Systems, devices, and methods related to manufacturing endovascular-implantable prosthetic valves

Abstract

To provide an improved technique for manufacturing and manufacturability of a prosthetic valve such as an implantable prosthetic heart valve having artificial polymer leaflets.SOLUTION: Improved prosthetic heart valves, methods of manufacturing the same, and systems and devices for manufacturing the valves are described. The prosthetic heart valve can be configured for transcatheter implantation. The prosthetic heart valve can have prosthetic valve leaflets. The prosthetic heart valve can be manufactured in numerous ways, such as by a polymer dipping process. In one embodiment, a method of manufacturing an implantable valve includes dipping a stent into a wet polymer, placing the stent on a mold, dipping the mold and stent into the wet polymer such that at least a portion of the mold and at least a portion of the stent are coated with a polymer coating, and allowing the polymer coating to cure.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 597,099, filed December 11, 2017, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 698,749, filed July 16, 2018, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 699,467, filed July 17, 2018, all of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety and for all purposes. (Field)

[0002] The subject matter described herein relates generally to improved replacement valves, and more particularly to improved techniques for the fabrication and manufacturability of prosthetic valves, such as implantable prosthetic heart valves having artificial polymer leaflets. [Background technology]

[0003] The human heart has several valves to maintain proper blood flow throughout the body. The main valves of the heart are the atrioventricular (AV) valves, including the bicuspid (mitral) and tricuspid valves, and the semilunar valves, including the aortic and pulmonary valves. When healthy, each of these valves operates in a similar manner. The valves transition between an open state (allowing blood flow) and a closed state (preventing blood flow) in response to pressure differences across the valve.

[0004] A patient's health can be seriously at risk if any of these valves begin to malfunction. Malfunction can result from a variety of reasons, but it typically results in either stenosis or regurgitation, which restricts blood flow and allows blood to flow in the wrong direction. If the defect is severe, the heart valve may require replacement.

[0005] Significant efforts have been made to develop replacement heart valves, particularly replacement aortic and mitral valves. Currently, there is significant interest in transcatheter implantation of prosthetic valves. Transcatheter valve implementation often involves a bioprosthetic valve integrated with an artificial aortic stent. This approach offers the advantages of tissue-based valves with minimally invasive catheter-based implantation techniques. Examples of such transcatheter implantation techniques include aortic valve replacement techniques such as transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), and mitral valve replacement techniques such as transcatheter mitral valve implantation (TMVI) and transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR). These techniques involve introducing a valve prosthesis into the patient's body using a catheter (as opposed to first removing the native valve) and then expanding the prosthesis over the existing, damaged heart valve. Transcatheter implantation of bioprosthetic valves suffers from the finite lifespan of the biological tissue used to form the valve leaflets, which is further exacerbated by catheter-based implantation. To fit the valve into the catheter, the valve must be reduced to a smaller cross-sectional size than is necessary for operation in the aortic or mitral valve position. This reduction in size can cause the tissue leaflets to crease, making these creases susceptible to calcification at a higher rate than uncreased tissue.

[0006] For these and other reasons, there is a need for improved implantable valves, as well as improved systems, devices, and methods for manufacturing implantable valves. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] Provided herein are several exemplary embodiments of prosthetic heart valves configured for implantation through a catheter or other intravascular delivery device. These embodiments generally include a stent or support structure coupled with a valve body having two or more artificial polymeric valve leaflets. The prosthetic valve can be contracted to a reduced radial dimension that allows passage through the patient's vasculature, or otherwise introduced into the patient's body at a smaller dimension than required after implantation. In many embodiments, the prosthetic valve can autonomously expand to an expanded configuration for operation in regulating the patient's blood flow. The prosthetic valve can be configured as an aortic valve or mitral valve replacement.

[0008] Systems, devices, and methods for manufacturing or for use in manufacturing prosthetic heart valves are also provided. Many of these embodiments utilize an immersion casting or immersion process that involves immersing some or all of the elements of the prosthetic valve (or used in forming the prosthetic heart valve) in a wet polymer to form a polymer coating thereon. The polymer can then be hardened to form a coating on a portion of the heart valve or to form a component of the heart valve itself. Many variations of method embodiments are disclosed, and the methods themselves can be modified, rearranged, and supplemented with additional steps.

