(12) United States Patent
`Garrison et al.
`
`I 1111111111111111 11111 111111111111111 IIIII 111111111111111 1111111111 11111111
`US006425916Bl
`US 6,425,916 Bl
`Jul. 30, 2002
`
`(10) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`(54) METHODS AND DEVICES FOR
`IMPLANTING CARDIAC VALVES
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`(76)
`
`Inventors: Michi E. Garrison, 212 Roosevelt
`Blvd., Half Moon Bay, CA (US) 94019;
`Hanson S. Gifford, III, 3180 Woodside
`Rd., Woodside, CA (US) 94062;
`Frederick G. St. Goar, 2 Frederick Ct.,
`Menlo Park, CA (US) 94025
`
`( *) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by O days.
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 09/248,911
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Feb. 10, 1999
`
`Int. Cl.7 ................................................... A61F 2/24
`(51)
`(52) U.S. Cl. .................... 623/2.11; 623/1.26; 623/2.38;
`623/904
`(58) Field of Search ............................... 623/1.26, 1.24,
`623/2.11, 2.1, FOR 101, 2.12-2.19, 2.42,
`904, 2.38
`
`(56)
`
`EP
`
`References Cited
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`0850607 Al * 7/1998
`
`........ 623/FOR 101
`
`Primary Examiner-David H. Willse
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`The valve implantation system has a valve displacer for
`displacing and holding the native valve leaflets open in a first
`aspect of the invention. A replacement valve may be
`attached to the valve displacer before or after introduction
`and may be positioned independent of the valve displacer. In
`another aspect of the invention, the valve displacer and valve
`are in a collapsed condition during introduction and are
`expanded to deploy the valve displacer and valve. The valve
`is a tissue valve mounted to an expandable support structure.
`The support structure may have protrusions for engaging the
`valve displacer or barbs for anchoring the valve displacer to
`the heart or blood vessel. A temporary valve mechanism may
`be used to provide temporary valve functions during and
`after deployment of the valve displacer.
`
`16 Claims, 23 Drawing Sheets
`
`32
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`Edwards Lifesciences Corporation, et al. Exhibit 1005, p. 1 of 30
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jul. 30, 2002
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`Sheet 1 of 23
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`US 6,425,916 Bl
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`Edwards Lifesciences Corporation, et al. Exhibit 1005, p. 2 of 30
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jul. 30, 2002
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`Sheet 2 of 23
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`US 6,425,916 Bl
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`Edwards Lifesciences Corporation, et al. Exhibit 1005, p. 3 of 30
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jul. 30, 2002
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`Sheet 3 of 23
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`Edwards Lifesciences Corporation, et al. Exhibit 1005, p. 4 of 30
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`Jul. 30, 2002
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`Jul. 30, 2002
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`Jul. 30, 2002
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`Sheet 7 of 23
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`Edwards Lifesciences Corporation, et al. Exhibit 1005, p. 8 of 30
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jul. 30, 2002
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`Sheet 8 of 23
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`Edwards Lifesciences Corporation, et al. Exhibit 1005, p. 9 of 30
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`Jul. 30, 2002
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`Jul. 30, 2002
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`Sheet 10 of 23
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`Edwards Lifesciences Corporation, et al. Exhibit 1005, p. 11 of 30
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jul. 30, 2002
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`Sheet 11 of 23
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`Edwards Lifesciences Corporation, et al. Exhibit 1005, p. 12 of 30
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`U.S. Patent
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`Ju\. 30, 2002
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`Sheet 12 of 23
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`Edwards Lifesciences Corporation, et al. Exhibit 1005, p. 13 of 30
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`Jul. 30, 2002
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`Edwards Lifesciences Corporation, et al. Exhibit 1005, p. 16 of 30
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jul. 30, 2002
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`Sheet 16 of 23
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`Edwards Lifesciences Corporation, et al. Exhibit 1005, p. 17 of 30
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jul. 30, 2002
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`Sheet 17 of 23
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`Edwards Lifesciences Corporation, et al. Exhibit 1005, p. 18 of 30
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jul. 30, 2002
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`Sheet 18 of 23
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`Edwards Lifesciences Corporation, et al. Exhibit 1005, p. 19 of 30
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jul. 30, 2002
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`Edwards Lifesciences Corporation, et al. Exhibit 1005, p. 20 of 30
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`Jul. 30, 2002
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`Jul. 30, 2002
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`Sheet 21 of 23
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`Jul. 30, 2002
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`Sheet 23 of 23
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`Edwards Lifesciences Corporation, et al. Exhibit 1005, p. 24 of 30
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`

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`US 6,425,916 Bl
`
`1
`METHODS AND DEVICES FOR
`IMPLANTING CARDIAC VALVES
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`The present invention is directed to methods and devices
`for implanting replacement cardiac valves. Replacement
`cardiac valves are implanted when the patient's native valve
`exhibits abnormal anatomy and function due to congential or
`acquired valve disease. Congenital abnormalities can be
`tolerated for years only to develop into life-threatening 10
`problems later. Acquired valve disease may result from
`various causes such as rheumatic fever, degenerative disor(cid:173)
`ders of the valve tissue, and bacterial or fungal infections.
