of the docking station. Also, the valve seat 18 can be a separate component that is attached to the frame 28 of the docking station 10, while the sealing portion 12 is a separate component that is also attached to the frame 28 of the docking station. Optionally, the valve seat 18 can be integrally formed with the frame 28 of the docking station 10, while the sealing portion is integrally formed with the frame 28 of the docking station. Further, the valve seat 18 can be integrally formed with the frame 28 of the docking station 10, while the sealing portion is a separate component that is attached to the frame 28 of the docking station 10.
The sealing portion 12, the valve seat 18, and one or more retaining portions 14 of the various docking stations herein can take a variety of different forms and characteristics. In
The frame 28 can be made from a highly flexible metal, metal alloy, or polymer. Examples of metals and metal alloys that can be used include, but are not limited to, nitinol and other shape memory alloys, elgiloy, and stainless steel, but other metals and highly resilient or compliant non-metal materials can be used to make the frame 28. These materials can allow the frame to be compressed to a small size, and then when the compression force is released, the frame will self-expand back to its pre-compressed diameter and/or the frame can be expanded by inflation of a device positioned inside the frame. The frame 28 can also be made of other materials and be expandable and collapsible in different ways, e.g., mechanically-expandable, balloon-expandable, self-expandable, or a combination of these.
The sealing portions can take a wide variety of different forms. In the example of
The valve seat can take a wide variety of different forms. The valve seat 18 is a portion of the frame 28 in the example of
The retaining portions 14 can take a wide variety of different forms. For example, the retaining portion(s) 14 can be any structure that sets the position of the docking station 10 in the circulatory system. For example, the retaining portion(s) 14 can press against or into the inside surface 16 or contour/extend around anatomical structures of the circulatory system to set and maintain the position of the docking station 10. The retaining portion(s) 14 can be part of or define a portion of the body and/or sealing portion of the docking station 10 or the retaining portion(s) 14 can be a separate component that is attached to the body of the docking station. The docking station 10 can include a single retaining portion 14 or two, or more than two retaining portions. The retaining portion(s) 14 can include friction enhancing features as discussed above.
In the example of
In certain examples, the retaining portion 14 can comprise the annular outer portion or wall 36 of the frame 28. A shape set (e.g., a programmed shape of a shape memory material) of annular outer portion or wall 36 can bias the annular outer portion or wall 36 radially outward and into contact with/against the interior surface 16 of the aorta to retain the docking station 10 and the valve 29 at the implantation position. In certain examples, the shape set can also be selected to substantially match the shape of a portion of the aorta. The retaining portion 14 can be elongated to allow a relatively small force to be applied to a large area of the interior surface 16, while the valve 29 can apply a relatively large force to the valve seat 18, as discussed above. Further details regarding such configurations can be found in U.S. Publication No. 2019/0000615, which is incorporated herein by reference.
The docking station frame 28 can take a wide variety of different forms.
In one exemplary embodiment, a thickness of struts 46 of the frame varies. A wide variety of different portions of the struts 46 can vary and the struts can vary in different ways. Referring to
In the illustrated example, the entirety of the strut portions or links 48 of the struts 46 that form the end 30 have the second thickness T2. However, in other embodiments, only part of the portions/links 48 that form the end 30 have the reduced thickness. For example, the thickness of the portions/links 48 can have the thickness T2 at the top or apex 50 of the illustrated bend 52 while another part(s) can have the thickness T1. In one embodiment, a taper 54 transitions the struts 46 or strut portions/links 48 from the thickness T1 to the thickness T2. In one embodiment, the taper is more gradual (e.g., occurs over a longer distance or length) and extends into the bend of the links 52. The thickness can also increase (e.g., taper) in the area from the top or apex 50 to the valve seat 18 or area where the valve seat will be attached.
The length of the retaining portion 14 in
For example, the frame shown in
Referring now to
As shown in
Referring to
For example, referring to
Returning to
This pattern can also result in the formation of substantially diamond-shaped enclosed areas or cells 220 defined by the intersection of four adjacent struts 212 located between two adjacent longitudinal struts 210. For example, referring again to
The frame 202 can comprise multiple tiers or arcades of such cells or partial cells along its length. Each tier can comprise a plurality of cells or partial cells positioned around the circumference of the frame. For example, in the illustrated embodiment the frame can include a tier A of partial cells 220 at the inflow end portion 206 of the frame, and two tiers B, C of complete cells 220. The frame can further comprise a fourth tier D of cells 250 (
In certain embodiments, the frame 202 can further comprise one or a plurality of bend/flex/buckle/deformation-inducing features or means between the tiers A-D of cells 220/250. For example, referring again to
In other embodiments, the thickness of the longitudinal struts at the flex-inducing portions can be reduced in one or both of the circumferential and radial directions, depending upon the particular application. In other embodiments, the flex-inducing portions 222 can be located at any location along the length of the longitudinal struts 210. The flex-inducing portions 222 can also be configured in a variety of other ways, such as springs (see
The outflow end portion 208 can be configured to receive and retain a prosthetic valve, such as a prosthetic heart valve, as in the configurations described above. For example, in certain embodiments the struts at the outflow end can form a reduced diameter portion or valve seat configured to receive a prosthetic valve having a diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the docking station 200. For example, in the illustrated configuration the outflow end portion 208 can comprise a plurality of enclosed areas or cells of different shape and/or size nested within each other. The struts of the different cells can be oriented at various angles relative to each other and/or relative to the longitudinal axis of the frame to form structures having different diameters. In certain embodiments, such nested cells can be defined by a plurality of sets of nested or partially nested struts at the level of the row VII of struts (
For example, in the embodiment of
The struts 238 can form two types of cells alternatingly offset from each other and from the valve seat frame cells 250 around the circumference of the frame. More particularly, at the location of valve seat frame cells 250, pairs of struts 238 can extend from respective junctions 218 in the downstream direction, and can be joined together at apices 254 (indicated in phantom in
Valve seat frame cells 250 can be located between each pair of longitudinal struts 210, or between selected pairs of longitudinal struts. Stated differently, pairs of struts 228 can be located between each pair of longitudinal struts 210, or between selected pairs of longitudinal struts. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in
There can also be a pair of struts 238 for each pair of longitudinal struts 210, and a corresponding apex 254 between the longitudinal struts. Thus, in the embodiment illustrated in
In certain embodiments, the struts of the different cells at the outflow end of the frame can be angled inwardly or outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis of the frame, and/or relative to the struts of the other cells. For example, with reference to
In certain embodiments, the valve seat 260 can be coaxial with the frame 202, and the apices 252 of the valve seat 260 can be offset from the apices 254 along the longitudinal axis 211. For example, in the illustrated embodiment the apices 252 of the struts 228 can be offset from the apices 254 in the upstream direction such that the valve seat 260 is at least partially or wholly within the lumen of the frame 202. Where the apices 254 form the downstream-most end or outflow end of the frame, the free apices 252 can be offset from the downstream-most end in an upstream direction along the longitudinal axis 211 in a direction toward the inflow end portion 206. The distance between the valve seat 260 and the downstream end of the frame (e.g., as defined by the apices 254) can be selected to limit or minimize the amount or distance by which a prosthetic valve received in the valve seat extends beyond the outflow end of the frame once expanded in the valve seat 260. This, in turn, can minimize the amount by which the prosthetic valve extends into the right atrium RA when the docking station is implanted in the inferior vena cava IVC.
The sealing member 248 can be disposed on the outflow end portion 208 of the frame. Referring to
The inner portion 266 of the sealing member can be disposed at least partially within the lumen of the valve seat 260. For example, in certain embodiments the inner portion 266 can be positioned against the radially inward surfaces of the apices 252 of the struts 228. The inner portion 266 can be configured to form a seal between the valve seat 260 and a prosthetic valve received in the valve seat. In certain embodiments, the inner portion 266 can be secured to the struts 228, such as by suturing along the suture lines 268 shown in
The intermediate portion 264 can extend between the outer portion 262 and the inner portion 266. In certain embodiments, the intermediate portion 264 can be angled or flared relative to the longitudinal axis 211. For example, in the illustrated embodiment the diameter of the intermediate portion 264 can increase from the valve seat 260 in a downstream direction along the longitudinal axis 211 toward the outer portion 262. The angle of the intermediate portion 264 relative to the longitudinal axis 211 can depend on, for example, the longitudinal and radial positions of the apices 252 of the valve seat 260 relative to the apices 254 of the main body.
In certain embodiments, the sealing member 248 can comprise any of various woven fabrics, such as gauze, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fabric (e.g., Dacron), polyester fabric, polyamide fabric, or any of various non-woven fabrics, such as felt, non-woven cotton or silk fibers, or any other material, woven or non-woven, having sealing properties.
In certain embodiments, a length of the sealing member 248 (e.g., of the exterior or outer portion 262) can be sized so that the sealing member seals the space between the docking station and the surrounding anatomy of the IVC (or the SVC) without obstructing blood flow into the IVC from the hepatic veins 17 (
In certain embodiments, the frame 200 can be made from a highly flexible metal, metal alloy, or polymer, such as a shape-memory material such that the frame is self-expandable. Examples of metals and metal alloys that can be used include, but are not limited to, nitinol and other shape memory alloys, elgiloy, stainless steel, etc. In certain embodiments, the frame 200 can be crimped for delivery in a delivery cylinder in a manner similar to that described below with reference to
The valve seat frame cell 220B can be a first cell, inner cell, or valve seat frame cell nested at least partially within a second or intermediate cell 224 defined by a strut member 226A and a strut member 226B, part of a plurality or set of struts 226 disposed around the circumference of the outflow end portion 208 at the seventh row VII. For example, the strut 226A can extend from the junction 218C generally in the direction of the outflow end of the frame, and the strut 226B can extend from the junction 218D generally in the direction of the outflow end. The struts 226A and 226B can be joined together at an apex 232. Thus, the cell 224 can be defined by the struts 226A and 226B, the apex 232, the junctions 218C and 218D, and the struts 212G and 212H. In certain embodiments, the cells 224 can also be configured as valve seat frame cells as described below.
The frame can further comprise a set of third or outer cells disposed circumferentially around the frame at the seventh row VII (or at the outflow end portion, depending on the number of strut rows). An exemplary third or outer cell is shown at 234, and is defined by a strut 236A extending from the junction 218C and a strut 236B extending from the junction 218D. The struts 236A and 236B can be part of a plurality or set of struts 236 disposed around the circumference of the outflow end portion 208 at the seventh row VII. The struts 236A and 236B can be joined at an apex 240 located downstream or distally of the apices 230 and 232. Thus, the cell 234 can be defined by the struts 236A and 236B, the apex 240, the junctions 218C and 218D, and the struts 226A and 226B. Accordingly, the cells 224 can be disposed or nested within the cells 234, and the cells 220 such as 220B can be nested within the cells 224.
In some embodiments, the struts 236A and 236B can form a generally teardrop-shaped profile similar to the struts 226A and 226B, as in
In certain embodiments, the struts of one or more of the different cells 220B, 224, and/or 234 at the outflow end of the frame can be angled inwardly relative to the longitudinal axis of the frame and/or relative to the other cells, similar to the embodiment of
As in the embodiment of
In certain embodiments, elements of the frame 202 can be configured to reduce or prevent movement, translation, and/or rotation of the docking station once implanted in a body lumen. For example, referring again to
The distance L can be specified according to any of various parameters, such as the body lumen in which the docking station is to be implanted, the size of the frame, the particular anatomy of the patient, etc. In particular embodiments, the length L can be from 0.1 mm to 20 mm, such 0.1 mm to 10 mm, 0.1 mm to 5 mm, 1 mm to 10 mm, 20 mm or less, 10 mm or less, 5 mm or less, etc. Free apices axially separated by a distance L within the ranges given herein can facilitate frame-tissue interaction/contact/engagement to reduce or prevent relative frame movement within the blood vessel. In certain embodiments, any of the prosthetic heart valve frame configurations described herein can also include axially-spaced cells and/or free apices configured as described above.