[0009] Other systems, devices, methods, features, and advantages of the subject matter described herein will be, or will become, apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. All such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages are intended to be included within this description, be within the scope of the subject matter described herein, and be protected by the accompanying claims. Features of the example embodiments should not be construed in any way as limiting the appended claims without express recitation of those features in the claims. The present invention provides, for example, the following. (Item 1) 1. An implantable valve, comprising: a stent comprising a plurality of deflectable struts; a polymeric valve body coupled with the stent, the polymeric valve body comprising a plurality of prosthetic valve leaflets; Equipped with The implantable valve has a radial dimension and is transitionable between a contracted state and an expanded state, the radial dimension being relatively smaller in the contracted state than in the expanded state. (Item 2) 2. The implantable valve of claim 1, wherein the stent and valve body are bonded together using a curing polymer. (Item 3) Item 10. The implantable valve of item 1, wherein the stent is encapsulated in the hardened polymer. (Item 4) 4. The implantable valve of claim 3, wherein the polymer valve body is comprised of the cured polymer. (Item 5) Item 1, wherein the implantable valve has a longitudinal axis and the plurality of deflectable struts transverse the longitudinal axis when the implantable valve is in the expanded state. (Item 6) Item 6. The implantable valve of item 5, wherein when in a fully contracted state, the plurality of deflectable struts are parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. (Item 7) Item 6. The implantable valve of item 5, further comprising a plurality of longitudinal struts, each of the plurality of longitudinal struts positioned at a commissure between adjacent leaflets. (Item 8) 8. The implantable valve of claim 7, wherein each of the plurality of longitudinal struts is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the implantable valve when the implantable valve is in the expanded and contracted configurations. (Item 9) 9. The implantable valve of claim 7 or 8, wherein the deflectable struts intersect to form a plurality of cells. (Item 10) Item 10. The implantable valve of item 9, wherein the stent comprises a first row of cells located adjacent a downstream end of the stent, and the plurality of longitudinal struts are within the first row of cells. (Item 11) Item 11. The implantable valve of item 10, wherein the stent comprises a second row of cells located upstream of the first row of cells, and wherein no longitudinal struts are within the second row of cells. (Item 12) Item 10. The implantable valve of item 1, wherein the valve body includes a skirt located upstream from the upstream end of the stent. (Item 13) Item 13. The implantable valve of item 12, wherein the skirt extends beyond the upstream end of the stent. (Item 14) Item 14. The implantable valve of item 13, wherein the skirt extends over an exterior upstream portion of the stent. (Item 15) Item 15. The implantable valve of item 14, wherein the skirt extends over and is not joined to the exterior upstream portion of the stent. (Item 16) 16. The implantable valve of any of items 1-15, wherein the stent comprises primary apexes and secondary apexes. (Item 17) Item 17. The implantable valve of item 16, wherein the primary apex comprises a plurality of primary apex segments and the secondary apex comprises a plurality of secondary apex segments. (Item 18) Item 18. The implantable valve of item 17, wherein the downstream end of each of the plurality of primary apex segments is radially aligned with the interface between adjacent leaflets. (Item 19) Item 18. The implantable valve of item 17, wherein each of the plurality of secondary apex segments has a downstream end that is upstream of the downstream end of each of the plurality of primary apex segments. (Item 20) Item 17. The implantable valve of item 16, wherein the stent comprises a waist, and the primary and secondary apexes extend relatively further radially outward than the waist when the implantable valve is in the expanded configuration. (Item 21) 21. The implantable valve of claim 20, wherein the secondary apices extend relatively further radially outward than the primary apices when the implantable valve is in the expanded configuration. (Item 22) Item 22. The implantable valve of item 21, wherein the secondary apex is configured to deflect radially outward from a first position when the valve opens and to deflect back to the first position when the valve closes. (Item 23) Item 17. The implantable valve of item 16, wherein the stent comprises tertiary apices located upstream of the primary and secondary apices. (Item 24) Item 24. The implantable valve of item 23, wherein the tertiary apex comprises a plurality of tertiary apex segments. (Item 25) Item 25. The implantable valve of item 24, wherein the upstream end of the stent is formed by the upstream end of each of the plurality of tertiary apex segments. (Item 26) Item 24. The implantable valve of item 23, wherein the stent comprises waists, and the primary apices, secondary apices, and tertiary apices extend relatively further radially outward than the waists when the implantable valve is in the expanded configuration. (Item 27) Item 27. The implantable valve of item 26, wherein the secondary apices extend relatively further radially outward than the primary apices and the tertiary apices when the implantable valve is in the expanded configuration. (Item 28) 28. The implantable valve of any of items 1-27, wherein the plurality of leaflets is two or three leaflets. (Item 29) 28. The implantable valve of any of items 1-27, wherein the implantable valve is configured to replace an aortic valve in a human heart. (Item 30) 28. The implantable valve of any of items 1-27, wherein the implantable valve is configured to replace the mitral valve of a human heart. (Item 31) 28. The implantable valve of any of items 1-27, wherein the stent comprises a primary structure and a secondary structure is coated over the primary structure. (Item 32) 1. A method of implanting a prosthetic valve, the method comprising: moving the prosthetic valve through the body of the recipient using an elongate delivery device while the prosthetic valve is in a contracted state; implanting the prosthetic valve within the body of the recipient by deploying the prosthetic valve from at least the delivery device, wherein the prosthetic valve is implanted in an expanded configuration; Including, The method, wherein the prosthetic valve is according to any of items 1-31. (Item 33) 1. A method of manufacturing an implantable valve, said method comprising: dipping the stent in a wet polymer; placing the stent on a mold; dipping the mold and stent into a wet polymer such that at least a portion of the mold and at least a portion of the stent are coated with a polymer coating; allowing the polymer coating to harden; and A method comprising: (Item 34) Item 34. The method of item 33, wherein the mold has contoured surfaces for forming the valve leaflets. (Item 35) Item 35. The method of item 34, wherein the stent is placed on the mold such that the stent is aligned with the contoured surface on the mold. (Item 36) Item 36. The method of item 35, wherein the contoured surface of the mold has draft angles aligned with commissure locations on the stent. (Item 37) 34. The method of claim 33, further comprising trimming the polymer coating to form a plurality of leaflets. (Item 38) 34. The method of claim 33, further comprising removing the stent and polymer coating from the mold. (Item 39) Item 34. The method of item 33, wherein dipping the stent in a wet polymer forms a wet polymer coating on the stent, and placing the stent on the mold includes placing the stent with the wet polymer coating on the mold. (Item 40) 34. The method of claim 33, further comprising finishing the polymer coating to form the implantable valve. (Item 41) 41. The method of claim 40, wherein the implantable valve is according to any of items 1-31. (Item 42) 1. A method of manufacturing an implantable valve, said method comprising: forming a polymer valve body; positioning the polymer valve body over a stent; dipping the stent and the upstream portion of the polymer valve body into a wet polymer such that a polymer coating is disposed on the upstream portion; allowing the polymer coating to harden; and A method comprising: (Item 43) forming the polymer valve body dipping a mold into a wet polymer to form a polymer coating on the mold; allowing the polymer coating on the mold to harden; trimming the valve body to form a plurality of valve leaflets; Item 43. The method according to Item 42, comprising: (Item 44) Item 44. The method of item 43, wherein the mold has a contoured surface for forming the plurality of valve leaflets. (Item 45) dipping the stent in a wet polymer; allowing the immersed stent to harden prior to positioning the polymer valve body over the stent; Item 43. The method of item 42, further comprising: (Item 46) Item 43. The method of item 42, wherein the polymeric valve body is positioned over the stent such that the stent is aligned with the plurality of valve leaflets. (Item 47) Item 43. The method of item 42, wherein the polymeric valve body is positioned over the stent such that commissure locations between adjacent leaflets are aligned with corresponding locations on the stent. (Item 48) Item 43. The method of item 42, wherein the valve body comprises a plurality of leaflets, and the stent and the upstream portion of the polymer valve body are immersed in a wetting polymer such that the polymer coating is disposed on the upstream portion and not on the plurality of leaflets. (Item 49) Item 43. The method of item 42, wherein allowing the polymer coating to harden includes allowing the polymer coating to harden while the upstream end of the valve body faces downward. (Item 50) 43. The method of claim 42, wherein the implantable valve is formed after allowing the polymer coating to harden or after applying a valve finish to the stent or valve body. (Item 51) 51. The method of claim 50, wherein the implantable valve is according to any of items 1-31. (Item 52) 1. A method of manufacturing an implantable valve, said method comprising: forming a polymer valve body; dipping the stent in a wet polymer; positioning the stent having a wet polymer thereon over the polymer valve body; dipping the stent and the upstream portion of the polymer valve body into a wet polymer such that a polymer coating is disposed on the upstream portion; allowing the polymer coating to harden; and A method comprising: (Item 53) forming the polymer valve body dipping a mold into a wet polymer to form a polymer coating on the mold; allowing the polymer coating on the mold to harden; Item 53. The method according to Item 52, comprising: (Item 54) Item 54. The method of item 53, wherein the mold has a contoured surface for forming the plurality of valve leaflets. (Item 55) Item 53. The method of item 52, wherein the stent is positioned over the valve body such that the stent is aligned with a plurality of leaflets of the valve body. (Item 56) Item 53. The method of item 52, wherein the stent is positioned over the polymeric valve body such that commissure locations between adjacent leaflets of the polymeric valve body are aligned with corresponding locations on the stent. (Item 57) 53. The method of claim 52, wherein the valve body comprises a plurality of leaflets, and the stent and the upstream portion of the polymer valve body are immersed in a wetting polymer such that the polymer coating is disposed on the upstream portion and not on the plurality of leaflets. (Item 58) Item 53. The method of item 52, wherein allowing the polymer coating to harden includes allowing the polymer coating to harden while the upstream end of the valve body faces downward. (Item 59) 53. The method of claim 52, wherein the implantable valve is formed after allowing the polymer coating to harden or after applying a valve finish to the stent or valve body. (Item 60) 59. The method of claim 58, wherein the implantable valve is according to any of items 1-31. (Item 61) 1. A method of manufacturing an implantable valve, said method comprising: dipping the mold into a wet polymer to form a wet polymer coating; dipping the stent in a wet polymer; positioning the stent having a wet polymer thereon over the polymer coating in the wet state; allowing the stent and polymer coating to harden; and A method comprising: (Item 62) Item 62. The method of item 61, wherein the mold has a contoured surface for forming a plurality of valve leaflets. (Item 63) Item 62. The method of item 61, wherein the stent is positioned over the polymer coating in the wet state such that the stent is aligned with the contoured surface of the mold. (Item 64) Item 62. The method of item 61, wherein allowing the polymer coating to harden includes allowing the polymer coating to harden while the downstream end of the mold faces upward. (Item 65) Item 62. The method of item 61, wherein the implantable valve is formed after allowing the polymer coating to harden or after applying a valve finish to the stent or valve body. (Item 66) Item 62. The method of item 61, wherein the implantable valve is according to any of items 1-31. (Item 67) 1. A method of manufacturing an implantable valve, said method comprising: Positioning a stent over the polymer valve body; bonding the stent to the polymer valve body; A method comprising: (Item 68) Item 68. The method of item 67, further comprising forming the polymeric valve body prior to positioning the stent over the polymeric valve body. (Item 69) forming the polymer valve body immersing the mold in wet polymer; allowing the wet polymer on the mold to harden; Item 69. The method according to Item 68, comprising: (Item 70) Item 70. The method of item 69, wherein the mold has a contoured surface for forming the plurality of valve leaflets. (Item 71) dipping the stent in a wet polymer; allowing the wet polymer to harden prior to positioning the stent over the polymer valve body; Item 68. The method of item 67, further comprising: (Item 72) Item 68. The method of item 67, wherein the stent is positioned over the valve body such that the stent is aligned with a plurality of leaflets of the valve body. (Item 73) Item 68. The method of item 67, wherein the stent is positioned over the polymeric valve body such that commissure locations between adjacent leaflets of the polymeric valve body are aligned with corresponding locations on the stent. (Item 74) 75. The method of claim 67, wherein bonding the stent to the polymer valve body is performed using one of polymer bonding, solvent bonding, plasma bonding, or ultrasonic welding. Item 68. The method of item 67, wherein the implantable valve is formed after allowing the polymer coating to harden or after applying a valve finish to the stent or valve body. (Item 76) 76. The method of claim 75, wherein the implantable valve is according to any of items 1-31. (Item 77) 1. A method of manufacturing an implantable valve, said method comprising: dipping the stent in a wet polymer; positioning a polymer valve body within the stent having a wet polymer thereon; positioning the polymer valve body skirt over the stent having a wet polymer thereon; allowing the wet polymer to harden; and A method comprising: (Item 78) 78. The method of claim 77, further comprising forming the polymer valve body prior to dipping the stent in a wet polymer. (Item 79) forming the polymer valve body immersing the mold in wet polymer; allowing the wet polymer on the mold to harden; 79. The method of claim 78, comprising: (Item 80) 80. The method of claim 79, further comprising trimming a plurality of leaflets on the valve body. (Item 81) 80. The method of claim 79, wherein the polymer valve body is positioned within the stent having a wet polymer thereon while the polymer valve body is on the mold. (Item 82) Item 82. The method of item 81, wherein the valve body is positioned within the stent such that the stent is aligned with the leaflets of the valve body. (Item 83) Item 82. The method of item 81, wherein the polymeric valve body is positioned within the stent such that commissure locations between adjacent leaflets of the polymeric valve body are aligned with corresponding locations on the stent. (Item 84) Item 78. The method of item 77, further comprising placing a peel-off shim between the skirt and the stent. (Item 85) 78. The method of claim 77, wherein allowing the wet polymer to harden comprises placing the polymer valve body and stent within an outer mandrel. (Item 86) Item 78. The method of item 77, further comprising placing tensioning elements over the skirt after the skirt is positioned over the stent. (Item 87) Item 78. The method of item 77, further comprising placing a tensioning element over the skirt after the skirt is positioned over the stent and prior to allowing the wet polymer to harden. (Item 88) 78. The method of claim 77, wherein the implantable valve is formed after allowing the wet polymer to harden or after applying a valve finish to the stent or valve body. (Item 89) 89. The method of claim 88, wherein the implantable valve is according to any of items 1-31. (Item 90) 1. A method of manufacturing an implantable valve, said method comprising: Positioning a polymer valve body within a stent; at least partially radially contracting the stent; positioning the polymer valve body skirt over the stent while at least partially radially contracted; allowing the stent to expand; A method comprising: (Item 91) 91. The method of claim 90, further comprising forming the polymeric valve body prior to positioning the polymeric valve body within the stent. (Item 92) forming the polymer valve body immersing the mold in wet polymer; allowing the wet polymer on the mold to harden; Item 91. The method according to Item 91, comprising: (Item 93) Item 93. The method of item 92, further comprising trimming a plurality of leaflets on the valve body. (Item 94) Item 93. The method of item 92, wherein the polymer valve body is positioned within the stent while the polymer valve body is on the mold. (Item 95) 91. The method of claim 90, further comprising coating the stent with a polymer before positioning the polymer valve body within the stent. (Item 96) dipping the stent in a wet polymer; allowing the wet polymer to harden before positioning the polymer valve body within the stent; Item 90. The method of item 90, further comprising: (Item 97) Item 91. The method of item 90, wherein the valve body is positioned within the stent such that the stent is aligned with the leaflets of the valve body. (Item 98) Item 91. The method of item 90, wherein the polymeric valve body is positioned within the stent such that commissure locations between adjacent leaflets of the polymeric valve body are aligned with corresponding locations on the stent. (Item 99) Item 91. The method of item 90, further comprising placing a peel shim between the skirt and the stent. (Item 100) Item 101. The method of item 90, wherein the at least partially radially contracting the stent comprises placing the polymer valve body and stent within an outer mandrel. Item 101. The method of item 100, wherein allowing the stent to expand includes removing the stent from the outer mandrel. (Item 102) Item 91. The method of item 90, further comprising placing tensioning elements over the skirt after the skirt is positioned over the stent. (Item 103) Item 91. The method of claim 90, wherein the implantable valve is formed after allowing the stent to expand or after performing a valve finish on the stent or valve body. (Item 104) Item 104. The method of item 103, wherein the implantable valve is according to any of items 1-31. (Item 105) 1. A method of manufacturing an implantable valve, said method comprising: positioning a polymeric valve body having multiple leaflets over at least a portion of a stent such that a portion of the polymeric valve body extends past the stent; everting a portion of the polymeric valve body so that the plurality of valve leaflets are positioned within the stent; A method comprising: (Item 106) Item 106. The method of item 105, further comprising forming the polymer valve body prior to positioning the polymer valve body over the stent. (Item 107) forming the polymer valve body immersing the mold in wet polymer; allowing the wet polymer on the mold to harden; Item 107. The method according to Item 106, comprising: (Item 108) Item 108. The method of item 107, further comprising trimming a plurality of leaflets on the valve body. (Item 109) Item 106. The method of item 105, further comprising coating the stent with a polymer before positioning the polymer valve body over at least a portion of the stent. (Item 110) dipping the stent in a wet polymer; allowing the wet polymer to harden before positioning the polymer valve body over at least a portion of the stent; Item 106. The method of item 105, further comprising: (Item 111) Item 106. The method of item 105, wherein the polymeric valve body is positioned over at least a portion of the stent such that the plurality of valve leaflets are aligned with the stent. (Item 112) Item 106. The method of item 105, wherein the polymeric valve body is positioned over at least a portion of the stent such that commissure locations between adjacent ones of the plurality of valve leaflets are aligned with corresponding locations on the stent. (Item 113) Item 106. The method of item 105, further comprising placing a tensioning element on the polymer valve body. (Item 114) Item 106. The method of item 105, wherein the implantable valve is formed after everting a portion of the polymeric valve body or after performing a valve finish on the stent or valve body. (Item 115) Item 115. The method of item 114, wherein the implantable valve is according to any of items 1-31. (Item 116) 1. A method of manufacturing an implantable valve, said method comprising: inserting an upstream end of the mold into the stent; dipping the mold and stent into a wet polymer to form a polymer coating; allowing the polymer coating to cure to form a valve body; and removing the valve body and stent from the mold; everting the downstream side of the valve body into the stent; A method comprising: (Item 117) Item 117. The method of item 116, further comprising applying a restraining band over the exterior of the stent and mold prior to immersing the mold and stent in the wet polymer. (Item 118) Item 117. The method of item 116, wherein allowing the polymer coating to harden and forming the valve body comprises allowing the polymer coating to harden while the downstream end of the mold faces downward. (Item 119) Item 117. The method of item 116, further comprising trimming a plurality of leaflets on the downstream side of the valve body prior to removing the valve body and stent from the mold. (Item 120) Item 117. The method of item 116, further comprising coating the stent with a polymer before inserting the upstream end of the mold into the stent. (Item 121) dipping the stent in a wet polymer; allowing the wet polymer to harden before inserting the upstream end of the mold into the stent; Item 117. The method of item 116, further comprising: (Item 122) Item 123. The method of item 116, wherein inserting the upstream end of the mold into the stent includes aligning a draft angle location on the mold with a corresponding location on the stent. Item 117. The method of item 116, wherein the implantable valve is formed after everting the downstream side of the valve body into the stent or after performing a valve finish on the stent or valve body. (Item 124) Item 124. The method of item 123, wherein the implantable valve is according to any of items 1-31. (Item 125) An implantable valve manufactured according to the method of any of items 33-124. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] Details of the subject matter described herein, both with respect to its structure and operation, may become apparent by examination of the accompanying figures, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the subject matter. Moreover, all illustrations are intended to convey concepts, and relative sizes, shapes, and other detailed attributes may be illustrated diagrammatically, rather than literally or precisely.

