Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
SKIRT ASSEMBLY FOR IMPLANTABLE PROSTHETIC VALVE

Abstract:

An implantable prosthetic valve comprises an annular frame that is radially expandable from a radially compressed state to a radially expanded state. The frame has an inflow end, an outflow end, and a longitudinal axis extending from the inflow end to the outflow end. The prosthetic valve also comprises a plurality of leaflets positioned to regulate a flow of blood from the inflow end to the outflow end of the frame, and a skirt assembly. The skirt assembly comprises a laminate having a textile layer sandwiched between a first encapsulation layer and a second encapsulation layer. The first and second encapsulation layers are made of an elastomer and the textile layer comprises a first set of yarns and a second set of yarns interwoven with the first set of yarns, wherein the first and second sets of yarns are non-perpendicular and non-parallel to the longitudinal axis.