For example, in the illustrated embodiment a strut member 270 can extend from each of the junctions 242 of the seventh row VII of struts, resulting in double the number of supports/attachment points/apices at the outflow end as the number of apices 230 and/or 232 of the valve seat 260. In certain embodiments, this can aid in retaining the docking station frame in place in the inferior vena cava IVC, where only a small length of the lumen may be available for anchoring (see
Additionally, in the embodiment of
As noted above, the apices 232 of the struts 226 can be disposed at or near the outer diameter D1 of the main body of the frame such that the valve seat 260 is defined by the valve seat frame cells 220 at the seventh strut row VII. In certain embodiments, the apices 232 can be attached to the outer skirt portion 262 of the sealing member 248. Referring again to
The docking station embodiments described herein can be configured to receive any of a variety of prosthetic valves, including any of the prosthetic heart valves described herein. By way of example and without limitation,
In certain embodiments, the valve seat 260 and the constituent struts of the frame 202 can be configured to receive and engage the frame 302 of the prosthetic heart valve 300 such that it forms an hourglass-shaped profile when expanded to its functional size in the valve seat. For example, in certain embodiments the apices 252 of the valve seat frame cells 250 can be configured to contact/engage the prosthetic heart valve 300 between the first row I of valve frame struts (
In certain embodiments, the hourglass shape of the prosthetic valve frame 302 can help to secure the prosthetic heart valve in the docking station and prevent the prosthetic heart valve from moving or becoming dislodged. For example, in one embodiment a SAPIEN® 3 prosthetic heart valve expanded within a docking station configured according to the embodiment of
In certain embodiments, the prosthetic heart valve 300 can be disposed entirely within the lumen of the docking station 200. In certain embodiments, a relatively small portion of the prosthetic heart valve 300 can extend beyond (e.g., downstream of) the outflow edge of the docking station frame 202. For example, referring to
The struts 410 are arranged such that first end portions 414 of the struts are coupled to longitudinal strut members 408 at junctions 420, and second end portions 416 of the struts are coupled to second end portions of adjacent struts 410 to form “free” apices 418. The free apices 418 can be arranged in circumferential rows, each row spaced apart longitudinal from the preceding and succeeding rows along the longitudinal axis 412. In the illustrated embodiment, the free apices 418 are oriented in the direction of the outflow end portion 406, but the apices can also be oriented toward the inflow end portion 404. When oriented in the downstream/outflow direction, the free apices 418 of the struts 410 can engage the tissue of the IVC and reduce or prevent downstream displacement or migration of the frame 402 post-implantation. In certain embodiments, the orientation of the free apices 418 in the downstream direction (and the lack of apices oriented in the upstream direction) can also facilitate proximal/upstream motion of the frame through the IVC, allowing recapture of the frame and/or retrieval/removal of the docking station from the patient in certain embodiments. In yet other embodiments, the frame 402 can include cells similar to the cells 220 of
In the illustrated embodiment, the struts 410 of the first row I at the inflow end 404 and associated portions of the longitudinal struts 408 are angled inwardly toward the longitudinal axis 412 such that the diameter D1 of the inflow end is less than the diameter D2 of the main body of the frame. In the illustrated embodiment, beginning at the junctions 420 of the second row II, the longitudinal struts 408 can begin curving radially inwardly moving in an upstream direction toward the inflow end 404. The struts 410 of the first row I coupled to the angled portions of the longitudinal struts 408 can thus be angled inwardly as well. In certain embodiments, angling the struts inwardly toward the longitudinal axis at the inflow end and/or the outflow end can reduce the force applied to the surrounding anatomy by the struts and/or their apices, thereby reducing the risk of tissue damage and injury.
The outflow end portion 406 can comprise a plurality of struts 422 coupled to the junctions 420 of the eleventh row XI of struts. The struts 422 can extend in a downstream direction, and can be angled radially inwardly toward the longitudinal axis 412. More particularly, the struts 422 can comprise first portions 424 coupled to the junctions 420 and angled inwardly toward the longitudinal axis, and second portions 426 extending from the first portions 424 parallel, or substantially parallel, to the longitudinal axis 412. The second portions 426 of the struts 422 can thereby define a valve-receiving portion or valve seat generally indicated at 428, which can be coaxial with the frame 402 and configured to receive a prosthetic valve. The valve seat 428 can have a diameter D3 less than the diameter D2 of the main body of the frame 402. The second portions 426 of the struts 422 can further comprise one or a plurality of apertures and/or openings, such as openings 430 and 432 spaced apart along the portions 426. In certain embodiments, the free end portions (e.g., at 432) of the struts 422 can define a downstream-most end of the frame.
In certain embodiments, the struts 410 of the eleventh row XI can further comprise struts 434 extending from the apices 418 and curving radially inwardly. The end portions of the struts 434 can comprise openings 435, and can define a diameter D4 that is less than the diameter D2 and greater than the diameter D3.
Referring to
The frame 402 can also include one or a plurality of markers or indicators configured to indicate the rotational position of the frame in vivo when imaged fluoroscopically, radiographically, echocardiographically, etc. For example, certain of the junctions 420 of the frame can include marker features configured as openings, rings, or solid (e.g., metallic) regions configured to be readily discernable using any of a variety of imaging or diagnostic tools. In the embodiment illustrated in
In certain embodiments, the indicators can be configured as solid regions, as noted above. For example,
In certain embodiments, a sealing member can be disposed on the outflow end portion 406, such as the representative sealing member 436 shown in
As noted above, the docking station embodiments described herein can be radially collapsed to a collapsed or crimped configuration for delivery to the treatment site through a patient's vasculature. In certain embodiments, the docking station frame embodiments described herein can be made of a shape memory material, such as the nickel titanium alloy known as Nitinol, Elgiloy, or stainless steel, or combinations thereof, that allows the frame to be compressed to a reduced diameter for delivery in a delivery apparatus and then causes the frame to expand to its functional size inside the patient's body when deployed from the delivery apparatus.
In the illustrated embodiment, the delivery apparatus 500 can comprise a coupling or retaining member or coupling assembly generally indicated at 510 configured to engage and retain the coupling members 450. For example, in the illustrated embodiment the retaining member 510 can be coupled to a distal end of an inner or second catheter or shaft 520 disposed coaxially within the shaft 506 and/or the delivery capsule 502. The retaining member 510 can comprise a lip, projection, or flange 512 extending radially outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft 506. In certain embodiments, the flange 512 can define a groove or recess 514 configured to receive the strut portion 454 of the coupling member 450 (see also
In certain embodiments, because the coupling members 450 are angled radially inwardly relative to the longitudinal axis 412 of the docking station, the coupling members can be biased radially inwardly against the retaining member 510 of the delivery apparatus. Thus, the coupling members 450 can be restrained from moving in the radial direction by the delivery capsule 502 and the retaining member 510. At least distal motion along the longitudinal axis of the delivery apparatus can be restrained by the members 450 contacting the flanges 512.
In certain embodiments, the delivery capsule 502 can be at least partially transparent. This can allow the physician to directly view the docking station 400, and the engagement between the coupling members 450 and the retaining members 510 in particular, during loading as the docking station is retracted into the delivery capsule and crimped to the delivery configuration. In certain embodiments, the delivery capsule 502 can be made from polymeric materials such as polymethylmethacrylate, polycarobonate, polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene, or any other biocompatible transparent or translucent natural or polymeric material. This can eliminate the need to view the docking station by x-ray radiography during the loading process, as is commonly required with many existing systems which use opaque delivery capsules. Transparent capsules similar to capsule 502 can also be used in combination with other types of stents and/or prosthetic valves, such as self-expanding stents and valves.
In certain embodiments, the coupling members 450 can be received in and/or retracted into recesses or recessed portions of the capsule configured to accommodate the coupling members. When loaded into the capsule, the coupling members 450 can be disposed or pressed between the retaining member 510 and the interior surface of the delivery capsule 502. Referring to
In certain embodiments, the docking station frames can be configured as plastically-expandable or balloon-expandable frames adapted to be crimped onto an inflatable balloon or other expansion mechanism of a delivery apparatus and expanded to their functional size by. Such plastically expandable or ductile materials include nickel-chromium alloys, stainless steel, etc.
Any or all of the frame embodiments described herein can provide improved performance related to frame positioning during deployment, and/or the ability to stably and repeatably deploy and recapture the frame from a delivery capsule. For example, in certain embodiments the longitudinal struts of the frame embodiments described herein can reduce foreshortening of the frame during expansion from the collapsed state. With reference to the embodiment of
In certain embodiments, frames including longitudinal struts such as the longitudinal struts 408 (and 210) can also improve the ability to at least partially deploy and recapture the frame from a delivery capsule. For example, in certain embodiments the longitudinal struts 408 can reduce or limit the angle formed between the partially expanded frame emerging from the delivery capsule and the longitudinal axis of the frame/delivery capsule.
During deployment and/or recapture, the walls or perimeter of the frame at the transition portion 440 can define an angle θ with the longitudinal axis 412 of the frame. In certain embodiments, the angle θ can be 0° to 90°, such as 15° to 60°, 30° to 50°, etc. In particular embodiments, an angle θ within any of these ranges can facilitate withdrawing/re-collapsing/recapturing the frame 402 back into the delivery capsule 502 after partial deployment of the docking station. For example, in particular embodiments an angle θ within the ranges above can reduce the stresses and/or strains experienced by the frame attendant to crimping or collapsing the frame before initial delivery, and/or returning the frame to the collapsed state after partial deployment (e.g., without a funnel or other guide). An angle θ within the ranges above can also reduce or prevent infolding or invagination of the frame during recapture of the frame and/or during deployment.
In certain embodiments, values of the angle θ above can be facilitated by, for example, the strut width of the struts (e.g., measured circumferentially between circumferential edges of the struts) in relation to the strut thickness (e.g., measured radially from the inner surface of the struts to the outer surface of the struts) and/or the angle between the struts in the expanded or pre-crimped configuration. For example, in certain embodiments the strut width of the frame struts can be 1.1 to 2.0 times smaller than the wall thickness of the struts (e.g., a ratio of the strut width to the strut thickness can be 0.5 to 0.9. In particular embodiments, the strut width can be 1.5 times smaller than the wall thickness (e.g., a ratio of the strut width to the strut thickness can be ⅔ or 0.67). In certain embodiments, the length of the struts can be configured such that adjacent struts form an angle of 120° or less in the pre-crimped state, such as 90° or less.
In addition to improving the ability to recapture the frame, the frame embodiments described herein also meet specified values for parameters including the radial force applied by the frame against the surrounding tissue post-implantation (also known as the “chronic outward force”).
In certain embodiments, the radial force exerted on the surrounding tissue by the docking station frame can be 0.01 N/mm of length and 0.5 N/mm of length, such as 0.05 N/mm of length and 0.3 N/mm of length. In particular embodiments, the frame can exert 15 N of radial force at the working diameter and can have a frame length of 100 mm, resulting in a radial force of 0.15 N/mm of length.
In certain embodiments, the pressure exerted by the docking station frame against the surrounding tissue can be 0.1 N/cm2 to 8 N/cm2, such as 0.5 N/cm2 to 4 N/cm2. In particular embodiments, the frame can exert 15 N of radial force at the working diameter and can have an outer surface area of 6.83 cm2, resulting in a pressure of 2.2 N/cm2 of frame area.
In the illustrated embodiment, each of the longitudinal struts 408 comprises a series of cells 460A-460C between each junction 420. The cells 460A-460C are closer to the next junction 420 in the outflow direction than the adjacent junction in the inflow direction, although the cells may be centrally positioned between respective junctions 420, or located closer to the inflow junctions. In other embodiments, the longitudinal struts 408 can comprise cells 460A-460C between selected junction 420 (e.g., between certain rows of struts 410). The frame 402 can also comprise cells at any angular spacing. For example, in certain examples a subset of the longitudinal struts 408 can comprise cells while others do not. The portions 446 can also include more or fewer cells 460, such as one cell, two cells, four cells, etc. The portions 446 can also comprise multiple strut segments coupled together and oriented at different angles (e.g., in a zig-zag arrangement), similar to the embodiment shown in
The struts 710 can be curved or serpentine members arranged end to end to form a series of inflow peaks or apices 720 and a series of outflow peaks or apices 722. In the illustrated embodiment, the frame 702 includes five portions 708A-708E, although in other embodiments the frame can include more or fewer portions depending upon the particular application and/or a patient's anatomy. The longitudinal struts 712 can extend between selected outflow apices 722 of one portion 708 to corresponding (e.g., circumferentially aligned) outflow apices of the next portion 708 in the outflow direction. In certain embodiments, the longitudinal struts 712 can be integrally formed with the apices 722, or may be separately formed and coupled or secured to the apices (e.g., by laser welding). In other embodiments, the longitudinal struts 712 can extend between outflow apices 722 of one portion 708 to circumferentially aligned inflow apices 720 of the next sequential portion 708.