[0011] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A is a perspective view depicting an exemplary embodiment of a prosthetic valve.

[0012] [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a top-down view depicting an exemplary embodiment of a prosthetic valve.

[0013] [Figure 1C] 1C-1D are side views depicting an exemplary embodiment of a prosthetic valve in an expanded and contracted state, respectively. [Figure 1D] 1C-1D are side views depicting an exemplary embodiment of a prosthetic valve in an expanded and contracted state, respectively.

[0014] [Figure 1E] FIG. 1E is a photograph depicting an exemplary embodiment of a prosthetic valve stent.

[0015] [Figure 2A] 2A-2B are side views depicting an exemplary embodiment of a prosthetic valve in an expanded and contracted state, respectively. [Figure 2B] 2A-2B are side views depicting an exemplary embodiment of a prosthetic valve in an expanded and contracted state, respectively.

[0016] [Figure 2C] FIG. 2C is a side view depicting an exemplary embodiment of a prosthetic valve.

[0017] [Figure 3A]FIG. 3A is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a stent of a prosthetic valve in an expanded state.

[0018] [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is a side view of the front half of an exemplary embodiment of a prosthetic valve stent in an expanded state.

[0019] [Figure 3C] 3C-3D are perspective and side views, respectively, of an exemplary embodiment of a stent for a prosthetic valve in a contracted state. [Figure 3D] 3C-3D are perspective and side views, respectively, of an exemplary embodiment of a stent for a prosthetic valve in a contracted state.

[0020] [Figure 3E] 3E-3F are each partial cross-sectional views depicting the front half of an exemplary embodiment of a valve within a cross-section of the aortic anatomy when the valve is in an open and closed state. [Figure 3F] 3E-3F are each partial cross-sectional views depicting the front half of an exemplary embodiment of a valve within a cross-section of the aortic anatomy when the valve is in an open and closed state.

[0021] [Figure 4-1] 4A-4F are photographs of an example of various stages in the valve manufacturing process. [Figure 4-2] 4A-4F are photographs of an example of various stages in the valve manufacturing process. [Figure 4-3] 4A-4F are photographs of an example of various stages in the valve manufacturing process.

[0022] [Figure 5-1] FIG. 5A is a flow diagram depicting an exemplary embodiment of a method for manufacturing a valve.

[0023] [Figure 5-2] 5B-5C each show a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a mold before and after placement of an exemplary stent thereon.

[0024] [Figure 6A] FIG. 6A is a flow diagram depicting an exemplary embodiment of a method for manufacturing a valve.

[0025] [Figure 6B] 6B-6C are perspective and top-down views, respectively, of an exemplary embodiment of a valve body stent in an expanded state. [Figure 6C] 6B-6C are perspective and top-down views, respectively, of an exemplary embodiment of a valve body stent in an expanded state.

[0026] [Figure 6D] FIG. 6D is a photograph depicting an exemplary stage in manufacturing an exemplary embodiment of a valve.

[0027] [Figure 7] 7-10A are flow diagrams depicting exemplary embodiments of methods for manufacturing a valve. [Figure 8] 7-10A are flow diagrams depicting exemplary embodiments of methods for manufacturing a valve. [Figure 9] 7-10A are flow diagrams depicting exemplary embodiments of methods for manufacturing a valve. [Figure 10A] 7-10A are flow diagrams depicting exemplary embodiments of methods for manufacturing a valve.

[0028] [Figure 10B] FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view depicting an exemplary embodiment of a valve during manufacturing.

[0029] [Figure 11] 11-13A are flow diagrams depicting exemplary embodiments of methods for manufacturing a valve. [Figure 12] 11-13A are flow diagrams depicting exemplary embodiments of methods for manufacturing a valve. [Figure 13A] 11-13A are flow diagrams depicting exemplary embodiments of methods for manufacturing a valve.

[0030] [Figure 13B] FIG. 13B is a cross-sectional view depicting an exemplary embodiment of a valve during manufacturing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] Before the present subject matter is described in detail, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to particular embodiments described, as such may, of course, vary. Also, the scope of the present disclosure will be limited only by the appended claims, and it is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting.

[0032] Exemplary embodiments described herein relate to improved implantable prosthetic valves, such as prosthetic heart valves having a support structure, stent, or frame coupled with two or more leaflets, and techniques for the manufacture and manufacturability of implantable valves. These embodiments are particularly suitable for artificial polymeric leaflets, and the resulting prosthetic valves offer advantages comparable to current approaches with the added benefit of longer lifespan. Valves with polymer-based leaflets are advantageous because polymers can provide the same structural support as biological tissue, while being much thinner, allowing the valve to be more easily contracted for delivery. This, in turn, results in less stress on the polymer as it is contracted, which prevents long-term deterioration of the leaflets. Additionally, the manufacturing methods described herein allow for the fabrication of valves without suturing the leaflets to a support structure or stent, thus promoting high-quality, repeatable results. Exemplary Embodiments of Prosthetic Valves

[0033] 1A is a perspective view depicting an exemplary embodiment of an implantable prosthetic valve 100 having a support structure or stent 102 and a valve body 104. In this embodiment, the valve body is configured as an aortic replacement valve and has three valve leaflets 110-1, 110-2, and 110-3. Valve 100 is configured to allow blood to flow from an upstream end 106 (sometimes referred to as the proximal end) to a downstream end 108 (sometimes referred to as the distal end), and valve 100 has a longitudinal axis 112 extending between the upstream and downstream ends 106, 108 that is parallel to the primary direction of blood flow through the valve.

[0034] All embodiments of valve 100 described herein can be configured for transcatheter implantation and thus can transition between an expanded or operating configuration (having a relatively large radial dimension) for regulating blood flow, on the one hand, and a contracted or deliverable configuration (having a relatively small radial dimension) for enabling intravascular delivery, on the other hand. FIG. 1B is an end view depicting the downstream end 108 of valve 100 in an expanded configuration (with the valve leaflets 110 in a partially open, resting state), where the radial dimension or width of valve 100 is indicated by reference 114. FIGS. 1C and 1D are side views depicting valve 100 in expanded and contracted configurations, respectively. The longitudinal dimension or length of valve 100 is indicated by reference 116. Valve 100 has a relatively larger radial dimension 114 and a relatively smaller longitudinal dimension 116 in the expanded configuration of FIG. 1C than in the contracted configuration of FIG. 1D, where valve 100 is longitudinally elongated and radially shortened. FIG. 1E is a photograph depicting an exemplary embodiment of a discrete stent 102.

[0035] The stent 102 is coupled to the valve body 104 and provides radial and longitudinal support for the body 104. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1A-1E, the body of the stent 102 includes multiple struts 120 coupled together in a one-piece or monolithic body. Each strut 120 is coupled to another strut at locations 122 that are deformable for transition of the stent 102 between its expanded and contracted states. In this embodiment, the struts 120 are interconnected in a crossing pattern or lattice such that multiple open regions 124 are present. These open regions 124 have a four-sided diamond shape in the configuration shown here. In the expanded state shown in FIG. 1C, each strut 120 is oriented at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis 112, except for optional strut 125, which is positioned parallel to the longitudinal axis 112.

[0036] The struts 125 provide additional support (e.g., resistance to tensile, compressive, and lateral forces) at locations on the stent 102 corresponding to the commissure locations where the valve leaflets 110-1 and 110-2 meet. These locations on the stent 102 are indicated in FIG. 1B by reference numeral 111. Two triangular-shaped open areas 126 are present on each side of the struts 125. Each set of struts 120 and 125 forming an individual open area 124 or 126 may be referred to as a cell of the stent 102, and the struts 120 and 125 may be part of two or more cells. The struts 125 can provide resistance to deflection of the downstream portion of the valve 100 when in the closed state and can provide increased surface area for bonding or joining the polymer of the valve body 104 to the stent 102.

[0037] In this embodiment, there are two rows of cells, indicated by reference numerals 131 and 132, with each row containing nine cells, although this is by way of example only and the rows may have other numbers of cells, as described below. The valve leaflets 110 are generally located adjacent the lower row 131 of cells within region 134. The upstream end 135 of the valve body 104 can be in various locations relative to the upstream end 136 of the stent 102. In this embodiment, the upstream end 135 of the valve body 104 is located further upstream (or proximal) of the upstream end 136 of the stent 102, such that a length of the valve body 104 is upstream of the stent 102. This upstream portion of the valve body 104 may be referred to as a skirt 140. A skirt 140, in some embodiments, can be placed over the stent 102 to prevent or resist paravalvular leakage and to cover any sharp or abrasive edges that might otherwise introduce stress concentrations into the valve as well as trauma to surrounding tissue. In addition to the manufacturing techniques described herein (e.g., dipping and injection molding), the skirt 140 can be formed by electrospinning a polymer.

