Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
MECHANICALLY EXPANDABLE PROSTHETIC HEART VALVE AND DELIVERY APPARATUS

Abstract:

A radially expandable prosthetic valve can comprise an annular frame, at least one expansion mechanism and a cord. The annular frame can be radially collapsible and expandable between a radially collapsed configuration and a radially expanded configuration. The expansion mechanism can comprise a first member attached to the frame at a first location and a second member attached to the frame at a second location axially spaced from the first location. The cord can extend at least partially along the expansion mechanism in a first direction, be reeved around a portion of the second member, and extend at least partially along the expansion mechanism in a second direction opposite the first direction. Applying a proximally directed force to a first portion of the cord can cause the second member to move relative to the first member, which can cause the frame to foreshorten axially and expand radially.