In the illustrated embodiment, the longitudinal struts 712 can comprise resilient or flexible features configured as zigzagged, undulating, or sinusoidally curved portions 724 comprising one or a plurality of circumferentially offset peaks and valleys. In certain embodiments, the portions 724 can act as springs or flexible portions, and can allow the frame to bend or flex about the portions 724. In certain embodiments, the portions 724 can also be configured to engage the tissue of the IVC or other body lumen in which the docking station is deployed to anchor the docking station in place. In the illustrated embodiment, the portions 724 are closer to the outflow apices 722 of the adjacent portion 708 in the inflow direction than the outflow apices of the next adjacent portion 708 in the outflow direction, but may be located anywhere along the length of the struts 712. In other embodiments, the features can be configured as one or a plurality of cells as in
In certain embodiments, the struts 710 may be discontinuous, and can comprise a gap such as the gaps indicated at 726. The size and location of the gaps can be chosen such that they facilitate bending or curving of the frame (e.g., in curved anatomy) without buckling or kinking. Such gaps can be incorporated into any of the frame embodiments described herein.
The struts 714 of the first portion 716 of the outflow end portion 706 and the struts 710 of the portion 708E can together define a series of relatively large cells 728 arranged circumferentially around the frame at the outflow end portion. The struts 714 can be angled radially inwardly midway along their lengths such that the struts 714 define a shoulder portion 730. In the illustrated embodiment, the struts 714 are coupled to the outflow apices 722 of the struts 710 of the fifth portion 708E, although other configurations are possible.
The struts 715 can be coupled to outflow apices 732 of the struts 714. The apices 732 can be arrayed circumferentially around and can at least partially define the reduced diameter portion 718. In certain embodiments, the struts 715 can define cells 734 arrayed circumferentially around and at least partially defining the portion 718. In certain embodiments, the portion 718 can be configured as a valve seat that is coaxial with the frame 702, and can be configured to receive and retain a prosthetic heart valve expanded within the portion 718 similar to the embodiments described above. The portion 718 can configured to accommodate prosthetic heart valves of any of a variety of functional sizes.
In certain embodiments, the docking station 700 can comprise a sealing member 736 disposed on or in the portion 708E, the shoulder portion 730, and/or the portion 718. In certain embodiments, the sealing member 736 can be a woven or non-woven fabric, and can be disposed around the interior surface and/or the exterior surface of the frame. In the illustrated embodiment, the inflow and outflow edges of the sealing member 736 can be shaped to correspond to the shape of the struts. For example, in the illustrated embodiment the inflow edge portion 738 of the sealing member can be shaped to match the shape of the struts 710 of the cells 728, and the outflow edge 740 of the sealing member can be shaped to match the shape of the outflow edge defined by the struts 715 of the cells 734. In certain embodiments, the remainder of the frame 702 can be uncovered to allow blood flow from the IVC and various communicating blood vessels into the frame. The portion of the sealing member 736 disposed in or on the outflow portion 718 can form a seal with a prosthetic heart valve deployed within the portion 718, and the portion of the sealing member 736 disposed in or on the first portion 716 can form a seal with the surrounding anatomy such as the ostium of the IVC.
In certain embodiments, the ostium of the inferior vena cava IVC can be at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the inferior vena cava IVC (e.g., due to the shape or orientation of the wall of the right atrium RA).
Accordingly, in certain embodiments it can be advantageous to position the sealing member at an angle on the docking station to approximate or correspond to the angle α.
In certain embodiments, portions of the sealing member 802 can comprise radiopaque materials and/or markings/indicia to enhance visibility on fluoroscopic or other imaging systems, enabling the physician to determine the location and/or orientation of the sealing member relative to the surrounding anatomy. For example, in certain embodiments the base of the sealing member such as the inflow edge portion can comprise threads, yarns, or sutures, woven into the sealing member, which can comprise radiopaque properties or features. In certain embodiments, the sealing member 802 can comprise a radiopaque cloth or other woven or non-woven fabric construction. In certain embodiments, the sealing member 802 can be sutured or attached to the frame 804 by radiopaque sutures. The radiopacity of the sealing material, markers, and/or suture can be provided by, for example, radiopaque inks and/or adhesives applied by coating, screen printing, roller printing, dipping, etc. Radiopaque markers can also comprise small pieces of radiopaque materials, such as metals, incorporated into the sealing member and/or strings/threads/yarns/sutures.
Such radiopaque materials and/or markings can aid the physician in positioning the docking station in the IVC, such as in the region 76 between the ostium and hepatic veins, and/or facilitate accurate placement of the prosthetic valve 801 within the docking station. Radiopaque materials that can be used in combination with the sealing member 802 include, for example, biocompatible metals such as gold, platinum, tantalum, tungsten, platinum iridium alloys, palladium, etc., or alloys including any of these. Such indicia, markings, and/or radiopaque materials can be incorporated into any of the sealing member embodiments described herein.
In the illustrated embodiment the downstream-most row of cells 1010 can be circumferentially spaced apart from each other and can define circumferentially spaced apices 1022. The outflow end portion 1006 can further comprise struts 1012 referred to herein as valve seat struts that extend from the apices 1022 of the struts 1008/cells 1010 of the downstream-most row of cells in the downstream direction. The valve seat struts 1012 can curve inwardly to form arches, and can then extend in the upstream direction within the lumen of the frame 1002 to form the valve seat 1014. The valve seat struts 1012 can thereby form a U-shaped or curved transition portion 1024 between the diameter of the expanded main body of the frame and the smaller diameter of the valve seat 1014 within the frame. As with other embodiments described herein, the valve seat 1014 can be located coaxially within the lumen of the frame 1002 and offset from the outflow edge of the frame in the upstream direction such that a prosthetic valve expanded within the valve seat is wholly or nearly wholly located within the frame 1002 and only minimally protrudes distally from the frame 1002, if at all.
A sealing member 1016 can be disposed within the frame 1002 and coupled to the inside surfaces of the frame struts (e.g., the struts 1008 and/or the valve seat struts 1012) at the outflow end portion 1006 (e.g., by suturing). The sealing member 1016 can also extend along the interior surfaces of the curved valve seat struts 1012 to the valve seat 1014, and can be coupled to the radially outward surfaces of the struts forming the valve seat. The portion of the sealing member 1016 coupled to the outflow portion of the frame (e.g., to the struts radially outward of the valve seat 1014) can be configured to seal against the native anatomy such as the interior vena cava IVC. In certain embodiments, the sealing member 1016 can cover the first or downstream-most row of cells 1010 and all or a portion (e.g., half) of the next row of cells in the upstream direction in order to maintain flow into the frame from the hepatic veins, although the sealing member can extend along any suitable portion of the frame. In certain embodiments, the frame can also include one or a plurality of coupling members 1018 at the inflow end portion 1004, which can be configured similarly to the coupling members 450 of
In a representative method of use, a docking station configured according to any of the embodiments described herein can be advanced through a patient's body to a treatment site such as the IVC (or the SVC) in a radially compressed or collapsed state, such as with the delivery apparatus 500 of
Prosthetic Heart Valve
The docking station embodiments described herein can be used in combination with any of a variety of prosthetic valves, such as self-expandable prosthetic heart valves, balloon expandable prosthetic heart valves, and/or mechanically-expandable prosthetic heart valves.
The valvular structure 904 can comprise three leaflets 910, collectively forming a leaflet structure, which can be arranged to collapse in a tricuspid arrangement including commissures 912, as best shown in
The bare frame 902 is shown in
Suitable plastically-expandable materials that can be used to form the frame 902 include, without limitation, stainless steel, a nickel based alloy (e.g., a cobalt-chromium or a nickel-cobalt-chromium alloy), polymers, or combinations thereof. In particular embodiments, frame 902 is made of a nickel-cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloy, such as MP35N™ (tradename of SPS Technologies), which is equivalent to UNS R30035 (covered by ASTM F562-02). MP35N™/UNS R30035 comprises 35% nickel, 35% cobalt, 20% chromium, and 10% molybdenum, by weight. It has been found that the use of MP35N to form frame 902 provides superior structural results over stainless steel. In particular, when MP35N is used as the frame material, less material is needed to achieve the same or better performance in radial and crush force resistance, fatigue resistances, and corrosion resistance. Moreover, since less material is required, the crimped profile of the frame can be reduced, thereby providing a lower profile valve assembly for percutaneous delivery to the treatment location in the body.
Referring to
Each commissure window frame portion 934 mounts a respective commissure of the leaflet structure 904. As can be seen each frame portion 934 is secured at its upper and lower ends to the adjacent rows of struts to provide a robust configuration that enhances fatigue resistance under cyclic loading of the valve compared to known cantilevered struts for supporting the commissures of the leaflet structure. This configuration enables a reduction in the frame wall thickness to achieve a smaller crimped diameter of the valve. In particular embodiments, the thickness T of the frame 902 (
The struts and frame portions of the frame collectively define a plurality of open cells of the frame. At the inflow end of the frame 902, struts 918, struts 922, and struts 932 define a lower row of cells defining openings 938. The second, third, and fourth rows of struts 922, 924, and 926 define two intermediate rows of cells defining openings 940.
As best shown in
Further details regarding the prosthetic heart valve 900 can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 9,393,110, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Additional embodiments of balloon expandable prosthetic heart valves that can be used in combination with the docking systems described herein can be found in U.S. Publication No. 2018/0028310, which is incorporated herein by reference. The docking systems can also be used in combination with mechanically-expandable prosthetic valves. Representative examples of mechanically-expandable prosthetic valves can be found in U.S. Publication No. 2018/0153689 and U.S. Publication No. 2019/0105153, which are incorporated herein by reference. The docking stations can also be used in combination with self-expandable prosthetic valves. Representative examples of self-expanding prosthetic valves can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,652,202, 9,155,619, and 9,867,700, which are incorporated herein by reference.
Still referring still to
In certain embodiments, the frames described herein such as the frame 402 can be laser cut from a tube, or patterned and etched in a lithography process. In embodiments in which one or more struts are curved inwardly relative to the central axis of the frame, after the frame is formed from the stock material the various strut members can be shape set. For example, referring to
The second portion 466 can comprise substantially the second diameter D2 along its length. The third portion 468 can increase in diameter moving in a direction toward the second end portion 474 from the second diameter D2 to substantially the first diameter D1, although the diameter of the upper portion of the third portion 468 can also be greater than or less than the diameter D1. The fourth portion 470 can comprise substantially the first diameter D1 along its length (or the diameter of the upper portion of the third portion 468). Thus, prior to attachment to a frame, the sealing member 436 can comprise an hourglass-shaped outer profile in which the diameter of the central portion 466 is less than the diameter of the first end portion 472 of the sealing member and less than the diameter of the second end portion 474 of the sealing member.
Some or all of the portions 464-470 of the sealing member 436 can comprise rows of openings extending along one or both edge portions of the portions 464-470. For example, in the illustrated embodiment the first portion 464 can comprise a row of openings 482 extending circumferentially along the inflow end portion 465, and a row of openings 482 extending circumferentially along the scalloped outflow end portion 467. In certain embodiments, the openings 482 at the outflow end portion 467 can be aligned with the recesses 480, aligned with the extension portions 479, or at any other circumferential location relative to the recesses and/or the extension portions. Each of the other portions 466, 468, and 470 can also include rows of openings 482 located along the inflow and/or outflow end portions. In certain embodiments, the row of openings 482 along an edge portion of one portion of the sealing member can be aligned with the openings 482 of the edge portion of the adjacent portion. For example, in the illustrated embodiment the row of openings 482 at the outflow end portion 467 of the first portion 464 are aligned along the longitudinal axis 483 of the sealing member with the openings 482 of the inflow edge portion of the central portion 466. In other embodiments, one or more of the portions 466, 468, and/or 470 may include one row of openings, no openings, or more than two rows of openings located anywhere on the portions.
As described in greater detail below, in certain embodiments the sealing member 436 can be a unitary construction (e.g., a unitary woven tubular member), or can be assembled from a plurality of individual members/elements/swatches.