[0038] In the contracted configuration of FIG. 1D , both the stent 102 and the valve body 104 are radially contracted, causing the open regions 124 and 126 to be at least partially closed, and in most cases substantially closed. In this contracted configuration, each strut 120 moves to an orientation closer to being parallel to the longitudinal axis 112 than in the expanded configuration. The valve 100 can be configured such that when the valve 100 is in the fully contracted configuration, the longitudinal axis of each of the struts 120 is parallel to the valve's longitudinal axis 112 or is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 112 (e.g., about 5 degrees or less). In the contracted configuration, the valve body 104 can radially collapse or collapse upon itself and elastically deform longitudinally to allow longitudinal extension of the stent 102. In response to expansion, the valve body 104 can elastically return to its original shape.

[0039] 2A and 2B are side views of another exemplary embodiment of valve 100 in an expanded and contracted state, respectively. Here, valve 100 includes three rows 201-203 of cells. A first vertical strut 125-1 is present in first row 201 of cells to provide additional support at commissure location 111-1, where leaflets 110-1 and 110-2 meet. A second strut 125-2 is present in third row 203 of cells directly upstream of first strut 125-2 to provide additional support at location 111-1. Both first and second struts 125-1 and 125-2 are optional and are preferably elastic to allow longitudinal extension of stent 102 during contraction. Although not shown, similar struts 125 are also present at locations 111-2 and 111-3. Embodiments of valve 100 can have zero, one, or more struts 125 at each of the locations 111 where the leaflets 110 meet. Embodiments of valve 100 can also have only one row of cells or two or more rows of cells, with each row containing any number of two or more cells. In many embodiments, each row contains a number of cells that is an integer multiple of the number of leaflets.

[0040] FIG. 2C depicts a side view of another exemplary embodiment of a valve 100 similar to that of FIGS. 2A and 2B, except that a skirt 140 is placed (e.g., wrapped or everted) over the upstream side of the stent 102. Such a configuration can resist paravalvular leakage between the valve 100 and adjacent tissue and also protect the tissue against relatively sharp or traumatic edges of the stent 102. The skirt 140 can be placed over any desired length of the stent 102 (e.g., 10%, 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%). If the stent 102 is metallic and the skirt 140 is placed over the entire length of the stent 102, the skirt 140 can also function to electrically insulate the stent 102. The skirt 140 can be bonded (e.g., through polymer curing or otherwise) to the exterior of the upstream side or portion of the stent 102, or can rest on the exterior upstream side without being bonded thereto.

[0041] Valve 100 can be delivered in a contracted configuration within the lumen of a tubular, elongate delivery device (e.g., a catheter), or constrained in the contracted configuration and delivered on the outer diameter of the delivery device, which, in turn, can be tubular or non-tubular. Valve 100 can be biased to autonomously expand from the contracted configuration to an expanded configuration upon release from a constraint imposed by the delivery device (sometimes referred to as a "self-expanding" valve). Both stent 102 and valve body 104 can be elastic materials that return to the expanded configuration after contraction. Alternatively, stent 102 can be elastic and serve as the primary or sole bias returning valve 100 to the expanded configuration. Valve 100 can also be configured to require the application of an external force (such as from a balloon or other mechanism) to cause expansion to the expanded configuration.

[0042] Another exemplary embodiment of valve 100 is described with respect to Figures 3A-3F, where valve 100 includes a profiled stent 302 coupled with valve body 104. Each of Figures 3A-3B is a perspective view and a side view of stent 302 in an expanded state (without valve body 104), each of Figures 3C-3D is a perspective view and a side view of stent 302 in a contracted state (without valve body 104), and each of Figures 3E-3F is a cross-section of the aortic anatomy depicting a side view of valve 100 within that anatomy while in the open and closed states.

[0043] In this exemplary embodiment, stent 302 is a non-uniform radius, self-expanding frame having an upstream (proximal) end 306 and a downstream (distal) end 308. The downstream end 308 has first (or primary) apices 310 and second (or secondary) apices 320, which may extend radially outward further than the primary apices 310. The primary apices 310 extend further distally than the secondary apices 320. A third (or tertiary) apices 330 are located at the upstream end 306 of the stent 302. A narrow width region (or waist) 340 exists between one apices 330 and the other apices 310 and 320. The waist 340 is where the stent 302 has its smallest relative radial width. Each of the peaks 310 , 320 , and 330 extends (eg, diverges) radially outward from the waist 340 .

[0044] The primary apex 310 is a continuation of the lattice arrangement of the stent 302 and includes three apex segments 311-1, 311-2, and 311-3 where adjacent leaflets (not shown) meet. The primary apex 310 mimics the tricuspid geometry of a native heart valve to provide optimal attachment of the prosthetic valve leaflets 110 (FIGS. 3E-3F). Bioprosthetic (native tissue) leaflets can alternatively be attached (e.g., sutured) onto the stent 302. The tricuspid geometry ensures a high orifice effective area (EOA). By mimicking the natural shape of the heart valve, stresses associated with normal operating conditions of the valve material are more evenly spread across the stent 302, increasing the overall lifespan of the device. The primary apex 310 also mimics the flexibility of the native heart valve attachment site by deflecting, which further distributes stresses associated with systolic cycle loading across the valve 100. This deflection also allows easier access for blood to flow through the aortic sinuses.

[0045] Secondary apexes 320 also include three apex segments 321-1, 321-2, and 321-3 (see FIG. 3B ), which are a continuation of the regular lattice of stent 302 and diverge outward beyond primary apexes 310. Each secondary apex segment 321 aids in anchoring valve 100 within the anatomy. Segments 321 also include alignment holes 351 (e.g., in the distal-most struts) that can receive threads, tethers, or other portions of a delivery device and can be used to physically manipulate the position of valve 100 in three-dimensional space, as well as to radially rotate or tilt valve 100 during implantation. Such control assists medical professionals in achieving precise alignment. Alignment holes 351 can also be used for device retrieval if a surgeon needs to realign the device after deployment.

[0046] Tertiary apexes 330, located on the proximal end of the frame, have slight outward extensions to aid in fixation. Stent 302 has the ability to self-locate within the anatomy, for example, when used as an aortic or mitral valve replacement. For example, when configured as an aortic replacement valve, waist 340 accommodates placement directly adjacent to the aortic valve annulus.

[0047] 3E and 3F each depict this embodiment of valve 100 configured as an aortic valve and deployed within the aortic anatomy, with valve 100 in open and closed states. The waist 340 of valve 100 is adjacent to the annulus 351 (which bulges into the aorta), with primary apexes 310 and secondary apexes 320 located downstream of the annulus 351 within the ascending aorta 353, and tertiary apex 330 located upstream of the annulus 351. Valve 100 is sized such that when waist 340 is expanded within the anatomy, the radial dimensions of apexes 310, 320, and 330 exceed the radial dimensions of annulus 351 and waist 340. Valve 100 may be slightly oversized to ensure proper fixation and may not expand to its maximum radial dimension when implanted.

[0048] Valve 100 has a flexible nature. During flow conditions (FIG. 3E), the leaflets 110 open and allow flow, but when valve 100 closes (FIG. 3F), the apex segments 311 of the primary apex 310 deflect radially inward, allowing blood to flow easily through and into the aortic sinuses 352. The apex segments 321 of the secondary apex 320 can also deflect inward to a lesser extent without affecting the fixation of valve 100.

[0049] The embodiments of valve 100 described herein are arrived at by taking into account design considerations such as minimizing the overall size of stents 102 and 302, preventing interference with the heart's electrical conduction pathways, minimizing fluid pressure gradients across valve 100, and preventing occlusion of any of the three aortic sinuses. As a non-limiting example, in the embodiment of FIGS. 3A-3F , the overall aspect ratio (length and width) may be approximately 1:1, and the ratio of primary apex height to overall length may be approximately 1:2. These aspect ratios can be modulated as needed, depending on various patient-related factors and whether valve 100 is intended as an aortic or mitral valve replacement. The acute opening angle of each apex segment, both secondary and tertiary, may be 50°, varying up to and including 60°, to facilitate the ability of the stent to be crimped and seated inside a delivery device while providing sufficient radial force to adequately secure valve 100 within the ventricular outflow tract (VOT). Many embodiments of the valve 100 can be contracted such that the circumference is reduced by 84% or more. Additional rows of cells may also be added for additional stability within the VOT and to increase the radial force that the stent 102 or 302 imparts against the surrounding tissue.

[0050] The embodiment of valve 100 described with respect to Figures 3A-3F differs from the embodiment of Figures 1A-2C primarily in its contour profile and the presence of multiple downstream apices, but all other features and variations of valve 100 described with respect to Figures 1A-2C can be similarly applied to the exemplary embodiment of Figures 3A-3F.

[0051] Although embodiments of valve 100 have a generally straight, cylindrical upstream end, these embodiments can alternatively have a curved or scalloped upstream end. Scalloped ends are known to those skilled in the art (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 9,301,837, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and for all purposes).

[0052] In all of the embodiments of stent 302, secondary apices 320 and / or tertiary apices 330 can be omitted if desired. Alternatively, one or both of apices 320 and 330 can be included but can have a constant radius along their length such that the side of stent 302 on which apices 320 and / or 330 reside is parallel to the longitudinal axis of stent 302.

[0053] Although not required, stents 102 and 302 are preferably fabricated in stages from one or more materials (e.g., the primary or core structure from one material and the secondary structure or coating from the same or another material). The material for the primary structure is preferably elastic or superelastic. Examples of such materials include titanium alloys (e.g., Nitinol), Elgiloy, stainless steel, and various polymers. Materials for the secondary coating can include polymeric materials such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyurethane, polyetherimide (PEI) such as ULTEM, any of the artificial materials used to form the valve leaflets 110, and others. The valve leaflets 110 can be fabricated from polymeric materials, including any biostable polyurethane and polyurethane compositions known in the art (e.g., polysiloxane-containing polyurethanes, etc.). Examples of polyurethane-containing leaflets are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,984,700, 7,262,260, 7,365,134, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2017 / 0119923 ("Polyurethane / Urea Compositions"), and Yilgor et al., "Silicone-containing copolymers: Synthesis, properties and applications," Prog. Polym. Sci. (2013), all of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes. Materials with near-ideal isotropic, non-creeping properties are particularly suitable for use in many embodiments. The leaflets 110 can also be fabricated from biological tissue (e.g., porcine valves). Exemplary Embodiments of Prosthetic Valve Manufacturing

[0054] Described herein are numerous embodiments of systems, devices, and methods for manufacturing a valve 100 having prosthetic polymeric leaflets 110. These systems, devices, and methods can be applied to any stent geometry or polymer, expanding the potential uses of the valve to simultaneously treat multiple medical conditions, such as incorporating drug-eluting technology to reduce inflammation resulting from the foreign body response of the recipient's immune system. Additionally, the manufacturing methods described herein can be automated and / or robotized for inexpensive and repeatable manufacturing.