`Valve dysfunction can be classified as either stenosis, in
`which the valve does not open properly, or insufficiency, in
`which the valve does not close properly. Stenosis and
`insufficiency can occur at the same time and both abnor(cid:173)
`malities increase the workload on the heart in pumping
`blood through the body. The ability of the heart to function
`with the increased workload is a major factor in determining
`whether the valve should be replaced.
`When the valve must be replaced using conventional
`methods, the patient must undergo an invasive, traumatic
`surgical procedure. The patient's chest is opened with a
`median sternotomy or major thoracotomy to provide direct
`access to the heart through the large opening in the chest.
`The heart is then stopped and the patient is placed on
`cardiopulmonary bypass using catheters and cannulae
`inserted directly into the heart and great vessels. The heart,
`or a great vessel leading to the heart, is then cut open to
`access and remove the malfunctioning valve. After remov(cid:173)
`ing the valve, the replacement valve is then sewn into place.
`After the new valve has been implanted, the chest is then
`closed and the patient is weaned off cardiopulmonary bypass
`support.
`The conventional open-chest surgery described above is
`problematic in that it is highly invasive, traumatic and
`requires a lengthy recovery time. These drawbacks to con(cid:173)
`ventional open-chest surgery prevent some patients from
`undergoing a valve implantation procedure even though a
`new cardiac valve is needed.
`U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,370,685, 5,411,552 and 5,718,725, which
`are hereby incorporated by reference, describe devices and
`methods for implanting a new cardiac valve without requir(cid:173)
`ing a median sternotomy or major thoracotomy. Such
`devices and methods reduce the pain, trauma and recovery
`time as compared to conventional open-chest surgery.
`An object of the present invention is to provide additional
`devices and methods which reduce the trauma associated
`with conventional open-chest methods and devices for
`implanting cardiac valves.
`
`35
`
`2
`does not need to be removed. The valve displacer is pref(cid:173)
`erably introduced into the patient in a collapsed condition
`and expanded to displace and hold the leaflets open. The
`valve displacer may either be expanded with an expansion
`5 mechanism, such as a balloon, or may be self-expanding. In
`a preferred embodiment, the valve displacer has a first end,
`a second end and a central section between the first and
`second ends. The first and second ends are preferably flared
`outwardly to form a circumferential recess around the cen(cid:173)
`tral portion. The native leaflets are trapped within the recess
`when the valve displacer is deployed.
`In another aspect of the invention, the valve is also
`introduced into the patient in a collapsed condition and
`expanded within the patient. The valve may either be
`15 expanded with an expansion mechanism, such as a balloon,
`or may be self-expanding. The cardiac valve may be coupled
`to the valve displacer or may be positioned independent
`from the valve displacer while still substantially performing
`the functions of the native valve. For instance, a replacement
`20 aortic valve may be positioned in the ascending or descend(cid:173)
`ing aorta to substantially perform the functions of the native
`aortic valve.
`The cardiac valve is preferably delivered separate from
`the valve displacer but may also be integrated with the valve
`25 displacer during introduction and deployment. In a preferred
`embodiment, the valve has protrusions which engage open(cid:173)
`ings in the valve displacer. In another embodiment, the valve
`has sharp elements or barbs which either pierce the native
`valve tissue or engage the sides of the openings in the valve
`30 displacer.