In certain embodiments, the scalloped outflow end portion 467 can be formed in the longitudinal edge portion 477, for example, by laser cutting or other cutting/patterning techniques, before or after the first portion 464 is wrapped and secured in a cylindrical shape.
In certain embodiments, the various components of the sealing member 436 can be made from any of various materials, such as woven or non-woven fabrics, polymeric laminate materials, composite materials, etc. For example, in certain embodiments the various portions 464-470 of the sealing member can comprise, for example, woven fabrics comprising any of a variety of synthetic/polymeric and/or natural fiber materials, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fabric (e.g., DACRON®), polyester fabric, polyamide fabric, Nylon, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) (e.g., DYNEEMA®), polypropylene, cotton, combinations thereof, etc. In certain embodiments, any or all of the portions of the sealing member 436 can also comprise a film including any of a variety of crystalline or semi-crystalline polymeric materials, such as polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE), PET, polypropylene, polyamide, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), etc. In this manner, the sealing member 436 can be relatively thin and yet strong enough to allow it to be sutured to the frame, and to allow the prosthetic valve to be expanded against it, without tearing.
In embodiments in which the sealing member 436 comprises woven fabric, any or all of the portions 464-470 can comprise any of various weave patterns, such as gauze weave patterns, plain weave patterns, twill weave patterns, satin weave patterns, and/or their derivatives. In certain embodiments, the woven fabric can have a plurality of first threads/yarns/strands/filaments and second threads/yarns/strands/filaments interwoven with any specified thread count. For example, in certain embodiments the fabric can comprise 10 threads/strands/yarns/filaments per inch to about 200 threads/strands/yarns/filaments per inch, about 50 threads/strands/yarns/filaments per inch to about 200 threads/strands/yarns/filaments per inch, or about 100 threads/strands/yarns/filaments per inch to about 200 threads/strands/yarns/filaments per inch in the warp direction and/or in the weft direction. In certain embodiments, the threads/yarns/strands/filaments can have a denier of, for example, 7 dtex to 100 dtex. Any or all of the portions can also be knitted. In certain embodiments, the sealing member 436 can also comprise any of various non-woven fabrics, such as felt.
In certain embodiments, the threads/yarns/strands/filaments may be bulked or texturized, such as by twisting, heat setting, and untwisting the threads/yarns/strands/filaments such that they retain their deformed, twisted shape. The threads/yarns/strands/filaments can also be texturized by crimping, coiling, etc. In certain embodiments, the sealing member 436 can include such threads/yarns/strands/filaments, or other features such as frayed yarns or threads, to induce a biological response to the sealing member to aid in forming a seal between the frame and the surrounding anatomy, and/or between the frame and a prosthetic valve received in the valve seat.
In certain embodiments, the openings 482 can be formed by any of various processes, such as by laser-drilling, punching or stamping, cutting, weaving the openings into the fabric of the various sealing member portions, etc.
In certain embodiments, the various sealing member portions 464-470 can be assembled together, for example, by suturing, heating bonding, adhesive, or combinations thereof, and assembled onto the docking station frame. In certain examples, the sealing member 436 can be a unitary construction woven using any of various tubular weaving techniques. For example, with reference to
In certain embodiments, one or more portions of the sealing member 436 can comprise any of various coatings, such as anti-abrasive or lubricious coatings (e.g, PTFE, ePTFE, etc.), hydrophobic or water-repellant coatings, coatings for promoting a biological response such as tissue growth, clot formation, etc. In certain embodiments, there can be few if any mechanical loads on the sealing member during normal operation.
Referring to
Referring to
In certain embodiments, the sealing member 436 can also be sutured to the struts above or downstream of the junctions 420/openings 456 and radiopaque markers 457, as illustrated in
In certain embodiments, the annular member 1108 can be a separate member, or can be integrally formed with the docking station frame. In certain embodiments, the annular member 1108 can be an elastic member such as a ring comprising a metallic or polymeric material. As used herein, an “elastic member” refers to a member that returns to an initial state or form after deformation. In certain embodiments the annular member 1108 can comprise an expandable or elastic fabric or cloth member or ring wrapped around the valve seat, optionally including one or more sutures for attachment to the frame. In another example, the annular member 1108 can comprise a non-elastic cloth or fabric member/ring including one or more sutures or other securing means for coupling the annular member to the frame. As used herein, a “non-elastic member” refers to a member that does not return to an initial state or form after deformation, but remains substantially in the deformed state. In yet other examples, the circumference/diameter of the annular member 1108 can be adjustable, such as by a captive screw, ratchet, or other diameter adjustment means.
In particular examples, a docking station frame configured according to any of the embodiments described herein can have an outer diameter of 30 mm to 50 mm, such as 35 mm to 45 mm, or 40 mm. A typical diameter of the inferior vena cava in humans, superior to the hepatic veins, can be 28 mm to 35 mm. The docking station can have a length of 70 mm to 130 mm, such as 80 mm to 120 mm, 90 mm to 110 mm, or 100 mm in particular embodiments. The frame can comprise a nickel-titanium (NiTi) alloy stent. The sealing member can comprise a woven PET fabric ribbon skirt positioned on and secured to the outflow end portion of the frame by suturing, such as with FORCE FIBER® 5-0 sutures. The frame can include tantalum radiopaque markers at or near the inflow edge of the sealing member, such as at or incorporated into frame junctions near the outflow end portion of the frame as described above.
The coupling member/connecting post 1302 has an elongated arm 1306 and an enlarged head 1308 affixed to a proximal end of the arm 1306. The arm 1306 can bisect a distal edge 1310 of the head 1308 from the middle and divide it into two parts that are symmetric relative to a longitudinal axis of the arm 1306. In other embodiments, the arm 1306 can bisect the distal edge 1310 into two parts that are asymmetric about the longitudinal axis of the arm 1306.
In certain embodiments, the head 1308 has a wedge shape which tapers from a distal edge 1310 to a proximal edge 1312 of the head 1308. In addition, the head 1308 can have two opposing curved sides 1314 bulging outwardly relative to the proximal edge 1312 and the distal edge 1310. The curved sides 1314 can define a width (D) of the head 1308, which is the largest distance between the two opposing curved sides 1314 along a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the arm 1306.
The distal edge 1310 can have a substantially flat portion 1316 that is substantially perpendicular to the arm 1306, and the substantially flat portion 1316 can have a predefined length (L) (
In some embodiments, the length (L) of a substantially flat portion 1316 can be configured to be a predefined percentage of the width (D) of the head 1308. For example, in some embodiments, the ratio L/D can range from about 10% to about 40%. In some embodiments, the ratio L/D can range from about 20% to about 30%.
In some embodiments, the length (L) of a substantially flat portion 1316 and the width of the arm 1306 (W) can be configured to have a predefined ratio. For example, in some embodiments, the ratio L/D can range from about 0.2 to about 1.0. In some embodiments, the ratio L/D can range from about 0.4 to about 0.6.
The distal wall 1318 of the recess 1320 on the retainer 1304 can have a substantially flat portion 1322 that is configured to interface with each substantially flat portion 1316 on the distal edge 1310 of the head 1308 of the connecting post 1302. Specifically, when the head 1308 is disposed at the most distal position within the recess 1320 (as shown in
Thus, when recapturing a partially expanded frame into a sheath or capsule as described above, the head 1308 of the connecting post 1302 can press against the retainer 1304 at the interface formed between the substantially flat portions 1316, 1322.
Optionally, as shown in
The wedge-shaped connecting post head 1308 can have certain advantages. For example, the fillet 1326 is rounded, rather than perpendicular to the slot 1328. Further, the arc length of the fillet 1326 can be limited to a relatively small dimension due to the constraint of the corresponding arc angle. Thus, in some embodiments the force applied by the connecting post head on the fillet interface area can create uneven pressure and develop high stress on the fillet 1326, which may result in corrosion and material deformation at the fillet interface area, thereby potentially interfering with proper disengagement of the connecting post 1302 from the retainer 1304. In contrast, the connecting post head 1308 and the retainer 1304 of
The connecting post 1302 can be configured such that when the head 1308 is disposed at the most distal position within the recess 1320, any part of the head 1308 other than the substantially flat portion 1316 can be spaced apart from any wall (e.g., 1318, 1330) or boundary 1332 of the recess 1320.
Similarly, the top surface 1334 of the head 1308 can be substantially flat or curved, and the bottom surface 1336 of the head can also be substantially flat or curved. In some embodiments, the thickness of the head 1308 is about the same or smaller than a depth of the distal wall 1318 of the recess 1320. In some embodiments, the thickness of the head 1308 is slightly larger than (e.g., by a predefined percentage) a depth of the distal wall 1318 of the recess 1320. The coupling member/connecting post and retainer embodiments of
In view of the above described implementations of the disclosed subject matter, this application discloses the additional examples enumerated below. It should be noted that one feature of an example in isolation or more than one feature of the example taken in combination and, optionally, in combination with one or more features of one or more further examples are further examples also falling within the disclosure of this application.
Example 1. A docking station, comprising: a radially expandable and collapsible frame comprising a first plurality of struts, the frame comprising an inflow end portion and an outflow end portion, and defining a longitudinal axis; a sealing member disposed on the outflow end portion and configured to form a seal between the docking station and a body lumen; and a valve seat coupled to the frame and configured to receive an expandable prosthetic valve, the valve seat comprising a second plurality of struts coupled to the frame extending in a downstream direction and angled inwardly toward the longitudinal axis of the frame.
Example 2. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 1, wherein pairs of adjacent struts of the second plurality of struts are coupled together to form free apices, the free apices at least partially defining the valve seat.
Example 3. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 2, wherein the second plurality of struts at least partially define cells of the frame of the docking station.
Example 4. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 2 or example 3, wherein the free apices of the valve seat are offset from an outflow end of the frame in an upstream direction toward the inflow end portion of the frame.
Example 5. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example any one of examples 1-4, wherein the first plurality of struts comprises a plurality of circumferentially-arranged longitudinal struts extending between the inflow end portion and the outflow end portion of the frame.
Example 6. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 5, wherein the first plurality of struts further comprises a plurality of angled struts extending between adjacent longitudinal struts.
Example 7. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 6, wherein the plurality of angled struts form a plurality of cells of the frame.
Example 8. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 7, wherein the cells are arranged in rows that are spaced apart from each other axially along the longitudinal axis of the frame.
Example 9. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 6-8, wherein the angled struts of the frame define a plurality of free apices offset circumferentially from each other around a circumference of the frame and configured to resist movement of the docking station within a body lumen.
Example 10. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 9, wherein the frame further comprises a third plurality of struts extending from free apices of the angled struts at the outflow end portion of the frame.
Example 11. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 10, wherein free end portions of the third plurality of struts define openings.
Example 12. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 10 or example 11, wherein the third plurality of struts are arranged in a circumferential arrangement radially outward of the second plurality of struts of the valve seat.
Example 13. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 10-12, wherein struts of the third plurality of struts are curved radially inward toward the longitudinal axis of the frame.
Example 14. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 5-13, wherein the longitudinal struts comprise flex-inducing portions.
Example 15. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 14, wherein the flex-inducing portions are reduced thickness portions.
Example 16. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 14, wherein the flex-inducing portions comprise a plurality of rings.
Example 17. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 1-16, wherein: the outflow end portion of the frame comprises a plurality of outer frame cells; and the second plurality of struts define a plurality of valve seat frame cells positioned at least partially inward of the outer frame cells.
Example 18. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 17, wherein struts of the outer frame cells and struts of the valve seat frame cells are coupled to common junctions of the frame.
Example 19. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 1-18, wherein the frame further comprises at least one radiopaque marker.
Example 20. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 19, wherein junctions between struts of the first plurality of struts and struts of the second plurality of struts comprise the radiopaque markers.
Example 21. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 1-20, wherein the inflow end portion of the frame comprises a plurality of coupling members configured to engage a delivery apparatus.
Example 22. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 21, wherein the coupling members comprise round members angled inwardly toward the longitudinal axis.
Example 23. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 1-22, wherein free end portions of struts of the second plurality of struts define a downstream-most end of the frame of the docking station.
Example 24. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 1-23, wherein the sealing member comprises a first portion coupled to the outflow end portion of the frame and a second portion radially inward of the first portion and coupled to the valve seat.