[0055] Generally, manufacturing methods involve fabricating a stent 102 or 302 and then either bonding the leaflets 110 or valve body 104 thereto or integrally forming the leaflets 110 thereon. For ease of discussion, these systems, devices, and methods are described herein with respect to fabricating a valve 100 having a stent 102; however, it is emphasized that all such systems, devices, and methods can similarly be used to fabricate embodiments of a valve 100 having a contoured stent 302. The manufacturing embodiments described herein utilize an immersion casting or immersion process; however, those skilled in the art will recognize that other comparable forming processes (e.g., molding) can alternatively be used. Immersion is used because the uniform effect of gravity on the polymer as it hardens ensures that the resulting mold is created in the polymer's lowest energy state. This eliminates stress concentrations in the polymer's macro- and microstructure that can result from other common molding techniques, such as injection molding, and therefore significantly extends the valve's lifespan.

[0056] In addition to the use of a collapsible stent structure, the use of these dipping techniques allows the valve 100 to be more easily implanted in a non-invasive catheter-based procedure, as the stent will retain the ability to be collapsed or crimped to a diameter smaller than its resting size.

[0057] 4A-4F are photographs of various stages of valve manufacturing that may be referenced in conjunction with the presently described embodiments. While FIGS. 4A-4F are primarily examples of hand (manual) manufacturing, these stages can be automated for use in mass production lines. The manufacturing embodiments described herein may utilize any of the approaches described in International Patent Application No. PCT / US18 / 45202, filed August 3, 2018, and entitled "Systems, Devices, and Methods Relating to the Manufacture of Prosthetic Valves," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and for all purposes. These approaches include, by way of non-limiting example, the use of a two-stage polymer curing process and / or the use of an environmental humidity chamber (EHC) to cure polymers for the stent and / or valve body of valve 100, and / or the application of identifiers (e.g., bar codes) for improved traceability and / or automation.

[0058] FIG. 5A is a flow diagram depicting an exemplary embodiment of a method 500 for manufacturing a valve 100. At 502, a stent 102 is immersed in a wet polymer 402 contained within a container 404 (FIG. 4A). In this and all immersion steps described herein, the actual transfer of the structure into the wet polymer can be automated using a computer-controlled device. As used herein, "immersion" refers to the act of placing the element to be immersed (e.g., stent, mold, valve) into the wet polymer and subsequently removing it. The immersion can be performed so that at least one end, preferably all, of the stent 102 is coated or encapsulated in the polymer. The stent 102 can be partially cured to allow excess polymer to flow out, or the stent 102 can proceed directly to 504 (without curing). At 504, preferably while the stent 102 is still wet (at least easily deformable and removable to the touch), the stent 102 can be placed onto a mold 520 configured to form the valve body 104 and the valve leaflets 110. The mold 520 can also be referred to as a former or mandrel and can be shaped cylindrically or in any other desired manner to produce the components of the valve 100. The mold 520 can have contoured surfaces for the formation of the valve leaflets 110, but such is not required.

[0059] FIG. 5B is a perspective view depicting mold 520, and FIG. 5C is a perspective view depicting mold 520 after being coupled with stent 102, resulting in mold and stent assembly 540. In the context of dipping and curing, the terms "upward" (e.g., "facing upward") and "downward" (e.g., "facing downward") are used in their ordinary sense relative to gravity. Thus, in FIGS. 5B and 5C, upstream end 521 of mold 520 faces downward, and downstream end 522 faces upward.

[0060] For dipping, in this embodiment, the mold 520 is rotated upside down from the orientation depicted here so that the upstream end 521 of the mold 520 is above the downstream end 522 (the upstream end 521 faces upward and the downstream end 522 faces downward). The mold 520 includes a base portion 523 with a geometry configured to form the upstream portion of the valve body 104. The mold 520 also includes a leaflet portion 524 with a surface that forms a negative image of the internal geometry of the valve leaflet 110 in a partially open resting position. Above the leaflet portion 524 is an outflow portion 526 that allows excess polymer to flow or drain away from the valve leaflet 110 after dipping if the curing process occurs with the downstream end 522 of the mold facing downward (although in some embodiments, curing can occur while the downstream end 522 faces upward). The polymer that hardens on the outflow portion 526 can be removed, for example, during leaflet finishing, where the leaflets 110 are trimmed to their final dimensions. In some embodiments, the trimming step can involve removing the outflow portion 526 itself from the mold 520.

[0061] In this embodiment, the stent 102 is placed on the mold 520 so that the three draft angles 528 (located between each pair of adjacent leaflets on the mold 520) are aligned with appropriate, discrete locations on the stent 102, which may correspond to the commissure locations where adjacent leaflets meet (e.g., location 111 in FIG. 1B ). In this embodiment, these locations are the downstream ends of the three apex segments 530. The placement may be such that the struts 120 forming the apex segments 530 are aligned with the draft angles 528, as shown in FIG. 5C . The alignment of the struts 120 with the draft angles 528 allows for further distribution of stress on the stent 102 and also allows the struts of each apex segment 530, which are aligned with the draft angles 528, to deflect radially inward during operation of the valve 100. This deflection can absorb strain energy resulting from the closure of the leaflets 110 that would otherwise result in strain on the leaflets 110 themselves. Furthermore, this deflection increases the likelihood of play in all of the aortic sinuses, even if the valve 100 is misaligned when implanted.

[0062] Bonding the stent 102 to the mold 520 while it is wet allows the stent 102 to adhere to the mold 520 and therefore remain in place during the dipping process, and also allows the subsequently applied polymer to harden with a stronger bond to the stent 102. At 506, the mold and stent assembly 540 can be dipped into the wet polymer so that the outflow portion 526 is submerged first. In this and all embodiments described herein, the mold 520 can be submerged until at least the leaflet portion 524 of the mold 520 is covered. The extent to which the base portion 523 is submerged can vary. For example, if the valve body 104 is configured with a skirt 140, the submersion of the mold 520 should continue at least far enough to form the skirt 140. The mold 520 can be submerged past the desired upstream end of the skirt 140, and any excess polymer can be trimmed to form the skirt 140.

[0063] This dipping in 506 preferably occurs with the same polymer as used in 502, although a different batch may be used. In some embodiments, the polymer used in 506 may have a different viscosity or chemical composition than the polymer used in 502. While the methods disclosed herein are not limited as such, in some exemplary embodiments, the dipping steps (in this and all embodiments described herein) can occur under both elevated temperature and elevated humidity, e.g., at a relative humidity (RH) in the range of 20-80% and a temperature in the range of 20-50°C. Furthermore, each dipping step (in this and all embodiments described herein) can occur with a single submersion or multiple submersions of the mold and / or stent.

[0064] At 508, the assembly 540 is allowed to cure so that the downstream end 522 faces downward and the polymer can exit along the outflow portion 526. The curing recipe will vary depending on the type of polymer used. After curing, the stent 102 and valve body 104 will be securely fastened together to form the valve 100.

[0065] In this and all embodiments herein, the valve 100 can be finished after curing, or the valve 100 can undergo valve finishing to complete the valve structure. Examples of finishing can include trimming or modifying the surfaces of the valve leaflets 110 to their final or near-final state (e.g., through laser cutting, ultrasonic trimming, water knife, mechanical clamshell cutter, and the like), applying additional coatings or surface treatments to the valve 100, moving the skirt 140 (e.g., wrapping the skirt 140 over the stent 102), attaching additional structure to the valve 100 (such as bands or tensioning elements as described herein), or the like. Packaging and sterilization of the finished valve can then occur.

[0066] In this embodiment, trimming of the leaflets 110 can occur once the leaflets 110 are cured. In this and all other embodiments described herein, trimming of the leaflets 110 can occur once the leaflets 110 are cured, regardless of whether additional manufacturing steps (e.g., mating of the valve body 104 with the stent 102) are still to be performed.

[0067] FIG. 6A is a flow diagram depicting another exemplary embodiment of a method 600 for manufacturing a valve 100. In 602, a stent 102 is immersed in a wet polymer such that at least a portion, preferably all, of the stent body is encapsulated in the polymer (FIG. 4A). Then, in 604, the stent 102 is allowed to fully cure to a dry state or to substantially cure to a nearly dry state. Coating of the stent 102 can be performed as part of the method 600, or the stent 102 can be pre-coated, or coating can be omitted. Separately, the valve body 104 is formed. This can occur in 606-610. In 606, a mold 520 is immersed such that the downstream end 522 is submerged first, and continues until at least a portion of the leaflet portion 524 and, optionally, the base portion 523 are submerged, after which the mold 520 is removed (FIG. 4D). At 608, mold 520 is also allowed to fully cure to a dry state, or substantially fully cure to a near-dry state, to form valve body 104 (FIG. 4E). FIGS. 6B and 6C are perspective and top-down views of an exemplary embodiment of valve body 104 (having upstream end 630 and downstream end 632) after removal from mold 520.

[0068] At 610, the resulting valve body 104 is removed from the mold 520, and the leaflets 110 can be trimmed, in either order. At 612, the valve body 104 is then positioned and aligned over the stent 102. FIG. 6D is a photograph of an exemplary embodiment of the valve body 104 partially positioned over a stent, in this case, stent 302. At 614, the valve body and stent assembly is then dipped, upstream end first, into a polymer that is preferably submerged over the upstream portion 634 ( FIG. 6B ) of the valve body 104, but preferably not extending over the leaflets 110, to attach the valve body 104 to the stent 102. This can be accomplished by grasping the portions of the assembly that should not be immersed (e.g., the leaflets 110 and / or the downstream portion of the stent 102) and then dipping the assembly into the polymer. At 616, the valve 100 is then allowed to harden while the upstream end 106 faces downward. The valve 100 can then be finished as needed, including any necessary trimming to the upstream end 106 and rolling or everting the skirt 140 over the stent 120 (FIG. 2C), if desired.

