Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
PROSTHETIC HEART VALVES

Abstract:

A prosthetic valve assembly includes a radially expandable and compressible annular frame. The frame includes a plurality of interconnected struts, which include a plurality of inner struts and a plurality of outer struts. The inner struts overlap adjacent outer struts at a plurality of pivot joints. Radial expansion or compression of the annular frame causes the inner struts to pivot relative to the outer struts at the pivot joints. The assembly also includes a valvular structure inside the frame having a plurality of leaflets that regulate blood flow through the frame. Some of the struts include recessed portions and other struts that cross the recessed portions include segments that are seated in the recessed portions at the pivot joints. This provides a continuous or flush inner or outer surface of the frame.