Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
HEART VALVE SEALING ASSEMBLIES

Abstract:

A hybrid heart valve prosthesis that can be quickly and easily implanted during a surgical procedure is provided. The hybrid heart valve includes a substantially non-expandable, non-compressible prosthetic valve member having a peripheral sealing ring and an expandable stent frame projecting from an inflow end, thereby enabling attachment to the annulus without sutures. The stent frame may be plastically-expandable and may have a thin fabric layer covering its entirety as well as secondary sealing structures around its periphery to prevent paravalvular leaking. Other sealing solutions include interactive steps at the time of valve implant to establish seals around the stent and especially between the stent and the sealing ring of the valve member.