Example 25. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 24, wherein: the outflow end portion of the frame comprises a first plurality of supports coupled to the sealing member; the valve seat comprises a second plurality of supports coupled to the sealing member; and the outflow end portion of the frame comprises more supports than the valve seat.
Example, 26. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 25, wherein the supports of the outflow end portion of the frame comprise a plurality of apices defined by struts of the first plurality of struts.
Example 27. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 1-26, wherein at least an outflow edge of the sealing member is disposed at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the frame to align with an outlet of a body lumen.
Example 28. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 1-27, wherein struts of the second plurality of struts are coupled to the frame at frame junctions, and free end portions of the struts of the second plurality of struts are offset from the frame junctions in a downstream direction along the longitudinal axis.
Example 29. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 28, wherein the struts of the second plurality of struts comprise a first portion that is angled inwardly toward the longitudinal axis of the frame, and a second portion that extends in the downstream direction along the longitudinal axis of the frame.
Example 30. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 29, wherein the second portions of the struts of the second plurality of struts define at least one opening.
Example 31. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 1-30, wherein the sealing member comprises a radiopaque material or a radiopaque marker.
Example 32. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any of examples 1-31, wherein the sealing member comprises a first portion disposed within the frame, a second portion disposed within the valve seat, and a third portion disposed on the exterior of the frame.
Example 33. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 32, wherein a diameter of the second portion of the sealing member is less than a diameter of the first portion and the third portion.
Example 34. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 33, wherein the diameter of the first portion decreases in a direction of the outflow end portion along the longitudinal axis of the frame.
Example 35. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 33 or example 34, wherein the diameter of the third portion increases in a direction toward the inflow end portion along the longitudinal axis of the frame.
Example 36. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 1-35, wherein the sealing member comprises a plurality of preformed openings configured to receive sutures.
Example 37. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 37, wherein the openings are laser-drilled or cut.
Example 38. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 36 or example 37, wherein the first portion comprises openings arranged around a perimeter of the first portion.
Example 39. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 32 to 38, wherein the first portion comprises a scalloped edge portion.
Example 40. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 1-39, wherein the sealing member comprises a woven or knitted fabric, or is formed by electrospinning.
Example 41. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 40, wherein the woven or knitted fabric comprises polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyester, polyamide, Nylon, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), polypropylene, or any combination thereof.
Example 42. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 40 or example 41, wherein the woven or knitted fabric is a woven fabric comprising a gauze weave, a plain weave, a twill weave, a satin weave, or combinations thereof.
Example 43. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any of examples 32-42, wherein the docking station includes a radiopaque marker, and an inflow edge portion of the sealing member is 2 cm or less from the radiopaque marker along the longitudinal axis of the frame, 1 cm or less from the radiopaque marker along the longitudinal axis of the frame, or 5 mm or less from the radiopaque marker along the longitudinal axis of the frame.
Example 44. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any of examples 1-43, wherein the frame comprises a plurality of openings configured to receive sutures for attachment of the sealing member to the frame.
Example 45. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 44, wherein the plurality of openings are in junctions of the frame.
Example 46. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 45, wherein the frame further comprises a second plurality of openings defined in struts of the frame spaced apart from the junctions along the longitudinal axis.
Example 47. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 1-46, further comprising an annular member disposed around the valve seat and configured to constrain expansion of a prosthetic heart valve when a prosthetic heart valve is deployed in the valve seat.
Example 48. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 1-47, further comprising a prosthetic valve disposed in the valve seat, wherein the sealing member is configured to form a seal between the prosthetic valve and the valve seat.
Example 49. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 48, wherein the prosthetic valve disposed in the valve seat comprises an hourglass-shaped outer profile.
Example 50. A method, comprising: advancing the docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 1-49 to a treatment site in a radially collapsed state; expanding the docking station to anchor the docking station at the treatment site; and deploying a prosthetic valve in the valve seat of the docking station such that the prosthetic valve regulates blood flow through the docking station.
Example 51. A system, comprising: a delivery apparatus, comprising: a first shaft comprising a delivery capsule at a distal end portion of the first shaft; and a second shaft disposed within the first shaft and comprising a retaining member at a distal end portion of the second shaft; and the docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 1-49 disposed within the delivery capsule and coupled to the retaining member.
Example 52. The system of any example herein, particularly example 51, wherein: the docking station comprises coupling members; and the retaining member comprises a slot configured to engage and retain the coupling members of the docking station.
Example 53. The system of example 51 or example 52, wherein the delivery capsule is transparent.
Example 54. A docking station for a prosthetic valve, comprising: a radially expandable and collapsible frame comprising a plurality of struts, the frame comprising an inflow end portion and an outflow end portion and defining a longitudinal axis; and a valve seat coupled to the frame and configured to receive an expandable prosthetic valve; wherein the valve seat is at least partially defined by a plurality of valve seat struts coupled to the frame at frame junctions and comprising free end portions, the valve seat struts being angled radially inwardly from the frame of the docking station toward the longitudinal axis such that the free end portions are offset from the frame junctions in a downstream direction along the longitudinal axis.
Example 55. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 54, wherein pairs of adjacent valve seat struts are coupled together to form free apices, the free apices at least partially defining the valve seat.
Example 56. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 54, wherein the valve seat struts at least partially define cells of the frame of the docking station.
Example 57. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 54-56, wherein the free end portions of the valve seat struts are offset from an outflow edge of the frame in an upstream direction toward the inflow end portion of the frame.
Example 58. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 54-57, wherein the frame comprises a plurality of circumferentially-arranged longitudinal struts extending between the inflow end portion and the outflow end portion of the frame.
Example 59. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 58, wherein the frame further comprises a plurality of angled struts extending between adjacent longitudinal struts.
Example 60. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 59, wherein the plurality of angled struts form a plurality of cells of the frame.
Example 61. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 59 or example 60, wherein the angled struts of the frame define a plurality of free apices offset circumferentially from each other around a circumference of the frame and configured to resist movement of the docking station within a body lumen.
Example 62. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 61, wherein the plurality of struts of the frame are a first plurality of struts, the valve seat struts are a second plurality of struts, and the frame further comprises a third plurality of struts extending from free apices of the angled struts at the outflow end portion of the frame.
Example 63. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 62, wherein free end portions of the third plurality of struts define openings.
Example 64. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 62 or example 63, wherein the third plurality of struts are arranged in a circumferential arrangement radially outward of the second plurality of struts of the valve seat.
Example 65. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 62-64, wherein struts of the third plurality of struts are curved radially inward toward the longitudinal axis of the frame.
Example 66. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 58-65, wherein the longitudinal struts comprise flex-inducing portions.
Example 67. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 66, wherein the flex-inducing portions are reduced thickness portions.
Example 68. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 66, wherein the flex-inducing portions comprise a plurality of rings.
Example 69. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 54-68, wherein: the outflow end portion of the frame comprises a plurality of outer frame cells; and the valve seat struts define a plurality of valve seat frame cells positioned at least partially inward of the outer frame cells.
Example 70. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 69, wherein struts of the outer frame cells and the valve seat struts are coupled to common junctions of the frame.
Example 71. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 54-70, wherein the frame further comprises at least one radiopaque marker.
Example 72. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 71, wherein junctions between struts of the frame and the valve seat struts comprise the radiopaque markers.
Example 73. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 54-72, wherein the inflow end portion of the frame comprises a plurality of coupling members configured to engage a delivery apparatus.
Example 74. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 73, wherein the coupling members comprise round members angled inwardly toward the longitudinal axis.
Example 75. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 54-74, wherein the free end portions of the valve seat struts define a downstream-most end of the frame of the docking station.
Example 76. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 54-75, wherein the docking station further comprises a sealing member disposed on the outflow end portion of the frame, the sealing member comprising a first portion coupled to the outflow end portion of the frame and a second portion radially inward of the first portion and coupled to the valve seat.
Example 77. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 76, wherein: the outflow end portion of the frame comprises a first plurality of supports coupled to the sealing member; the free end portions of the valve seat struts comprise a second plurality of supports coupled to the sealing member; and the outflow end portion of the frame comprises more supports than the valve seat.
Example 78. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 77, wherein the supports of the outflow end portion of the frame comprise a plurality of apices defined by struts of the frame.
Example 79. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 76-78, wherein at least an outflow edge of the sealing member is disposed at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the frame to align with an outlet of a body lumen.
Example 80. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 76-79, wherein the sealing member comprises a radiopaque material or a radiopaque marker.
Example 81. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 76-80, wherein the sealing member comprises a first portion disposed within the frame, a second portion disposed within the valve seat, and a third portion disposed on the exterior of the frame.
Example 82. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 81, wherein a diameter of the second portion of the sealing member is less than a diameter of the first portion and the third portion.
Example 83. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 82, wherein the diameter of the first portion decreases in a direction of the outflow end portion along the longitudinal axis of the frame.
Example 84. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 81 or example 82, wherein the diameter of the third portion increases in a direction toward the inflow end portion along the longitudinal axis of the frame.
Example 85. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 76-84, wherein the sealing member comprises a plurality of preformed openings configured to receive sutures.
Example 86. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 85, wherein the openings are laser-drilled or cut.
Example 87. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 85 or example 86, wherein the first portion comprises openings arranged around a perimeter of the first portion.
Example 88. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 81-87, wherein the first portion comprises a scalloped edge portion.
Example 89. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 76-88, wherein the sealing member comprises a woven or knitted fabric, or is formed by electrospinning.
Example 90. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 89, wherein the woven or knitted fabric comprises polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyester, polyamide, Nylon, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), polypropylene, or any combination thereof or any combination thereof.
Example 91. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 89 or example 90, wherein the woven or knitted fabric is a woven fabric comprising a gauze weave, a plain weave, a twill weave, satin weave, or combinations thereof.
Example 92. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 76-91, wherein the docking station includes a radiopaque marker, and an inflow edge portion of the sealing member is 2 cm or less from the radiopaque marker along the longitudinal axis of the frame, 1 cm or less from the radiopaque marker along the longitudinal axis of the frame, or 5 mm or less from the radiopaque marker along the longitudinal axis of the frame.
Example 93. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 76-92, wherein the frame comprises a plurality of openings configured to receive sutures for attachment of the sealing member to the frame.
Example 94. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 92, wherein the plurality of openings are in junctions of the frame.
Example 95. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 94, wherein the frame further comprises a second plurality of openings defined in struts of the frame spaced apart from the junctions along the longitudinal axis.
Example 96. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 54-95, further comprising an annular member disposed around the valve seat and configured to constrain expansion of a prosthetic heart valve when a prosthetic heart valve is deployed in the valve seat.
Example 97. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 54-96, wherein the valve seat struts comprise a first portion that is angled inwardly toward the longitudinal axis of the frame, and a second portion that extends in the downstream direction along the longitudinal axis of the frame.
Example 98. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 97, wherein the second portions of the valve seat struts define at least one opening.
Example 99. A docking station for a prosthetic valve, comprising: a radially expandable and collapsible frame comprising: a plurality of longitudinally-extending first struts circumferentially arranged about a longitudinal axis of the frame and extending between an inflow end portion and an outflow end portion of the frame; and a plurality of angled second struts extending between adjacent first struts; and a valve seat coupled to the frame and configured to receive an expandable prosthetic valve.
Example 100. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 99, wherein pairs of adjacent second struts are coupled together to form free apices, the free apices at least partially defining the valve seat.
Example 101. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 100, wherein the second struts at least partially define cells of the frame of the docking station.
Example 102. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 100 or example 101, wherein the free apices of the valve seat are offset from an outflow end of the frame in an upstream direction toward the inflow end portion of the frame.
Example 103. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 101, wherein the cells are arranged in rows that are spaced apart from each other axially along the longitudinal axis of the frame.
Example 104. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 99-103, wherein the first struts comprise flex-inducing portions.
Example 105. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 104, wherein the flex-inducing portions are reduced thickness portions.
Example 106. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 104, wherein the flex-inducing portions comprise a plurality of rings.
Example 107. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 99-106, wherein: the outflow end portion of the frame comprises a plurality of outer frame cells; and the second struts define a plurality of valve seat frame cells positioned at least partially inward of the outer frame cells.
Example 108. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 107, wherein struts of the outer frame cells and struts of the valve seat frame cells are coupled to common junctions of the frame.