`In yet another aspect of the present invention, the valve
`and valve displacer are preferably introduced into the patient
`with a catheter system. In a preferred system, the valve
`displacer is mounted to a first catheter and the valve is
`mounted to a second catheter which passes through and is
`slidably coupled to the first catheter. Alternatively, the valve
`displacer and valve may be mounted to a single catheter. The
`term catheter as used herein refers to any catheter, trocar or
`40 similar device for introducing medical devices into a patient.
`In still another aspect of the present invention, the valve
`delivery catheter has a temporary valve mechanism which
`provides temporary valve functions after deployment of the
`valve displacer. The temporary valve mechanism prevents
`45 regurgitation while the native valve is held open and before
`deployment of the replacement cardiac valve. The tempo(cid:173)
`rary valve mechanism is preferably a balloon which is
`inflated and deflated as necessary to permit downstream flow
`and prevent retrograde flow. Although it is preferred to
`50 implant the cardiac valve while the patient's heart is beating,
`the devices and methods of the present invention may also
`be used with the patient's heart stopped and the patient
`supported by a bypass system.
`These and other advantages and aspects of the invention
`55 will become evident from the following description of the
`preferred embodiments and claims.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`In accordance with the object of the invention, a system
`and method for implanting a cardiac valve is provided which
`does not require a median sternotomy or major thoracotomy.
`The devices and methods of the present invention are
`preferably carried out by passing the valve through a blood
`vessel, preferably the femoral artery, so that the median 60
`sternotomy or major thoracotomy is not required.
`Alternatively, the systems of the present invention also
`permit introduction of the valve through a small incision
`between the patient's ribs without cutting the ribs or ster(cid:173)
`num.
`In a first aspect of the invention, a valve displacer is used
`to hold the native valve leaflets open so that the native valve
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIG. lA shows a system for implanting a cardiac valve.
`FIG. lB shows the system of FIG. IA introduced through
`a femoral vein.
`FIG. 2 shows the system of FIG. 1 with a sheath retracted
`to expose the cardiac valve, a valve displacer and a tempo-
`65 rary valve mechanism.
`FIG. 3 shows the valve displacer positioned between the
`native valve leaflets prior to expansion.
`
`Edwards Lifesciences Corporation, et al. Exhibit 1005, p. 25 of 30
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`US 6,425,916 Bl
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`15
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`4
`FIG. 36 shows the valve and valve displacer in the
`collapsed condition before being attached to one another.
`FIG. 37 shows the valve and valve displacer attached to
`one another and mounted to the delivery catheter.
`FIG. 38 shows the valve and the valve displacer in the
`expanded condition.
`
`3
`FIG. 4 shows the valve displacer expanded by a first
`expansion mechanism
`FIG. 5 shows the valve expanded by a second expansion
`mechanism into engagement with the valve displacer.
`FIG. 6 shows the valve displacer and valve implanted in 5
`the native valve position.
`FIG. 7 shows the valve displacer in the collapsed position.
`DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
`FIG. 8 shows the valve displacer in the expanded position.
`EMBODIMENTS
`FIG. 9 shows the valve and valve displacer in the 10
`Referring to FIGS. lA. lB and 2 a system for implanting
`expanded position.
`a replacement cardiac valve is shown. The present invention
`FIG. 10 shows the valve in a collapsed condition.
`is described in connection with implantation of a replace(cid:173)
`FIG. 11 is a plan view of the valve showing the leaflets.
`ment aortic valve but is applicable to any other cardiac
`valve. The system 2 includes a delivery catheter 4, a cardiac
`FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the catheter along line
`valve 6 and a valve displacer 8. A protective sheath 10
`A-A of FIG. 5.
`covers the delivery catheter 4, cardiac valve 6 and valve
`FIG. 13 shows another system for implanting another
`displacer 8 during introduction to prevent contact between
`cardiac valve.
`the blood vessel and the cardiac valve 6 and valve displacer
`FIG. 14 is a partial cut-away view of the catheter of FIG.
