Prosthetic valve with vessel engaging member

Abstract

Medical devices for implantation in a body vessel are provided. Each medical device comprises a main body, a valve, and a vessel engaging member. The vessel engaging member is disposed on an outer surface of the main body. Kits including a plurality of vessel engaging members for use with one or more valve members are also provided. The vessel engaging members have varying radial dimensions, allowing assembly of medical devices having varying radial dimensions. Methods of treating a patient using medical devices according to the invention are also provided.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 857,403, filed on May 28, 2004, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60 / 473,911, filed on May 28, 2003. Each of these applications is hereby incorporated into this disclosure in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to medical devices. More particularly, the invention relates to medical devices for implantation in a body vessel.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Many vessels in animals transport fluids from one bodily location to another. Frequently, fluid flows in a unidirectional manner along the length of the vessel. Varying fluid pressures over time, however, can introduce a reverse flow direction in the vessel. In some vessels, such as mammalian veins, natural valves are positioned along the length of the vessel and act as one-way check valves that open to permit the flow of fluid in the desired direction...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The invention provides medical devices for implantation in a body vessel, such as a prosthetic valve and delivery devices. These devices can be used to treat patients with damaged or blocked blood vessels. The invention also includes kits and methods for implanting the medical devices at a specific location in the body vessel. The technical effects of the invention include improved blood flow and reduced risk of complications during surgery."

Problems solved by technology

Varying fluid pressures over time, however, can introduce a reverse flow direction in the vessel.

While natural valves may function for an extended time, some may lose effectiveness, which can lead to physical manifestations and pathology.

For example, venous valves are susceptible to becoming insufficient due to one or more of a variety of factors.

Over time, the vessel wall may stretch, affecting the ability of the valve leaflets to close.

Furthermore, the leaflets may become damaged, such as by formation of thrombus and scar tissue, which may also affect the ability of the valve leaflets to close.

Once valves are damaged, venous valve insufficiency may be present, which can lead to discomfort and possibly ulcers in the legs and ankles.

These techniques are generally undesirable because they represent a relatively invasive approach to treating valve insufficiency.

One challenge in the development of prosthetic valves is the sizing of the valves.

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