Example 109. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 99-108, wherein the frame further comprise at least one radiopaque marker.
Example 110. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 99-109, wherein the inflow end portion of the frame comprises a plurality of coupling members configured to engage a delivery apparatus.
Example 111. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 110, wherein the coupling members comprise round members angled inwardly toward the longitudinal axis.
Example 112. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 99-111, wherein free end portions of second struts define a downstream-most end of the frame of the docking station.
Example 113. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 99-112, further comprising a sealing member coupled to the frame, the sealing member comprising a first portion coupled to the outflow end portion of the frame and a second portion radially inward of the first portion and coupled to the valve seat.
Example 114. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 113, wherein: the outflow end portion of the frame comprises a first plurality of supports coupled to the sealing member; the valve seat comprises a second plurality of supports coupled to the sealing member; and the outflow end portion of the frame comprises more supports than the valve seat.
Example 115. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 114, wherein the supports of the outflow end portion of the frame comprise a plurality of apices defined by first struts of the frame.
Example 116. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 99-115, wherein at least an outflow edge of the sealing member is disposed at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the frame to align with an outlet of a body lumen.
Example 117. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 99-116, wherein the second struts are coupled to the frame at frame junctions, and free end portions of the second struts are offset from the frame junctions in a downstream direction along the longitudinal axis.
Example 118. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 113-117, wherein the sealing member comprises a radiopaque material or a radiopaque marker.
Example 119. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 113-118, wherein the sealing member comprises a first portion disposed within the frame, a second portion disposed within the valve seat, and a third portion disposed on the exterior of the frame.
Example 120. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 119, wherein a diameter of the second portion of the sealing member is less than a diameter of the first portion and the third portion.
Example 121. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 120, wherein the diameter of the first portion decreases in a direction of the outflow end portion along the longitudinal axis of the frame.
Example 122. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 120 or 121, wherein the diameter of the third portion increases in a direction toward the inflow end portion along the longitudinal axis of the frame.
Example 123. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 113-122, wherein the sealing member comprises a plurality of preformed openings configured to receive sutures.
Example 124. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 123, wherein the openings are laser-drilled or cut.
Example 125. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 123 or example 124, wherein the first portion comprises openings arranged around a perimeter of the first portion.
Example 126. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 119 to 125, wherein the first portion comprises a scalloped edge portion.
Example 127. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 113-126, wherein the sealing member comprises a woven or knitted fabric, or is formed by electrospinning.
Example 128. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 127, wherein the woven or knitted fabric comprises polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyester, polyamide, Nylon, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), polypropylene, or any combination thereof or any combination thereof.
Example 129. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 127 or example 128, wherein the woven or knitted fabric comprises a woven fabric comprising a gauze weave, a plain weave, a twill weave, satin weave, or combinations thereof.
Example 130. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 129, wherein the docking station includes a radiopaque marker, and an inflow edge portion of the sealing member is 2 cm or less from the radiopaque marker along the longitudinal axis of the frame, 1 cm or less from the radiopaque marker along the longitudinal axis of the frame, or 5 mm or less from the radiopaque marker along the longitudinal axis of the frame.
Example 131. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 99-130, wherein the frame comprises a plurality of openings configured to receive sutures for attachment of the sealing member to the frame.
Example 132. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 131, wherein the plurality of openings are in junctions of the frame.
Example 133. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 132, wherein the frame further comprises a second plurality of openings defined in struts of the frame spaced apart from the junctions along the longitudinal axis.
Example 134. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 99-133, further comprising an annular member disposed around the valve seat and configured to constrain expansion of a prosthetic heart valve when a prosthetic heart valve is deployed in the valve seat.
Example 135. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 99-134, further comprising a prosthetic valve disposed in the valve seat, a sealing member disposed on the docking station, and wherein the sealing member is configured to form a seal between the prosthetic valve and the valve seat.
Example 136. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 135, wherein the prosthetic valve disposed in the valve seat comprises an hourglass-shaped outer profile.
Example 137. A method, comprising: advancing the docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 99-136, to a treatment site in a radially collapsed state; expanding the docking station to anchor the docking station at the treatment site; and deploying a prosthetic valve in the valve seat of the docking station such that the prosthetic valve regulates blood flow through the docking station.
Example 138. A docking station for a prosthetic valve, comprising: a radially expandable and collapsible frame comprising a plurality of struts, the frame comprising an inflow end portion and an outflow end portion, and defining a longitudinal axis; a sealing member disposed on the outflow end portion and configured to form a seal between the docking station and a body lumen; and a valve seat coupled to the frame and configured to receive an expandable prosthetic valve; wherein the struts of the frame define a plurality of free apices offset circumferentially from each other around a circumference of the frame and configured to resist movement of the docking station within a body lumen.
Example 139. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 138, wherein pairs of adjacent struts of the plurality of struts are coupled together to form free apices, the free apices at least partially defining the valve seat.
Example 140. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 139, wherein the plurality of struts at least partially define cells of the frame of the docking station.
Example 141. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 139 or 140, wherein the free apices of the valve seat are offset from an outflow end of the frame in an upstream direction toward the inflow end portion of the frame.
Example 142. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 138-141, wherein the plurality of struts are a second plurality of struts, and the frame further comprises a first plurality of circumferentially-arranged longitudinal struts extending between the inflow end portion and the outflow end portion of the frame.
Example 143. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 142, wherein the second plurality of struts further comprises a plurality of angled struts extending between adjacent longitudinal struts.
Example 144. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 143, wherein the plurality of angled struts form a plurality of cells of the frame.
Example 145. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 144, wherein the cells are arranged in rows that are spaced apart from each other axially along the longitudinal axis of the frame.
Example 146. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 142-145, wherein the longitudinal struts comprise flex-inducing portions.
Example 147. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 146, wherein the flex-inducing portions are reduced thickness portions.
Example 148. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 146, wherein the flex-inducing portions comprise a plurality of rings.
Example 149. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 142-148, wherein: the outflow end portion of the frame comprises a plurality of outer frame cells; and the second plurality of struts define a plurality of valve seat frame cells positioned at least partially inward of the outer frame cells.
Example 150. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 149, wherein struts of the outer frame cells and struts of the valve seat frame cells are coupled to common junctions of the frame.
Example 151. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 138-150, wherein the frame further comprises at least one radiopaque marker.
Example 152. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 138-151, wherein the inflow end portion of the frame comprises a plurality of coupling members configured to engage a delivery apparatus.
Example 153. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 152, wherein the coupling members comprise round members angled inwardly toward the longitudinal axis.
Example 154. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 142-153, wherein free end portions of struts of the second plurality of struts define a downstream-most end of the frame of the docking station.
Example 155. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 138-154, wherein the sealing member comprises a first portion coupled to the outflow end portion of the frame and a second portion radially inward of the first portion and coupled to the valve seat.
Example 156. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 155, wherein: the outflow end portion of the frame comprises a first plurality of supports coupled to the sealing member; the valve seat comprises a second plurality of supports coupled to the sealing member; and the outflow end portion of the frame comprises more supports than the valve seat.
Example 157. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 156, wherein the supports of the outflow end portion of the frame comprise a plurality of apices defined by struts of the first plurality of struts.
Example 158. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 138-157, wherein at least an outflow edge of the sealing member is disposed at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the frame to align with an outlet of a body lumen.
Example 159. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 142-158, wherein the second plurality of struts are coupled to the frame at frame junctions, and free end portions of the second plurality of struts are offset from the frame junctions in a downstream direction along the longitudinal axis.
Example 160. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 138-159, wherein the sealing member comprises a radiopaque material or a radiopaque marker.
Example 161. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 138-160, wherein the sealing member comprises a first portion disposed within the frame, a second portion disposed within the valve seat, and a third portion disposed on the exterior of the frame.
Example 162. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 161, wherein a diameter of the second portion of the sealing member is less than a diameter of the first portion and the third portion.
Example 163. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 162, wherein the diameter of the first portion decreases in a direction of the outflow end portion along the longitudinal axis of the frame.
Example 164. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 162 or example 163, wherein the diameter of the third portion increases in a direction toward the inflow end portion along the longitudinal axis of the frame.
Example 165. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 162 to 164, wherein the first portion comprises a scalloped edge portion.
Example 166. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 161-165, wherein the sealing member comprises a plurality of preformed openings configured to receive sutures.
Example 167. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 166, wherein the openings are laser-drilled or cut.
Example 168. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 166 or example 167, wherein the first portion comprises openings arranged around a perimeter of the first portion.
Example 169. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 138-168, wherein the sealing member comprises a woven or knitted fabric, or is formed by electrospinning.
Example 170. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 169, wherein the woven or knitted fabric comprises polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyester, polyamide, Nylon, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), polypropylene, or any combination thereof or any combination thereof.
Example 171. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 169 or example 170, wherein the woven or knitted fabric is a woven fabric comprising a gauze weave, a plain weave, a twill weave, satin weave, or combinations thereof.
Example 172. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 138-171, wherein the docking station includes a radiopaque marker, and an inflow edge portion of the sealing member is 2 cm or less from the radiopaque marker along the longitudinal axis of the frame, 1 cm or less from the radiopaque marker along the longitudinal axis of the frame, or 5 mm or less from the radiopaque marker along the longitudinal axis of the frame.
Example 173. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 138-172, wherein the frame comprises a plurality of openings configured to receive sutures for attachment of the sealing member to the frame.
Example 174. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 173, wherein the plurality of openings are in junctions of the frame.
Example 175. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 174, wherein the frame further comprises a second plurality of openings defined in struts of the frame spaced apart from the junctions along the longitudinal axis.
Example 176. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 138-175, further comprising an annular member disposed around the valve seat and configured to constrain expansion of a prosthetic heart valve when a prosthetic heart valve is deployed in the valve seat.
Example 177. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 138-176, further comprising a prosthetic valve disposed in the valve seat, wherein the sealing member is configured to form a seal between the prosthetic valve and the valve seat.
Example 178. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 177, wherein the prosthetic valve disposed in the valve seat comprises an hourglass-shaped outer profile.
Example 179. A method, comprising: advancing the docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 138-178 to a treatment site in a radially collapsed state; expanding the docking station to anchor the docking station at the treatment site; and deploying a prosthetic valve in the valve seat of the docking station such that the prosthetic valve regulates blood flow through the docking station.
Example 180. A system, comprising: a delivery apparatus, comprising: a first shaft comprising a delivery capsule at a distal end portion of the first shaft; and a second shaft disposed within the first shaft and comprising a retaining member at a distal end portion of the second shaft; and the docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 138-178 disposed within the delivery capsule and coupled to the retaining member.
Example 181. The system of any example herein, particularly example 180, wherein: the docking station comprises coupling members; and the retaining member comprises a slot configured to engage and retain the coupling members of the docking station.
Example 182. They system of any example herein, particularly example 180 or example 181, wherein the delivery capsule is transparent.
Example 183. A docking station for a prosthetic valve, comprising: a radially expandable and collapsible frame comprising a plurality of struts, the frame comprising an inflow end portion and an outflow end portion and defining a longitudinal axis; a sealing member disposed on the outflow end portion and configured to form a seal between the docking station and a body lumen; and a valve seat within the frame and configured to receive an expandable prosthetic valve, the valve seat comprising an inflow end portion coupled to the frame and a free outflow end portion, the free outflow end portion being downstream of the inflow end portion of the valve seat and upstream of the outflow end of the frame of the docking station.
Example 184. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 183, wherein pairs of adjacent struts of the plurality of struts are coupled together to form free apices, the free apices at least partially defining the valve seat.
Example 185. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 184, wherein the plurality of struts at least partially define cells of the frame of the docking station.
Example 186. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 184-185, wherein the plurality of struts are a second plurality of struts, and the frame further comprises a first plurality of circumferentially-arranged longitudinal struts extending between the inflow end portion and the outflow end portion of the frame.
Example 187. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 186, wherein the second plurality of struts further comprises a plurality of angled struts extending between adjacent longitudinal struts.
Example 188. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 187, wherein the plurality of angled struts form a plurality of cells of the frame.
Example 189. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 188, wherein the cells are arranged in rows that are spaced apart from each other axially along the longitudinal axis of the frame.
Example 190. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 186-189, wherein the longitudinal struts comprise flex-inducing portions.