`8. FIGS. lA and lB show the sheath 10 extending around the
`13 with the valve contained in a chamber.
`20 cardiac valve 6 and valve displacer 8 and FIG. 2 shows the
`FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the catheter along line
`sheath 10 retracted to expose the cardiac valve 6 and valve
`B-B of FIG. 13.
`displacer 8.
`FIG. 16 shows another system for implanting a cardiac
`The cardiac valve 6 is preferably introduced through a
`valve.
`25 peripheral vessel such as the femoral artery (FIGS. lA and
`FIG. 17 shows the system of FIG. 16 with a distal portion
`2) or femoral vein (FIG. lB). FIG. lB shows introduction of
`of the valve displacer extending from the catheter.
`the catheter 2 through the femoral vein, into the right atrium,
`FIG. 18 shows the valve displacer fully deployed to hold
`through the intraatrial septum and into the left atrium to
`the native leaflets open.
`access the mitral valve. The peripheral vessel is preferably
`FIG. 19 shows the valve partially expanded with the
`30 a femoral vessel but may also be the internal jugular vein,
`catheter manipulated so that the valve engages the valve
`subclavian artery, axillary artery, abdominal aorta, descend(cid:173)
`ing aorta or any other suitable blood vessel. As will be
`displacer.
`explained below, the delivery catheter 4 may be introduced
`FIG. 20 shows the valve fully deployed and the catheter
`by surgical cutdown or percutaneously using the Seldinger
`removed.
`35 technique. An advantage of passing the catheter 4 through a
`FIG. 21 is a partial cut-away view of the catheter of FIGS.
`peripheral vessel is reduced trauma to the patient as com(cid:173)
`16-19.
`pared to the conventional open-chest procedure described
`FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the catheter along line
`above. Although it is preferred to deliver the cardiac valve
`C-C of FIG. 16.
`6 through a peripheral vessel, the cardiac valve 6 may also
`FIG. 23 shows another system for implanting a cardiac
`be introduced directly into the ascending aorta through a
`valve with the valve displacer positioned between the native 40
`small incision between ribs. The system 2 of the present
`leaflets.
`invention is small enough to deliver between the patient's
`FIG. 24 shows the valve displacer expanded.
`ribs so that the advantages of the present invention over
`FIG. 25 shows the valve partially deployed within the
`conventional open-chest surgery are provided even when
`valve displacer.
`45 introducing the catheter through an incision in the chest.
`FIG. 26 shows the valve fully deployed within the valve
`The valve displacer 8 is expanded within the native valve
`displacer.
`to hold the native cardiac valve leaflets 6 open. An advan(cid:173)
`tage of the system 2 and method of the present invention is
`FIG. 27 shows the valve displacer holding the native
`that the native valve does not need to be removed. The
`leaflets open with the valve deployed in the ascending aorta.
`replacement cardiac valves described herein may, of course,
`FIG. 28 shows the valve displacer holding the native 50
`also be used when removing the native valve rather than
`leaflets open with the valve deployed in the descending
`using the valve displacer 8. Furthermore, the valve displacer
`aorta.
`8 and cardiac valve 6 may be integrated into a single
`FIG. 29 shows the cardiac valve of FIGS. 23-28 in the
`structure and delivered together rather than separately. Thus,
`collapsed condition.
`FIG. 30 shows the cardiac valve of FIGS. 23-28 in the 55 all features of any valve displacer described herein may also
`form part of any of the cardiac valves described herein
`expanded condition.
`without departing from the scope of the invention.
`FIG. 31 shows another system for delivering a cardiac
`The valve displacer 8 is shown in the collapsed condition
`valve with the delivery catheter passing through a trocar in
`in FIGS. 3 and 7 and in the expanded condition in FIGS. 4
`the ascending aorta.
`60 and 8. When in the collapsed position, the valve displacer 8
`FIG. 32 shows an expansion mechanism expanding the
`forms a number of longitudinal slots 12 which form open(cid:173)
`valve displacer and the valve.
`ings 14 in the valve displacer 8 when in the expanded
`FIG. 33 shows sutures being pulled to invert the valve.
`condition. The valve displacer 8 is substantially cylindrical
`FIG. 34 shows the valve being stored in a preservative
`in the collapsed condition to facilitate introduction into the
`solution.
