Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
PROSTHETIC HEART VALVE HAVING AT LEAST TWO TYPES OF STRUTS

Abstract:

An implantable prosthetic device comprises a frame comprising a first set of first struts and a second set of second struts. The first struts are pivotably connected to each other at a plurality of distal and proximal apices at distal and proximal ends of the frame. The second struts are pivotably connected to each other at a plurality of distal and proximal apices at the distal and proximal ends of the frame. The first struts have a first thickness, and the second struts have a second thickness, wherein the first thickness is greater than the second thickness. One or more actuators are coupled only to one or more corresponding pairs of a distal apex and a proximal apex formed by the first struts, wherein the one or more actuators are configured to apply axially directed forces to the frame to radially expand the frame.