Example 191. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 190, wherein the flex-inducing portions are reduced thickness portions.
Example 192. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 191, wherein the flex-inducing portions comprise a plurality of rings.
Example 193. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 186-192, wherein: the outflow end portion of the frame comprises a plurality of outer frame cells; and the second plurality of struts define a plurality of valve seat frame cells positioned at least partially inward of the outer frame cells.
Example 194. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 193, wherein struts of the outer frame cells and struts of the valve seat frame cells are coupled to common junctions of the frame.
Example 195. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 183-194, wherein the frame further comprises at least one radiopaque marker.
Example 196. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 183-195, wherein the inflow end portion of the frame comprises a plurality of coupling members configured to engage a delivery apparatus.
Example 197. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 196, wherein the coupling members comprise round members angled inwardly toward the longitudinal axis.
Example 198. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 186-197, wherein free end portions of struts of the second plurality of struts define a downstream-most end of the frame of the docking station.
Example 199. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 183-198, wherein the sealing member comprises a first portion coupled to the outflow end portion of the frame and a second portion radially inward of the first portion and coupled to the valve seat.
Example 200. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 186-199, wherein the second plurality of struts are coupled to the frame at frame junctions, and free end portions of the second plurality of struts are offset from the frame junctions in a downstream direction along the longitudinal axis.
Example 201. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 200, wherein: the outflow end portion of the frame comprises a first plurality of supports coupled to the sealing member; the valve seat comprises a second plurality of supports coupled to the sealing member; and the outflow end portion of the frame comprises more supports than the valve seat.
Example 202. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 201, wherein the supports of the outflow end portion of the frame comprise a plurality of apices defined by struts of the first plurality of struts.
Example 203. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 183-202, wherein at least an outflow edge of the sealing member is disposed at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the frame to align with an outlet of a body lumen.
Example 204. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 183-203, wherein the sealing member comprises a radiopaque material or a radiopaque marker.
Example 205. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 183-204, wherein the sealing member comprises a first portion disposed within the frame, a second portion disposed within the valve seat, and a third portion disposed on the exterior of the frame.
Example 206. The docking station of any example herein, particularly claim 205, wherein a diameter of the second portion of the sealing member is less than a diameter of the first portion and the third portion.
Example 207. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 206, wherein the diameter of the first portion decreases in a direction of the outflow end portion along the longitudinal axis of the frame.
Example 208. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 206 or example 207, wherein the diameter of the third portion increases in a direction toward the inflow end portion along the longitudinal axis of the frame.
Example 209. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 206 to 208, wherein the first portion comprises a scalloped edge portion.
Example 210. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any of examples 183-209, wherein the sealing member comprises a plurality of preformed openings configured to receive sutures.
Examples 211. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 210, wherein the openings are laser-drilled or cut.
Example 212. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 210 or example 211, wherein the first portion comprises openings arranged around a perimeter of the first portion.
Example 213. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 183-212, wherein the sealing member comprises a woven or knitted fabric, or is formed by electrospinning.
Example 214. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 213, wherein the woven or knitted fabric comprises polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyester, polyamide, Nylon, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), polypropylene, or any combination thereof or any combination thereof.
Example 215. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 213 or example 214, wherein the woven or knitted fabric is a woven fabric comprising a gauze weave, a plain weave, a twill weave, satin weave, or combinations thereof.
Example 216. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 183-215, wherein the docking station includes a radiopaque marker, and an inflow edge portion of the sealing member is 2 cm or less from the radiopaque marker along the longitudinal axis of the frame, 1 cm or less from the radiopaque marker along the longitudinal axis of the frame, or 5 mm or less from the radiopaque marker along the longitudinal axis of the frame.
Example 217. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 183-216, wherein the frame comprises a plurality of openings configured to receive sutures for attachment of the sealing member to the frame.
Example 218. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 217, wherein the plurality of openings are in junctions of the frame.
Example 219. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 218, wherein the frame further comprises a second plurality of openings defined in struts of the frame spaced apart from the junctions along the longitudinal axis.
Example 220. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 183-219, further comprising an annular member disposed around the valve seat and configured to constrain expansion of a prosthetic heart valve when a prosthetic heart valve is deployed in the valve seat.
Example 221. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any of examples 183-220, further comprising a prosthetic valve disposed in the valve seat, wherein the sealing member is configured to form a seal between the prosthetic valve and the valve seat.
Example 222. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 221, wherein the prosthetic valve disposed in the valve seat comprises an hourglass-shaped outer profile.
Example 223. A method, comprising: advancing the docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 183-222 to a treatment site in a radially collapsed state; expanding the docking station to anchor the docking station at the treatment site; and deploying a prosthetic valve in the valve seat of the docking station such that the prosthetic valve regulates blood flow through the docking station.
Example 224. A system, comprising: a delivery apparatus, comprising: a first shaft comprising a delivery capsule at a distal end portion of the first shaft; and a second shaft disposed within the first shaft and comprising a retaining member at a distal end portion of the second shaft; and the docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 183-222 disposed within the delivery capsule and coupled to the retaining member.
Example 225. The system of any example herein, particularly example 224, wherein: the docking station comprises coupling members; and the retaining member comprises a slot configured to engage and retain the coupling members of the docking station.
Example 226. They system of any example herein, particularly example 224 or example 225, wherein the delivery capsule is transparent.
Example 227. A docking station for a prosthetic valve, comprising: a radially expandable and collapsible frame comprising a first plurality of struts, the frame comprising an inflow end portion and an outflow end portion, the outflow end portion of the frame comprising a plurality of supports defined by struts of the first plurality of struts, the frame defining a longitudinal axis; a sealing member disposed on the outflow end portion and configured to form a seal between the docking station and a body lumen, the sealing member being engaged by the plurality of supports of the outflow end of the frame; and a valve seat within the frame and configured to receive an expandable prosthetic valve, the valve seat comprising a second plurality of struts coupled to the frame and defining a plurality of supports; wherein the outflow end portion of the frame comprises more supports than the valve seat.
Example 228. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 227, wherein pairs of adjacent struts of the second plurality of struts are coupled together to form free apices, the free apices at least partially defining the valve seat.
Example 229. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 228, wherein the second plurality of struts at least partially define cells of the frame of the docking station.
Example 230. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 228 or example 229, wherein the free apices of the valve seat are offset from an outflow end of the frame in an upstream direction toward the inflow end portion of the frame.
Example 231. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 227-230, wherein the first plurality of struts comprises a plurality of circumferentially-arranged longitudinal struts extending between the inflow end portion and the outflow end portion of the frame.
Example 232. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 231, wherein the first plurality of struts further comprises a plurality of angled struts extending between adjacent longitudinal struts.
Example 233. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 232, wherein the plurality of angled struts form a plurality of cells of the frame.
Example 234. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 233, wherein the cells are arranged in rows that are spaced apart from each other axially along the longitudinal axis of the frame.
Example 235. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 232-234, wherein the angled struts of the frame define a plurality of free apices offset circumferentially from each other around a circumference of the frame and configured to resist movement of the docking station within a body lumen.
Example 236. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 231-235, wherein the longitudinal struts comprise flex-inducing portions.
Example 237. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 236, wherein the flex-inducing portions are reduced thickness portions.
Example 238. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 236, wherein the flex-inducing portions comprise a plurality of rings.
Example 239. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 227-238, wherein: the outflow end portion of the frame comprises a plurality of outer frame cells; and the second plurality of struts define a plurality of valve seat frame cells positioned at least partially inward of the outer frame cells.
Example 240. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 239, wherein struts of the outer frame cells and struts of the valve seat frame cells are coupled to common junctions of the frame.
Example 241. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 227-240, wherein the frame further comprise at least one radiopaque marker.
Example 242. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 227-241, wherein the inflow end portion of the frame comprises a plurality of coupling members configured to engage a delivery apparatus.
Example 243. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 242, wherein the coupling members comprise round members angled inwardly toward the longitudinal axis.
Example 244. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 227-243, wherein the sealing member comprises a first portion coupled to the outflow end portion of the frame and a second portion radially inward of the first portion and coupled to the valve seat.
Example 245. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 227-244, wherein the supports of the outflow end portion of the frame comprise a plurality of apices defined by struts of the first plurality of struts.
Example 246. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 227-245, wherein at least an outflow edge of the sealing member is disposed at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the frame to align with an outlet of a body lumen.
Example 247. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 227-246, wherein the second plurality of struts are coupled to the frame at frame junctions, and free end portions of the second plurality of struts are offset from the frame junctions in a downstream direction along the longitudinal axis.
Example 248. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 227-247, wherein the sealing member comprises a radiopaque material or a radiopaque marker.
Example 249. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 227-248, wherein the sealing member comprises a first portion disposed within the frame, a second portion disposed within the valve seat, and a third portion disposed on the exterior of the frame.
Example 250. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 249, wherein a diameter of the second portion of the sealing member is less than a diameter of the first portion and the third portion.
Example 251. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 250, wherein the diameter of the first portion decreases in a direction of the outflow end portion along the longitudinal axis of the frame.
Example 252. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 249 or example 250, wherein the diameter of the third portion increases in a direction toward the inflow end portion along the longitudinal axis of the frame.
Example 253. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 227-252, wherein the sealing member comprises a plurality of preformed openings configured to receive sutures.
Example 254. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 253, wherein the openings are laser-drilled or cut.
Example 255. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 253 or example 254, wherein the first portion comprises openings arranged around a perimeter of the first portion.
Example 256. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 249 to 255, wherein the first portion comprises a scalloped edge portion.
Example 257. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 227-256, wherein the sealing member comprises a woven or knitted fabric, or is formed by electrospinning.
Example 258. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 257, wherein the woven or knitted fabric comprises polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyester, polyamide, Nylon, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), polypropylene, or any combination thereof or any combination thereof.
Example 259. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 257 or example 258, wherein the woven or knitted fabric is a woven fabric comprising a gauze weave, a plain weave, a twill weave, satin weave, or combinations thereof.
Example 260. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 227-259, wherein the docking station includes a radiopaque marker, and an inflow edge portion of the sealing member is 2 cm or less from the radiopaque marker along the longitudinal axis of the frame, 1 cm or less from the radiopaque marker along the longitudinal axis of the frame, or 5 mm or less from the radiopaque marker along the longitudinal axis of the frame.
Example 261. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 227-260, wherein the frame comprises a plurality of openings configured to receive sutures for attachment of the sealing member to the frame.
Example 262. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 261, wherein the plurality of openings are in junctions of the frame.
Example 263. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 262, wherein the frame further comprises a second plurality of openings defined in struts of the frame spaced apart from the junctions along the longitudinal axis.
Example 264. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example any one of examples 227-263, further comprising an annular member disposed around the valve seat and configured to constrain expansion of a prosthetic heart valve when a prosthetic heart valve is deployed in the valve seat.
Example 265. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 227-264, further comprising a prosthetic valve disposed in the valve seat, wherein the sealing member is configured to form a seal between the prosthetic valve and the valve seat.
Example 266. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 265, wherein the prosthetic valve disposed in the valve seat comprises an hourglass-shaped outer profile.
Example 267. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 227-266, wherein the supports of the outflow end portion of the frame comprise a plurality of apices defined by struts of the first plurality of struts.
Example 268. A method, comprising: advancing the docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 227-267 to a treatment site in a radially collapsed state; expanding the docking station to anchor the docking station at the treatment site; and deploying a prosthetic valve in the valve seat of the docking station such that the prosthetic valve regulates blood flow through the docking station.
Example 269. A system, comprising: a delivery apparatus, comprising: a first shaft comprising a delivery capsule at a distal end portion of the first shaft; and a second shaft disposed within the first shaft and comprising a retaining member at a distal end portion of the second shaft; and the docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 227-267 disposed within the delivery capsule and coupled to the retaining member.
Example 270. The system of any example herein, particularly example 269, wherein: the docking station comprises coupling members; and the retaining member comprises a slot configured to engage and retain the coupling members of the docking station.
Example 271. They system of any example herein, particularly example 269 or example 270, wherein the delivery capsule is transparent.