`65 patient.
`FIG. 35 shows the valve inverted and in the expanded
`Referring to FIG. 8, first and second ends 16, 18 of the
`valve displacer 8 flare outwardly to form a circumferential
`condition.
`
`Edwards Lifesciences Corporation, et al. Exhibit 1005, p. 26 of 30
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`5
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`6
`5
`recess 24 at a central section 22. The native leaflets are
`mechanism 40 is preferably a balloon 44 coupled to an
`trapped in the recess 24 when the valve displacer 8 is
`inflation mechanism 47 controlled by a control system 42.
`deployed. The first end 16 has three extensions 20 extending
`The control system 42 senses the patient's heartbeat to time
`from the central section 22. The valve displacer 8 may be
`balloon inflation and deflation to permit and prevent flow in
`made of any suitable material and preferred materials
`the same manner as the native valve. Similar systems for
`include stainless steel, nitinol, kevlar, titanium, nylon and
`synchronizing inflation and deflation of a balloon with the
`composites thereof. The valve displacer 8 may also be
`patient's heartbeat are known in balloon pump technology
`coated with an antithrombogenic coating. The valve dis(cid:173)
`and are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,817,001, 5,413,549 and
`placer 8 is preferably formed from a solid hypotube by
`5,254,097 which are hereby incorporated by reference. The
`etching or micromachining, machining from a solid
`10 balloon 44 is preferably inflated with a gas for quick
`material, or welding wire elements together. Although it is
`inflation and deflation. The temporary valve mechanism 40
`preferred to provide the flared ends 16, 18, the valve
`is preferably the balloon 44 but may also be a passive
`displacer 8 may have any other suitable shape which holds
`mechanical valve which automatically opens and closes due
`the leaflets open. The valve displacer 8 may also have a
`to blood flow forces.
`fabric cover 17 which can trap calcium fragments which 15
`The catheter 4 may also include an elongate balloon 45 to
`might break free from the valve when the valve displacer is
`help pump blood through the patient's body like a blood
`deployed. The cover 17 is preferably made of a polyesther
`pump. The balloon 45 is also coupled to an inflation mecha(cid:173)
`knit material, such as dacron, but may be made of any other
`nism 49 controlled by the control system 42 which inflates
`suitable material.
`and deflates the balloon 45 to provide pumping assistance to
`The cardiac valve 6 has an expandable support structure
`26 which moves from the collapsed position of FIGS. 4 and 20 the patient's heart. Balloon pump technology is described in
`the above-mentioned patents. The elongate balloon 45 may
`10 to the expanded position of FIGS. 5 and 9. The support
`be replaced by any other suitable blood pump, such as a
`structure 26 is preferably formed with first and second
`centrifugal pump having an impeller, without departing from
`elongate members 28, 30 which are wound to form windings
`the scope of the invention.
`31, preferably about 12-18 windings 31, around the circum- 25
`The temporary valve mechanism 40 and balloon 45 are, of
`ference of the valve 6. The first and second elongate mem(cid:173)
`course, only necessary when implanting the valve with the
`bers 28, 30 are attached to one another at windings 31 which
`patient's heart beating. If the patient's heart is stopped and
`forms three posts 32 extending from the support structure
`the patient is supported by a bypass system during the valve
`26.
`implantation procedure, the temporary valve mechanism 40
`The support structure 26 has a protrusion 34, preferably
`30 and/or balloon 45 may be used after the procedure for
`three, extending outwardly to form an interrupted lip around
`emergency valve functions or pumping assistance. The
`an end 35 of the support structure 26. The protrusions 34
`balloon 44 is preferably positioned in the ascending or
`engage the openings 14 in the valve displacer 8 as shown in
`descending aorta and the balloon 45 is preferably positioned
`FIG. 9 to secure the cardiac valve 6 to the valve displacer 8.
`in the descending aorta.