[0069] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram depicting another exemplary embodiment of a method 700 for manufacturing a valve 100. A valve body can be formed, for example, at 702-704. At 702, a mold 520 is immersed in the wet polymer, with the downstream end 522 submerged first and continuing until at least a portion of the leaflet portion 524 and, optionally, the base portion 523 are submerged, after which the mold 520 is removed ( FIG. 4D ). At 704, the mold 520 is then suspended with the downstream end 522 directly below the upstream end 520 (so that excess polymer flows out of the outflow portion 526), ​​and the polymer is allowed to fully cure to a dry state, or substantially fully cure to a nearly dry state, forming the valve body 104 ( FIG. 4E ). After the valve body 104 has cured, the stent 102 is immersed at 706 to at least partially, preferably entirely, encapsulate the stent 102 in the polymer. At 708, the stent 102, while still wet, is positioned over the valve body 104 and mold 520 and properly aligned, if necessary (see FIG. 4B). At 710, the assembly 540 is then dipped again, with the upstream end 521 submerged first (see FIG. 4C). The assembly 540 is dipped to cover the upstream portion of the valve body 104 (similar portion 634 in FIG. 6B), but preferably not extend to the leaflets 110. The dipping at 710 can form the skirt 140. At 712, the valve body 104 and stent 102 are allowed to harden with the upstream end 106 facing downward, attaching the two together and forming the valve 100. The valve 100 can then be finished as needed, including any necessary trimming of the upstream end 106 and rolling or everting the skirt 140 over the stent 120 (FIG. 2C), if desired.

[0070] FIG. 8 is a flow diagram depicting another exemplary embodiment of a method 800 for manufacturing the valve 100. At 802, the mold 520 is dipped into the wet polymer so that the downstream end 522 is submerged first, covering the leaflet portion 524, and optionally, at least a portion of the base portion 523. At 804, the stent 102 is dipped to at least partially, preferably entirely, encapsulate the stent 102 in the polymer. Steps 802 and 804 can be performed in any order or in parallel. At 806, after dipping the stent 102 and mold 520, while both are still at least partially wet (e.g., immediately after dipping or after one or both of the stent 102 and body 104 have partially cured), the stent 102 is positioned over the body 104 on the mold 520 and aligned as needed. At 808, the assembly is allowed to cure with the downstream end 108 facing up. Curing the assembly while in this orientation uses gravity to create skirt 140 from excess polymer that would otherwise drip down over base portion 523 of mold 520. Valve 100 is then removed from mold 520, and finishing can be done as needed, including any necessary trimming of upstream end 106 and rolling or everting skirt 140 over stent 120 (FIG. 2C), if desired.

[0071] FIG. 9 is a flow diagram depicting another exemplary embodiment of a method 900 for manufacturing the valve 100. At 902, a mold 520 is immersed in a wet polymer, with the downstream end 522 submerged first, covering the leaflet portion 524 and, optionally, at least a portion of the base portion 523. At 904, the mold 520 is then suspended with the downstream end 522 directly below the upstream end 520 (so that excess polymer flows out of the outflow portion 526), ​​and the polymer is allowed to fully cure to a dry state, or substantially fully cure to a nearly dry state, forming the valve body 104 (FIG. 4E). At 906, the stent 102 is secured around a mandrel (e.g., a cylindrical mandrel). At 908, the stent 102 and mandrel are immersed to at least partially, preferably entirely, encapsulate the stent 102 in the polymer (see FIG. 4F). The use of a mandrel helps to create a uniform and repeatable inner diameter in the stent body as well as establish the skirt 140. At 909, the stent 102 is allowed to cure. At 910, after the valve body 104 and stent 102 are cured, the stent 102 is placed over the valve body 104 (e.g., still on the mold 520), and the stent 102 is bonded to the body 104. If desired, the skirt 140 can be rolled or inverted onto the stent 120 prior to bonding (FIG. 2C). Many types of bonding methods can be used, and the selected method is preferably tailored to the polymer composition. Examples of bonding methods include, but are not limited to, polymer bonding, solvent bonding, plasma bonding, and ultrasonic welding. The valve 100 can then be finished as needed.

[0072] 10A is a flow diagram depicting another exemplary embodiment of a method 1000 for manufacturing the valve 100. At 1002, the mold 520 is immersed in the wet polymer, with the downstream end 522 submerged first, covering the leaflet portion 524 and, optionally, at least a portion of the base portion 523. At 1004, the mold 520 is then suspended with the downstream end 522 directly below the upstream end 520 (so that excess polymer flows out of the outflow portion 526), ​​and the polymer is allowed to fully cure to a dry state or substantially fully cure to a nearly dry state, forming the valve body 104 ( FIG. 4E ). At 1006, the valve leaflets 110 can optionally be trimmed and / or otherwise finished while the valve body 104 is on the mold 520. At 1008, the stent 102 is dipped to at least partially, and preferably entirely, encapsulate the stent 102 in the polymer. At 1010, while the stent 102 is still wet, the valve body 104 is placed inside and aligned with the stent 102, preferably while the valve body 104 is still on the mold 520. At 1012, if a skirt 140 is present on the valve body 104, the skirt 140 can be wrapped, inverted, or otherwise placed onto the upstream side of the stent 102 (see FIG. 2C ).

[0073] At 1014, the valve assembly can be placed inside the lumen or recess of the outer mold or mandrel and allowed to harden. FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view of the mold 520 with the valve body 104 thereon (after trimming of the valve leaflets 110 and removal of the outflow portion 526). The stent 102 is over the valve body 104, and the skirt 140 is wrapped over the stent 102. The assembly is within the interior space 1005 of the outer mandrel 1001. An optional tubular peel shim 1003 can be placed between the exterior of the stent 102 and the interior of the skirt 140 to prevent adhesion between the two. The outer mandrel 1001 applies a force against the valve 100, helping to harden the stent 102 to the valve body 104 and form a sufficient bond between the two elements. At 1016, the valve 100 can be removed from the outer mandrel 1001 and mold 520. Before or after removal from mold 520, any peel shims 1003 can be removed from valve 100, and optional bands or other tensioning elements (e.g., pre-stretched) can be placed around skirt 140, if desired, to hold skirt 140 in place around stent 102. The tensioning elements can be hydrophilic so that they expand in the body, which can help prevent paravalvular leakage. Valve 100 can then be finished as needed.

[0074] FIG. 11 is a flow diagram depicting another exemplary embodiment of a method 1100 for manufacturing valve 100. At 1102, mold 520 is immersed in wet polymer, with downstream end 522 submerged first, covering leaflet portion 524 and, optionally, at least a portion of base portion 523. At 1104, mold 520 is then suspended with downstream end 522 directly below upstream end 520 (so that excess polymer flows out of outflow portion 526), ​​and the polymer is allowed to fully cure to a dry state, or substantially fully cure to a nearly dry state, forming valve body 104 ( FIG. 4E ). At 1106, valve leaflets 110 can optionally be trimmed and / or otherwise finished while valve body 104 is on mold 520. At 1108, the stent 102 is optionally dipped into a polymer to at least partially, and preferably entirely, encapsulate the stent 102 in the polymer. At 1110, the stent 102 (if dipped) can be allowed to harden to a dry state.

[0075] At 1112, the valve body 104 can be placed inside and aligned with the stent 102, preferably after the valve body 104 is removed from the mold 520. In this embodiment, 1112 is performed while the stent 102 is dry, although in other embodiments, the stent 102 can be in a wet state after immersion in a wet polymer. At 1114, the stent 102 is partially crimped or crimped toward its collapsed configuration using the outer mandrel 1001 or another crimping device. At 1116, while in the partially collapsed state, the skirt 140 can be wrapped, inverted, or otherwise placed onto the upstream side of the stent 102. The skirt 104 preferably has a radial dimension that is less than the fully self-expanded radial dimension of the stent 102, so that the stent 102 and valve body 104 are held together by the expansion force applied by the stent 102 against the interior of the skirt 140. At 1118, the stent 102 can be allowed to expand radially to return to its expanded state or until the resistance applied by the skirt 140 prevents further expansion. This can be accomplished by removing the stent 102 from the outer mandrel 1001. Optional bands or other tensioning elements (e.g., pre-stretched) can be placed around the skirt 140 to add further anchoring. Again, the tensioning elements can be hydrophilic so that they expand in the body, which can help prevent paravalvular leakage. The valve 100 can then be finished as needed.

[0076] 12 is a flow diagram depicting another exemplary embodiment of a method 1200 for manufacturing the valve 100. At 1202, a mold 520 is immersed in wet polymer, with the downstream end 522 submerged first, covering the leaflet portion 524 and, optionally, at least a portion of the base portion 523. At 1204, the mold 520 is then suspended with the downstream end 522 directly below the upstream end 520 (so that excess polymer flows out of the outflow portion 526), ​​and the polymer is allowed to fully cure to a dry state or substantially fully cure to a nearly dry state, forming the valve body 104 ( FIG. 4E ). At 1206, the valve leaflets 110 can optionally be trimmed and / or otherwise finished while the valve body 104 is on the mold 520. At 1208, the stent 102 is optionally dipped to at least partially, and preferably entirely, encapsulate the stent 102 in the polymer. At 1210, when dipped, the stent 102 can be allowed to harden.

[0077] The valve body 104 can then be removed from the mold 520, and at 1212, at least a portion of the skirt 140 on the upstream side of the valve body 104 can be placed over an exterior portion of the stent 102. In doing so, the leaflets 110 of the valve body 104 are aligned with the stent 102 and struts or apex segments on the stent 102 configured for alignment with, for example, the commissure locations between the leaflets 110. At 1214, the downstream end or side of the valve body 104 is everted or rolled into the interior (inner lumen) of the stent 102 so that the leaflets 110 are positioned within the stent 102 in a manner that allows the leaflets to operate to regulate blood flow. Optional bands or other tensioning elements (e.g., pre-stretched) can then be placed around the skirt 140 to add further anchoring. Again, the tensioning element can be hydrophilic so that it expands in the body, which can help prevent paravalvular leakage. The valve 100 can then be finished as needed.

[0078] FIG. 13A is a flow diagram depicting another exemplary embodiment of a method 1300 for manufacturing a valve 100. At 1302, an upstream end 521 of a mold 520 is inserted into a stent 102 (which may have been previously dipped and cured, if desired) so that at least a portion of the stent 102 rests on a base portion 523 of the mold 520 but does not extend over the leaflet portions 524 of the mold 520 (e.g., as far as depicted in FIG. 5C ). The upstream end 521 of the mold 520 may include a taper to aid insertion, if desired. At 1304, a rounded band or other tensioning element may optionally be placed over the exterior of the stent 102 to hold it to the mold 520. FIG. 13B is a cross-sectional view depicting an example of such an arrangement with a band 1305 placed over the stent 102. As depicted here, the upstream end 521 of the mold 520 includes a tapered portion 529.

[0079] At 1306, the mold 520 is dipped into the wet polymer, with the downstream end 522 submerged first, covering the leaflet portion 524 and a portion of the base portion 523, preferably up to or near the upstream end of the band 1305. At 1308, the mold 520 is then suspended with the downstream end 522 directly below the upstream end 520 (so that excess polymer flows out of the outflow portion 526), ​​and the polymer is allowed to fully cure to a dry state, or substantially fully cure to a nearly dry state, forming the valve body 104. At 1310, the valve leaflets 110 can optionally be trimmed and / or otherwise finished while the valve body 104 is on the mold 520. At 1312, the valve body 104 and stent 102, held together by the cured polymer, are removed from the mold 520. At 1314, the downstream side of the valve body 104 is everted inside the stent 102 to install the leaflets 110 in the desired positions within the stent 102. Additional external bands or tensioning elements (e.g., hydrophilic) can be applied around the exterior of the valve 100, if desired. The valve 100 can then be finished as needed.