Example 272. A docking station for a prosthetic valve, comprising: a radially expandable and collapsible frame comprising a plurality of struts, the frame comprising an inflow end portion and an outflow end portion, and defining a longitudinal axis; a sealing member disposed on the outflow end portion and configured to form a seal between the docking station and a body lumen; and a valve seat coupled to the frame and configured to receive an expandable prosthetic valve; wherein at least an outflow edge of the sealing member is disposed at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the frame to align with an outlet of the body lumen.
Example 273. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 272, wherein pairs of adjacent struts of the plurality of struts are coupled together to form free apices, the free apices at least partially defining the valve seat.
Example 274. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 273, wherein the plurality of struts at least partially define cells of the frame of the docking station.
Example 275. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 272-274, wherein the plurality of struts are a second plurality of struts, and the frame further comprises a first plurality of circumferentially-arranged longitudinal struts extending between the inflow end portion and the outflow end portion of the frame.
Example 276. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 275, wherein the second plurality of struts further comprises a plurality of angled struts extending between adjacent longitudinal struts.
Example 277. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 276, wherein the plurality of angled struts form a plurality of cells of the frame.
Example 278. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 277, wherein the cells are arranged in rows that are spaced apart from each other axially along the longitudinal axis of the frame.
Example 279. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 272-278, wherein the longitudinal struts comprise flex-inducing portions.
Example 280. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 279, wherein the flex-inducing portions are reduced thickness portions.
Example 281. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 280, wherein the flex-inducing portions comprise a plurality of rings.
Example 282. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 277-281, wherein: the outflow end portion of the frame comprises a plurality of outer frame cells; and the second plurality of struts define a plurality of valve seat frame cells positioned at least partially inward of the outer frame cells.
Example 283. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 282, wherein struts of the outer frame cells and struts of the valve seat frame cells are coupled to common junctions of the frame.
Example 284. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 275-283, wherein the second plurality of struts are coupled to the frame at frame junctions, and free end portions of the second plurality of struts are offset from the frame junctions in a downstream direction along the longitudinal axis.
Example 285. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 272-284, wherein the frame further comprises at least one radiopaque marker.
Example 286. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 272-285, wherein the inflow end portion of the frame comprises a plurality of coupling members configured to engage a delivery apparatus.
Example 287. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 286, wherein the coupling members comprise round members angled inwardly toward the longitudinal axis.
Example 288. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 272-287, wherein free end portions of struts of the second plurality of struts define a downstream-most end of the frame of the docking station.
Example 289. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 272-288, wherein the sealing member comprises a first portion coupled to the outflow end portion of the frame and a second portion radially inward of the first portion and coupled to the valve seat.
Example 290. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 272-289, wherein: the outflow end portion of the frame comprises a first plurality of supports coupled to the sealing member; the valve seat comprises a second plurality of supports coupled to the sealing member; and the outflow end portion of the frame comprises more supports than the valve seat.
Example 291. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 290, wherein the supports of the outflow end portion of the frame comprise a plurality of apices defined by struts of the first plurality of struts.
Example 292. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 272-291, wherein the sealing member comprises a radiopaque material or a radiopaque marker.
Example 293. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 272-292, wherein the sealing member comprises a first portion disposed within the frame, a second portion disposed within the valve seat, and a third portion disposed on the exterior of the frame.
Example 294. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 293, wherein a diameter of the second portion of the sealing member is less than a diameter of the first portion and the third portion.
Example 295. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 294, wherein the diameter of the first portion decreases in a direction of the outflow end portion along the longitudinal axis of the frame.
Example 296. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 294 or example 295, wherein the diameter of the third portion increases in a direction toward the inflow end portion along the longitudinal axis of the frame.
Example 297. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 293 to 296, wherein the first portion comprises a scalloped edge portion.
Example 298. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 272-297, wherein the sealing member comprises a plurality of preformed openings configured to receive sutures.
Example 299. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 298, wherein the openings are laser-drilled or cut.
Example 300. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 298 or example 299, wherein the first portion comprises openings arranged around a perimeter of the first portion.
Example 301. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 272-300, wherein the sealing member comprises a woven or knitted fabric, or is formed by electrospinning.
Example 302. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 301, wherein the woven or knitted fabric comprises polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyester, polyamide, Nylon, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), polypropylene, or any combination thereof or any combination thereof.
Example 303. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 301 or example 302, wherein the woven or knitted fabric is a woven fabric comprising a gauze weave, a plain weave, a twill weave, satin weave, or combinations thereof.
Example 304. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 272-303, wherein the docking station includes a radiopaque marker, and an inflow edge portion of the sealing member is 2 cm or less from the radiopaque marker along the longitudinal axis of the frame, 1 cm or less from the radiopaque marker along the longitudinal axis of the frame, or 5 mm or less from the radiopaque marker along the longitudinal axis of the frame.
Example 305. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 272-304, wherein the frame comprises a plurality of openings configured to receive sutures for attachment of the sealing member to the frame.
Example 306. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 305, wherein the plurality of openings are in junctions of the frame.
Example 307. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 306, wherein the frame further comprises a second plurality of openings defined in struts of the frame spaced apart from the junctions along the longitudinal axis.
Example 308. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 272-307, further comprising an annular member disposed around the valve seat and configured to constrain expansion of a prosthetic heart valve when a prosthetic heart valve is deployed in the valve seat.
Example 309. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 272-308, further comprising a prosthetic valve disposed in the valve seat, wherein the sealing member is configured to form a seal between the prosthetic valve and the valve seat.
Example 310. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 309, wherein the prosthetic valve disposed in the valve seat comprises an hourglass-shaped outer profile.
Example 311. The docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 272-310, wherein: a diameter of the valve seat is less than a diameter of a main body of the frame; and struts of the outflow end portion of the frame are angled inwardly to form a shoulder portion upstream of the valve seat.
Example 312. A method, comprising: advancing the docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 272-311 to a treatment site in a radially collapsed state; expanding the docking station to anchor the docking station at the treatment site; and deploying a prosthetic valve in the valve seat of the docking station such that the prosthetic valve regulates blood flow through the docking station.
Example 313. A system, comprising: a delivery apparatus, comprising: a first shaft comprising a delivery capsule at a distal end portion of the first shaft; and a second shaft disposed within the first shaft and comprising a retaining member at a distal end portion of the second shaft; and the docking station of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 272-311 disposed within the delivery capsule and coupled to the retaining member.
Example 314. The system of any example herein, particularly example 313, wherein: the docking station comprises coupling members; and the retaining member comprises a slot configured to engage and retain the coupling members of the docking station.
Example 315. The system of any example herein, particularly example 313 or example 314, wherein the delivery capsule is transparent.
Example 316. A docking station for a prosthetic valve, comprising: a radially expandable and collapsible frame comprising a plurality of longitudinal struts extending between an inflow end portion and an outflow end portion of the frame, the frame further comprising a plurality of angled struts arranged circumferentially to form a plurality of cylindrical, spaced apart frame portions interconnected by the longitudinal struts; and a valve seat at the outflow end portion of the frame.
Example 317. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 316, further comprising a sealing member according to any of the sealing member embodiments described herein coupled to the outflow end portion of the frame.
Example 318. A sealing member for a prosthetic implant, comprising a tubular main body having an hourglass-shaped outer profile.
Example 319. The sealing member of any example herein, particularly example 318, wherein the sealing member comprises a plurality of openings.
Example 320. The sealing member of any example herein, particularly example 319, wherein the openings are laser-drilled or cut.
Example 321. The sealing member of any example herein, particularly example 319 or 320, wherein the openings are arranged in circumferentially-extending rows.
Example 322. The sealing member of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 318-321, wherein the tubular main body is a unitary construction.
Example 323. The sealing member of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 318-322, wherein the sealing member comprises: a first tubular portion which tapers along a longitudinal axis from a first diameter to a second diameter less than the first diameter; and a second tubular portion coupled to the first tubular portion and comprising the second diameter.
Example 324. The sealing member of any example herein, particularly example 323, further comprising a third tubular portion coupled to the second tubular portion such that the second tubular portion is between the first tubular portion and the third tubular portion, the third tubular portion having a diameter which increases from the second diameter toward the first diameter in a direction along the longitudinal axis.
Example 325. The sealing member of any example herein, particularly example 323 or example 324, wherein the first portion comprises a scalloped edge portion.
Example 326. The sealing member of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 323 to 325, wherein the first portion comprises openings arranged around a perimeter of the first portion.
Example 327. The sealing member of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 318 to 326, wherein the sealing member comprises a woven or knitted fabric, or is formed by electrospinning.
Example 328. The sealing member of any example herein, particularly example 327, wherein the woven or knitted fabric comprises polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyester, polyamide, Nylon, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), polypropylene, or any combination thereof or any combination thereof.
Example 329. The sealing member of any example herein, particularly example 327 or example 328, wherein the woven or knitted fabric is a woven fabric comprising a gauze weave, a plain weave, a twill weave, satin weave, or combinations thereof.
Example 330. A docking station including the sealing member of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 318 to 329.
Example 331. The docking station of any example herein, particularly example 330, wherein the docking station includes a radiopaque marker, and an inflow edge portion of the sealing member is 2 cm or less from the radiopaque marker along a longitudinal axis of the docking station, 1 cm or less from the radiopaque marker along the longitudinal axis of the docking station, or 5 mm or less from the radiopaque marker along the longitudinal axis of the docking station.
Example 332. A docking station configured according to any of the examples described herein including the sealing member of any example herein, particularly any of examples 318 to 329.
Example 333. A sealing member, comprising: a first tubular portion which tapers along a longitudinal axis from a first diameter to a second diameter less than the first diameter; a second tubular portion coupled to the first tubular portion and comprising the second diameter; and a third tubular portion coupled to the second tubular portion such that the second tubular portion is between the first tubular portion and the third tubular portion, the third tubular portion having a diameter which increases from the second diameter toward the first diameter in a direction along the longitudinal axis.
Example 334. The sealing member of any example herein, particularly example 333, wherein the sealing member comprises a plurality of openings.
Example 335. The sealing member of any example herein, particularly example 334, wherein the openings are laser-drilled or cut.
Example 336. The sealing member of any example herein, particularly example 334 or 335, wherein the openings are arranged in circumferentially-extending rows.
Example 337. The sealing member of any example herein, particularly any one of examples claims 333 to 336, wherein the sealing member is a unitary construction.
Example 338. The sealing member of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 332 to 337 wherein the first portion comprises a scalloped edge portion.
Example 339. The sealing member of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 332 to 338, wherein the first portion comprises openings arranged around a perimeter of the first portion.
Example 340. The sealing member of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 332 to 339, wherein the sealing member comprises a woven or knitted fabric, or is formed by electrospinning.
Example 341. The sealing member of any example herein, particularly example 340, wherein the woven or knitted fabric comprises polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyester, polyamide, Nylon, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), polypropylene, or any combination thereof or any combination thereof.
Example 342. The sealing member of any example herein, particularly example 340 or example 341, wherein the woven or knitted fabric is a woven fabric comprising a gauze weave, a plain weave, a twill weave, satin weave, or combinations thereof.
Example 343. The sealing member of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 332 to 342, wherein the sealing member has an hourglass-shaped outer profile.
Example 344. A docking station configured according to any of the embodiments described herein.
Example 345. A sealing member configured according to any of the embodiments described herein.
Example 346. A docking station, comprising: a radially expandable and collapsible frame comprising a first plurality of struts, the frame comprising an inflow end portion and an outflow end portion, and defining a longitudinal axis; a sealing member disposed on the outflow end portion and configured to form a seal between the docking station and a body lumen; and a valve seat within the frame and configured to receive an expandable prosthetic valve, the valve seat comprising a second plurality of struts coupled to the frame and angled inwardly toward the longitudinal axis of the frame.
In view of the many possible embodiments to which the principles of the disclosed technology may be applied, it should be recognized that the illustrated embodiments are only examples and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the disclosure. Rather, the scope of the disclosure is at least as broad as the following claims. We therefore claim all that comes within the scope and spirit of these claims.
The present application is a continuation of International Patent Application No. PCT/US2021/046207, filed Aug. 17, 2021, which application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/073,643, filed Sep. 2, 2020, and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/066,688, filed Aug. 17, 2020. Each of International Patent Application No. PCT/US2021/046207, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/073,643, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/066,688 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63073643 | Sep 2020 | US | |
| 63066688 | Aug 2020 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | PCT/US2021/046207 | Aug 2021 | US |
| Child | 18171187 | US |