`The protrusions 34 are preferably formed by a coil 36
`Referring to FIGS. 3-6. the delivery catheter 4 also has
`wrapped around the loops 31 in the elongate member 30. As
`first and second expandable members 46, 48 which deploy
`will be described below, the support structure 26 may also
`the valve displacer 8 and cardiac valve 6. respectively. The
`have barbs to secure the cardiac valve 6 to the valve
`expandable members 46, 48 are preferably balloons 50, 52
`displacer 8 or to the blood vessel wall. The cardiac valve 6
`40 but may also be mechanically actuated devices. The balloons
`may also engage the valve displacer 8 with any other
`50, 52 are coupled to inflation lumens 54, 56 through which
`suitable connection.
`inflation fluid is delivered from sources of inflation fluid 58,
`The posts 32 support a valve portion 38 which performs
`60, respectively. The balloon 50 expands greater at the ends
`the functions of the patient's malfunctioning native valve.
`to form the flared ends 16, 18 of the valve displacer 8.
`Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the valve portion 38 is
`The delivery catheter 4 includes a first catheter 62, which
`preferably a stentless tissue valve such as a tri-leaflet 39 45
`carries the valve displacer 8, and a second catheter 64, which
`stentless porcine valve. The valve portion 38 has a base 41
`carries the cardiac valve 6. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 12, the
`which is secured to the support structure 26 with sutures (not
`second catheter 64 has a passageway 66 which receives the
`shown). The valve portion 38 may be stored separately from
`first catheter 62. A hemostasis valve 68 permits slidable
`support structure 26 and attached to the support structure 26
`movement between the first and second catheters 62, 64. The
`before the procedure. Although it is preferred to provide a 50
`first catheter 62 has lumen 54 for inflating balloon 50 and the
`tissue valve for the valve portion 38, the valve portion 38
`second catheter 64 has lumen 48 for inflating balloon 52.
`may also be made of a flexible, synthetic material. For
`The second catheter 64 also has a lumen 51 for inflating
`example, the valve portion 38 may be made of polyurethane
`balloon 44 and a lumen 53 for inflating balloon 45. The first
`similar to the valves described in "A Tricuspid Polyurethane
`catheter 62 also has a main lumen 70 which receives a
`Heart Valve as Alternative to Mechanical Prostheses or 55
`guidewire 72.
`Bioprostheses," by Lo et al., Trans Am Society of Artificial
`Internal Organs, 1988; 34: pgsvalve displacer 839-844, and
`The slidable connection between the first and second
`"Evaluation of Explanted Polyurethane Trileaflet Cardiac
`catheters 62, 64 permits introduction of the first catheter 62
`Valve Prostheses," Journal Thoracic Cardiovascular
`over the guidewire 72 with the second catheter 64 being
`Surgery, 1988; 94: pgs 419-429.
`60 advanced over the first catheter 62 after the valve displacer
`Referring to FIGS. 2-4, the delivery catheter 4 has a
`8 is in the ascending aorta. In this manner, the first catheter
`62 may be advanced more easily over the guidewire 72 and
`temporary valve mechanism 40 which provides temporary
`valve functions during and/or after deployment of the valve
`through the patient's vasculature, such as around the aortic
`displacer 8. The temporary valve mechanism 40 ensures
`arch, as compared to a single, multichannel catheter having
`all features of the first and second catheters 62, 64. The first
`proper blood flow regulation when the leaflets are held open 65
`and second catheters 62, 64 may be wire-reinforced (not
`by the valve displacer 8 to provide time for accurate posi(cid:173)
`tioning and deployment of the valve 6. The temporary valve
`shown) catheters constructed in the manner described in
`
`35
`
`Edwards Lifesciences Corporation, et al. Exhibit 1005, p. 27 of 30
`
`

`

`US 6,425,916 Bl
`
`10
`
`7
`Published PCT Application WO 97/32623 entitled "Cannula
`and Method of Manufacture and Use" which is hereby
`incorporated by reference.
`A method of implanting a cardiac valve 6 in accordance
`with the present invention is now described in connection
`with FIGS. 1-6. Although the method is described in con(cid:173)
`nection with the system described above, the method may be
`practiced with other suitable devices, including the devices
`and systems described below, without departing from the
`scope of the invention. Furthermore, the method is described
`in connection with replacing the aortic valve, however, the
`method may also be applied to other other cardiac valves
`such as the mitral, tricuspid and pulmonary valves.