[0080] As known to those skilled in the art, the mold 520, in all of the embodiments described herein, can be configured such that the leaflet-forming portions 524 do not include images of the leaflets 110, but rather have a cylindrical or generally cylindrical shape. Such a shape results in a cylindrical or generally cylindrical portion of the valve body 104 in which the leaflets 110 are to be positioned, and those leaflets 110 can then be formed by trimming and / or shaping the valve body 104 accordingly.

[0081] In addition to the anchoring techniques mentioned above, in all of the embodiments described herein, the commissures of the valve body 104 between adjacent leaflets 110 can be bonded, sewn, or otherwise secured to the stent 102 through additional methods to provide additional support at that location.

[0082] In all of the embodiments of valve 100 described herein, one or more anchors, barbs, coapters, or other structures extending radially outward from valve 100 can be positioned on stent 102 and / or valve body 104, such as near upstream end 106. Such elements can act as fasteners to help abut valve 100 against surrounding tissue after implantation.

[0083] In all of the embodiments described herein, the mold 520 and / or mandrel 1001 may be of (or be coated with) a material that resists bonding with the polymer being used. Such a configuration may make it easier to remove the valve body 104 and / or stent 102 from the mold 520 and / or mandrel 1001.

[0084] In all of the embodiments described herein, polymers having different properties can be used. These properties can include viscosity, chemical composition, the presence of additives, and the like. For example, the mold 520 and stent 102 can each be dipped in a polymer having the same or different properties. If the mold 520 and / or stent 102 are dipped multiple times in some embodiments, each dip can involve a polymer having the same or different properties.

[0085] Although the embodiment of valve 100 described herein is a tricuspid (three leaflet) valve, valve 100 can alternatively be implemented and manufactured as a bicuspid (two leaflet) valve. Upon review of this document, those skilled in the art will readily recognize how to implement and manufacture valve 100 as a bicuspid valve, without requiring such to be shown in the figures.

[0086] Various aspects of the present subject matter are described below in a review of the previously described embodiments and / or in a supplement thereto, with emphasis placed on the interrelationships and compatibility of the following embodiments, in other words, the fact that each feature of the embodiments can be combined with any other feature unless expressly stated otherwise or logically impractical.

[0087] In many exemplary embodiments, an implantable valve is provided that includes a stent including a plurality of deflectable struts and a polymeric valve body coupled to the stent, the polymeric valve body including a plurality of prosthetic valve leaflets, the implantable valve having a radial dimension and capable of transitioning between a contracted state and an expanded state, the radial dimension being relatively smaller in the contracted state than in the expanded state.

[0088] In these valve embodiments, the stent and valve body can be bonded together using a curable polymer. The stent can be encapsulated in the curable polymer. The polymer valve body can be comprised of the curable polymer.

[0089] In these valve embodiments, the implantable valve can have a longitudinal axis, and when the implantable valve is in an expanded state, the plurality of deflectable struts transverse the longitudinal axis. When in a fully contracted state, the plurality of deflectable struts can be parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. The valve further includes a plurality of longitudinal struts, each of which can be positioned at a commissure between adjacent valve leaflets. Each of the plurality of longitudinal struts can be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the implantable valve when the implantable valve is in the expanded and contracted configurations. The plurality of deflectable struts can intersect to form a plurality of cells. The stent can include a first row of cells located adjacent to the downstream end of the stent, and the plurality of longitudinal struts are within the first row of cells. The stent can include a second row of cells located upstream of the first row of cells, and no longitudinal struts are within the second row of cells.

[0090] In these valve embodiments, the valve body can include a skirt located upstream from the upstream end of the stent. The skirt can extend beyond the upstream end of the stent. The skirt can extend over an exterior upstream portion of the stent. The skirt can extend over the exterior upstream portion of the stent and not be connected (jointed) to the exterior upstream portion of the stent.

[0091] In these valve embodiments, the stent can include primary apexes and secondary apexes. The primary apexes can include multiple primary apex segments, and the secondary apexes can include multiple secondary apex segments. The downstream end of each of the multiple primary apex segments can be radially aligned with the interface between adjacent valve leaflets. Each of the multiple secondary apex segments can have a downstream end upstream of the downstream end of each of the multiple primary apex segments. The stent can include a waist, and the primary and secondary apexes can extend relatively farther radially outward than the waist when the implantable valve is in the expanded configuration. The secondary apexes can extend relatively farther radially outward than the primary apexes when the implantable valve is in the expanded configuration. The secondary apexes can be configured to deflect radially outward from a first position when the valve opens and to deflect back to the first position when the valve closes. The stent can include tertiary apexes located upstream of the primary and secondary apexes. The tertiary apexes can include multiple tertiary apex segments. The upstream end of the stent can be formed by the upstream end of each of the plurality of tertiary apices. The stent can include a waist, and the primary apices, secondary apices, and tertiary apices can extend relatively farther radially outward than the waist when the implantable valve is in the expanded configuration. The secondary apices can extend relatively farther radially outward than the primary apices and tertiary apices when the implantable valve is in the expanded configuration.

[0092] In these valve embodiments, the plurality of leaflets can be two and only two leaflets, or the plurality of leaflets can be three and only three leaflets. Other numbers of leaflets can also be used. In these valve embodiments, the implantable valve can be configured to replace the aortic valve of a human heart. In these valve embodiments, the implantable valve can be configured to replace the mitral valve of a human heart. In these valve embodiments, the stent can include a primary structure and a secondary structure can be coated over the primary structure.

[0093] In many exemplary embodiments, a method of implanting a prosthetic valve is provided, the method including: moving the prosthetic valve through a body of a recipient with an elongate delivery device while the prosthetic valve is in a contracted state; and implanting the prosthetic valve within the body of the recipient by deploying the prosthetic valve from at least the delivery device, wherein the prosthetic valve is implanted in an expanded configuration, the prosthetic valve being according to any of the aforementioned valve embodiments.

[0094] In many exemplary embodiments, a first method of manufacturing an implantable valve is provided, the first method including dipping a stent into a wet polymer, placing the stent on a mold, dipping the mold and stent into the wet polymer such that at least a portion of the mold and at least a portion of the stent are coated with a polymer coating, and allowing the polymer coating to harden.

[0095] In these exemplary embodiments of the first method, the mold can include a contoured surface for forming the valve leaflets. The stent can be placed on the mold such that the stent is aligned with the contoured surface on the mold. The contoured surface of the mold has draft angles that are aligned with the commissure locations on the stent.

[0096] These exemplary embodiments of the first method can include trimming the polymer coating to form the plurality of leaflets. They can include removing the stent and the polymer coating from the mold.

[0097] In these exemplary embodiments of the first method, dipping the stent in the wet polymer can form a wet polymer coating on the stent, and placing the stent on a mold can include placing the stent with the wet polymer coating on the mold.

[0098] These exemplary embodiments of the first method can include finishing the polymer coating to form an implantable valve, which can be according to any of the valve embodiments described above.

[0099] In many exemplary embodiments, a second method of manufacturing an implantable valve is provided, the second method including forming a polymeric valve body, positioning the polymeric valve body over a stent, immersing the stent and an upstream portion of the polymeric valve body in a wet polymer such that a polymeric coating is disposed on the upstream portion, and allowing the polymeric coating to harden.

[0100] In these exemplary embodiments of the second method, forming the polymer valve body can include dipping a mold in a wet polymer to form a polymer coating on the mold, allowing the polymer coating on the mold to harden, and trimming the valve body to form the multiple leaflets. The mold can include a contoured surface for forming the multiple leaflets.

[0101] These exemplary embodiments of the second method may also include dipping a stent into a wet polymer and allowing the dipped stent to harden prior to positioning a polymer valve body over the stent.

[0102] In these exemplary embodiments of the second method, the polymeric valve body can be positioned over the stent such that the stent is aligned with the plurality of valve leaflets. The polymeric valve body can be positioned over the stent such that the commissure locations between adjacent valve leaflets are aligned with corresponding locations on the stent.

[0103] In these exemplary embodiments of the second method, the valve body can include multiple leaflets, and the stent and the upstream portion of the polymer valve body can be immersed in a wet polymer such that the polymer coating is placed on the upstream portion and not on the multiple leaflets.

[0104] In these exemplary embodiments of the second method, allowing the polymer coating to harden can include allowing the polymer coating to harden while the upstream end of the valve body faces downward.

[0105] In these exemplary embodiments of the second method, an implantable valve can be formed after allowing the polymer coating to harden or after applying a valve finish to the stent or valve body. The implantable valve can be according to any of the valve embodiments described above.

[0106] In many exemplary embodiments, a third method of manufacturing an implantable valve is provided, the third method including forming a polymeric valve body, dipping a stent into a wet polymer, positioning the stent with the wet polymer thereon over the polymeric valve body, dipping the stent and an upstream portion of the polymeric valve body into the wet polymer such that a polymer coating is disposed on the upstream portion, and allowing the polymer coating to harden.

[0107] In these exemplary embodiments of the third method, forming the polymer valve body can include dipping a mold in a wet polymer to form a polymer coating on the mold and allowing the polymer coating on the mold to harden. The mold can include a contoured surface for forming the multiple valve leaflets.

[0108] In these exemplary embodiments of the third method, a stent can be positioned over the valve body such that the stent is aligned with the leaflets of the valve body. The stent can be positioned over the polymeric valve body such that commissure locations between adjacent leaflets of the polymeric valve body are aligned with corresponding locations on the stent.

[0109] In these exemplary embodiments of the third method, the valve body can include multiple leaflets, and the stent and the upstream portion of the polymer valve body are immersed in a wet polymer such that the polymer coating is placed on the upstream portion and not on the multiple leaflets.

[0110] In these exemplary embodiments of the third method, allowing the polymer coating to harden can include allowing the polymer coating to harden while the upstream end of the valve body faces downward.

[0111] In these exemplary embodiments of the third method, an implantable valve can be formed after allowing the polymer coating to harden or after applying a valve finish to the stent or valve body. The implantable valve can be according to any of the valve embodiments described above.

[0112] In many exemplary embodiments, a fourth method of manufacturing an implantable valve is provided, the fourth method including dipping a mold into a wet polymer to form a polymer coating in a wet state, dipping a stent into the wet polymer, positioning the stent with the wet polymer thereon over the polymer coating in a wet state, and allowing the stent and polymer coating to harden.

[0113] In these exemplary embodiments of the fourth method, the mold can include a contoured surface for forming the multiple leaflets, and the stent can be positioned over the polymer coating in a wet state such that the stent is aligned with the contoured surface of the mold.

[0114] In these exemplary embodiments of the fourth method, allowing the polymer coating to harden can include allowing the polymer coating to harden while the downstream end of the mold faces upward.

[0115] In these exemplary embodiments of the fourth method, an implantable valve can be formed after allowing the polymer coating to harden or after applying a valve finish to the stent or valve body. The implantable valve can be according to any of the valve embodiments described above.

[0116] In many exemplary embodiments, a fifth method of manufacturing an implantable valve is provided, the fifth method including positioning a stent over a polymeric valve body and bonding the stent to the polymeric valve body.

[0117] These exemplary embodiments of the fifth method can further include forming the polymer valve body prior to positioning the stent over the polymer valve body. Forming the polymer valve body can include immersing a mold in a wet polymer and allowing the wet polymer on the mold to harden. The mold can include a contoured surface for forming the multiple leaflets.

[0118] These exemplary embodiments of the fifth method may further include dipping a stent in a wet polymer and allowing the wet polymer to harden prior to positioning the stent over the polymer valve body.

[0119] In these exemplary embodiments of the fifth method, a stent can be positioned over the valve body such that the stent is aligned with the leaflets of the valve body. The stent can be positioned over the polymeric valve body such that commissure locations between adjacent leaflets of the polymeric valve body are aligned with corresponding locations on the stent.

[0120] In these exemplary embodiments of the fifth method, bonding the stent to the polymer valve body can be performed using one of the following: polymer bonding, solvent bonding, plasma bonding, or ultrasonic welding.

[0121] In these exemplary embodiments of the fifth method, an implantable valve can be formed after allowing the polymer coating to harden or after applying a valve finish to the stent or valve body. The implantable valve can be according to any of the valve embodiments described above.

[0122] In many exemplary embodiments, a sixth method of manufacturing an implantable valve is provided, the sixth method including dipping a stent in a wet polymer, positioning a polymer valve body within the stent having the wet polymer thereon, positioning a skirt of the polymer valve body over the stent having the wet polymer thereon, and allowing the wet polymer to harden.

[0123] These exemplary embodiments of the sixth method may further include forming a polymer valve body prior to dipping the stent into the wet polymer. Forming the polymer valve body may include dipping a mold into the wet polymer and allowing the wet polymer on the mold to harden. These exemplary embodiments of the sixth method may further include trimming a plurality of leaflets onto the valve body. The polymer valve body may be positioned within a stent having the wet polymer thereon while the polymer valve body is on the mold. The valve body may be positioned within the stent such that the stent is aligned with the plurality of leaflets of the valve body. The polymer valve body may be positioned within the stent such that commissure locations between adjacent leaflets of the polymer valve body are aligned with corresponding locations on the stent.

[0124] These exemplary embodiments of the sixth method may further include placing a peel shim between the skirt and the stent.

[0125] In these exemplary embodiments of the sixth method, allowing the wet polymer to harden can include placing the polymer valve body and stent within an outer mandrel.

[0126] These exemplary embodiments of the sixth method may further include placing tensioning elements on the skirt after the skirt is positioned over the stent. The tensioning elements may be placed on the skirt after the skirt is positioned over the stent and prior to allowing the wet polymer to harden.

[0127] In these exemplary embodiments of the sixth method, an implantable valve can be formed after allowing the wet polymer to harden or after applying a valve finish to the stent or valve body. The implantable valve can be according to any of the valve embodiments described above.

[0128] In many exemplary embodiments, a seventh method of manufacturing an implantable valve is provided, the seventh method including positioning a polymeric valve body within a stent, at least partially radially contracting the stent, positioning a skirt of the polymeric valve body over the stent while at least partially radially contracted, and allowing the stent to expand.

[0129] These exemplary embodiments of the seventh method may further include forming a polymeric valve body prior to positioning the polymeric valve body within the stent. Forming the polymeric valve body may include immersing a mold in a wet polymer and allowing the wet polymer on the mold to harden. These exemplary embodiments of the seventh method may further include trimming a plurality of leaflets on the valve body.

[0130] In these exemplary embodiments of the seventh method, the polymeric valve body can be positioned within a stent while the polymeric valve body is on a mold. The valve body can be positioned within the stent such that the stent is aligned with the leaflets of the valve body. The polymeric valve body can be positioned within the stent such that commissure locations between adjacent leaflets of the polymeric valve body are aligned with corresponding locations on the stent.

[0131] These exemplary embodiments of the seventh method may further include coating the stent with a polymer before positioning the polymer valve body within the stent.

[0132] These exemplary embodiments of the seventh method may further include dipping the stent in a wet polymer and allowing the wet polymer to harden before positioning the polymer valve body within the stent.

[0133] These exemplary embodiments of the seventh method may further include placing a peel shim between the skirt and the stent.

[0134] In these exemplary embodiments of the seventh method, at least partially radially contracting the stent can include placing the polymer valve body and the stent within an outer mandrel, and allowing the stent to expand can include removing the stent from the outer mandrel.

[0135] These exemplary embodiments of the seventh method may further include placing tensioning elements over the skirt after the skirt is positioned over the stent.

[0136] In these exemplary embodiments of the seventh method, the implantable valve can be formed after allowing the stent to expand or after performing a valve finish on the stent or valve body. The implantable valve can be according to any of the valve embodiments described above.

[0137] In many exemplary embodiments, an eighth method of manufacturing an implantable valve is provided, the eighth method including positioning a polymeric valve body over at least a portion of a stent such that a portion of the polymeric valve body having multiple leaflets extends past the stent, and inverting the portion of the polymeric valve body such that the multiple leaflets are positioned within the stent.

[0138] These exemplary embodiments of the eighth method may further include forming a polymer valve body prior to positioning the polymer valve body over the stent. Forming the polymer valve body may include immersing a mold in a wet polymer and allowing the wet polymer on the mold to harden. These exemplary embodiments of the eighth method may further include trimming a plurality of leaflets on the valve body.

[0139] These exemplary embodiments of the eighth method may further include coating the stent with a polymer prior to positioning the polymer valve body over at least a portion of the stent.

[0140] These exemplary embodiments of the eighth method may further include dipping the stent in a wet polymer and allowing the wet polymer to harden before positioning the polymer valve body over at least a portion of the stent.

[0141] In these exemplary embodiments of the eighth method, the polymeric valve body can be positioned over at least a portion of the stent such that the leaflets are aligned with the stent. The polymeric valve body can be positioned over at least a portion of the stent such that commissure locations between adjacent ones of the leaflets are aligned with corresponding locations on the stent.

[0142] These exemplary embodiments of the eighth method may further include installing a tensioning element on the polymer valve body.

[0143] In these exemplary embodiments of the eighth method, an implantable valve is formed after everting a portion of the polymeric valve body or after applying a valve finish to the stent or valve body. The implantable valve can be according to any of the valve embodiments described above.

[0144] In many exemplary embodiments, a ninth method of manufacturing an implantable valve is provided, the ninth method including inserting the upstream end of a mold into a stent, dipping the mold and stent into a wet polymer to form a polymer coating, allowing the polymer coating to harden to form a valve body, removing the valve body and stent from the mold, and inverting the downstream side of the valve body into the stent.

[0145] These exemplary embodiments of the ninth method may further include applying a restraining band over the exterior of the stent and mold prior to immersing the mold and stent in the wet polymer.

[0146] In these exemplary embodiments of the ninth method, allowing the polymer coating to harden and forming the valve body can include allowing the polymer coating to harden while the downstream end of the mold faces downward.

[0147] These exemplary embodiments of the ninth method may further include trimming the plurality of leaflets downstream of the valve body prior to removing the valve body and the stent from the mold.

[0148] These exemplary embodiments of the ninth method may further include coating the stent with a polymer before inserting the upstream end of the mold into the stent.

[0149] These exemplary embodiments of the ninth method can further include dipping the stent in a wet polymer and allowing the wet polymer to harden before inserting the upstream end of the mold into the stent.

[0150] In these exemplary embodiments of the ninth method, inserting the upstream end of the mold into the stent can include aligning draft angle locations on the mold with corresponding locations on the stent.

[0151] In these exemplary embodiments of the ninth method, the implantable valve can be formed after inverting the downstream side of the valve body into the stent or after performing a valve finish on the stent or valve body. The implantable valve can be according to any of the valve embodiments described above.

[0152] Those skilled in the art will, in light of this description, readily recognize many variations of suitable immersion casting procedures, pressures, and temperatures not described herein that are suitable for fabricating the prosthetic heart valves described herein. Likewise, those skilled in the art will also, in light of this description, recognize alternatives to immersion casting that can be used to fabricate the prosthetic heart valves described herein.

[0153] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0154] Where a range of values ​​is provided, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, each intervening value, to the nearest tenth of the lower limit, between the upper and lower limits of that range, and any other stated or intervening value within that stated range, is included within the disclosure and may be claimed as a single value or as a smaller range. Where the stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either or both of those included limits are also included within the disclosure.

[0155] When a discrete value or range of values ​​is provided, that value or range of values ​​may be claimed more broadly than as a discrete number or range of numbers unless otherwise indicated. For example, each value or range of values ​​provided herein may be claimed as an approximation, and this paragraph serves as a preceding basis and supporting statement for the introduction of claims, where appropriate, reciting each such value or range of values ​​as "approximately" that value, "approximately" that value range, "about" that value, and / or "about" that value range. Conversely, when a value or range of values ​​is described as an approximation or generalization, e.g., approximately X or about X, that value or range of values ​​may be claimed discretely without using such broad terms.

[0156] However, this specification should not be construed in any way as implying that the subject matter disclosed herein is limited to a particular value or range of values ​​by the absence of an explicit recitation of that value or range of values ​​in the claims. Values ​​and ranges of values ​​are provided herein solely as examples.

[0157] It should be noted that all features, elements, components, functions, and steps described with respect to any embodiment provided herein are intended to be freely combinable and substituted with those from any other embodiment. When a feature, element, component, function, or step is described with respect to only one embodiment, it should be understood that the feature, element, component, function, or step can be used in conjunction with any other embodiment described herein, unless expressly stated otherwise. This paragraph therefore combines features, elements, components, functions, and steps from different embodiments or substitutes features, elements, components, functions, and steps from one embodiment with those of another embodiment, and the following description serves as a basis for the introduction of claims and descriptive support that, in certain cases, such combinations or substitutions are also possible, even if not explicitly stated. In particular, it is expressly recognized that an explicit enumeration of all possible combinations and substitutions would be unduly burdensome, given that the acceptability of all such combinations and substitutions would be readily recognized by those skilled in the art.

[0158] While the embodiments are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific examples thereof are shown in the drawings and are described in detail herein. It should be understood, however, that these embodiments are not limited to the particular forms disclosed; on the contrary, these embodiments are intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit of the disclosure. Furthermore, any feature, function, step, or element of the embodiments may be recited in or added to the claims, and negative limitations define the scope of the claims by any feature, function, step, or element that does not fall within its scope.

Claims

[Claim 1] The invention described in this specification.

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