`Before implanting the cardiac valve 6, it may be desirable
`to perform valvuloplasty to break up pathologic adhesions
`between the native valve leaflets. Breaking up adhesions
`ensures that the valve displacer 8 expands fully to provide a
`large blood flow path. Valvuloplasty is preferably performed
`with a balloon which is inflated to open the leaflets and break
`the adhesions. The native cardiac valve and annulus are also
`sized to determine the proper size valve displacer 8 and
`cardiac valve 6. Sizing may be carried out using fluoroscopy,
`intravascular ultrasound or with any other suitable device
`during or after the valvuloplasty. Size parameters to consider
`include the cross-sectional profile through the valve, the
`length and size of the valve leaflets and position of the
`coronary ostia.
`The delivery catheter 4 is preferably introduced into the
`patient by surgical cutdown in the femoral artery but may
`also be introduced percutaneously using the Seldinger tech(cid:173)
`nique. As mentioned above, the delivery catheter 4 may also
`be introduced into any other suitable vessel or through a
`small incision in the chest. The first and second catheters 62,
`64 are advanced into the artery through the cutdown a short
`distance. The guidewire 72 is then advanced ahead of the
`first and second catheters 62, 64 up the descending aorta,
`around the aortic arch, into the ascending aorta and across
`the aortic valve. The first catheter 62 is then advanced over
`the guidewire 72 to the ascending aorta with the sheath 10
`covering the first catheter 62 to prevent contact between the
`valve displacer 8 and the blood vessel or native valve. The
`second catheter 64 is then advanced over the first catheter 62
`to position the cardiac valve 6 in the ascending aorta. The
`sheath 10 also prevents contact between the cardiac valve 6 45
`and vessel wall when advancing the second catheter 64. The
`sheath 10 is then retracted as shown in FIG. 2 to expose the
`valve displacer 8 and the cardiac valve 6.
`The valve displacer 8 is then introduced between the
`valve leaflets as shown in FIG. 3 and the balloon 50 is
`inflated to expand the valve displacer as shown in FIG. 4.
`The valve displacer 8 holds the native valve leaflets open so
`that the native valve does not have to be removed. When the
`valve displacer 8 has been deployed, the temporary valve
`mechanism 40 provides temporary valve functions by inflat(cid:173)
`ing and deflating the balloon 44 at appropriate times to
`permit and block flow in the same manner as the native
`valve. The balloon 45 may also be inflated and deflated to
`provide pumping assistance to the patient's heart during the
`procedure. Although the above-described method is per(cid:173)
`formed with the patient's heart beating, the procedure may
`also be performed on a stopped heart with the patient
`supported by a bypass system.
`The second catheter 64 is then advanced until the valve 6
`is positioned adjacent the valve displacer 8. Although FIG. 65
`5 shows the first catheter 62 extending into the left ventricle,
`the first catheter 62 may also be designed to be withdrawn
`
`8
`into the passageway 66 of the second catheter 64 so that the
`first catheter 62 does not extend beyond the second catheter
`64. The balloon 52 is then partially inflated so that the distal
`end of the valve 6 having the protrusions 34 expands. The
`5 second catheter 64 is then manipulated until the protrusions
`34 engage the openings 14 in the valve displacer 8. The
`balloon 52 is then inflated further to expand the rest of the
`support structure 26. The catheters 62, 64 are then removed
`leaving the cardiac valve 6 in place.
`Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, another system 2A for
`implanting a cardiac valve 6A is shown wherein the same or
`similar reference numbers refer to the same or similar
`structures. The cardiac valve 6A is similar to the cardiac
`valve 6 described above, however, the cardiac valve 6A is
`15 self-expanding and, therefore, does not require an indepen(cid:173)
`dent expansion mechanism. The support structure 26A is
`made of a resilient material to naturally bias the support
`structure 26A to the expanded position. The support struc(cid:173)
`ture 26Amay be made of any suitable material and preferred
`20 materials are stainless steel or shape-memory alloys such as
`nitinol. Delivery catheter 4Ahas the expandable member 46,
`which is preferably the balloon 50, for expanding the valve
`displacer 8.
`The cardiac valve 6A is contained wi