Anchoring system for implantable heart valve prostheses

Abstract

The invention relates to an anchoring system for heart valve prostheses which can be implanted by introduction via the aorta without any major surgical operation. With the heart valve prosthesis according to the invention it shall be achieved that this can be safely and quickly guided through the aorta toward the heart, and can be fixed there. With this, hook-shaped elements are secured to the commissures of the heart valve prosthesis the hooks of which are guided in an outward direction through the heart valve prosthesis material.

1 . An anchoring system for implantable heart valve prostheses, characterized in that 
 hook-shaped elements ( 2 ) are secured to the commissures of the heart valve prosthesis ( 1 ) the hooks of which are guided in an outward direction through the heart valve prosthesis material.    
     
     
         2 . An anchoring system according to  claim 1 , characterized in that 
 additional hook-shaped elements ( 2 ) are secured to the outer ring of said heart valve prosthesis ( 1 ).    
     
     
         3 . An anchoring system according to  claim 1  or  claim 2 , characterized in that 
 said hook-shaped elements ( 2 ) are sewn on to said heart valve prosthesis ( 1 ).  
 
     
     
         4 . An anchoring system according to  claim 1  or  claim 2 , characterized in that 
 said hook-shaped elements ( 2 ) push through said heart valve prosthesis ( 1 ), and are supported inside by means of a ridge ( 3 ) or a base member.  
 
     
     
         5 . An anchoring system according to any one of  claims 1  to  4 , characterized in that 
 a plurality of hook-shaped elements ( 2 ) are arranged on a common ridge ( 3 ), and at least one said ridge ( 3 ) each is secured to one commissure.  
 
     
     
         6 . An anchoring system according to  claim 5 , characterized in that 
 at least two said hook-shaped elements ( 2 ) are each located on said one ridge ( 3 ).    
     
     
         7 . An anchoring system according to any one of  claims 1  to  6 , characterized in that 
 said ridges ( 3 ) are aligned in the longitudinal direction of the aorta.  
 
     
     
         8 . An anchoring system according to any one of  claims 1  to  6 , characterized in that 
 said ridges ( 3 ) are designed in a helical shape.  
 
     
     
         9 . An anchoring system according to any one of  claims 1  to  8 , characterized in that 
 said ridges ( 3 ) at least are as long as said commissures.  
 
     
     
         10 . An anchoring system according to any one of  claims 1  to  9 , characterized in that 
 at least said hook-shaped elements ( 2 ) are made of a form storage metal.  
 
     
     
         11 . An anchoring system according to any one of  claims 1  to  10 , characterized in that 
 for anchoring in the aorta wall said hook-shaped elements ( 2 ) have an effective height of at least 2 mm in the deployed condition wherein they protrude from said heart valve prosthesis ( 1 ).  
 
     
     
         12 . An anchoring system according to any one of  claims 1  to  11 , characterized in that 
 said hook-shaped elements ( 2 ) are designed in a pin-shaped manner and with barbs provided thereon.  
 
     
     
         13 . An anchoring system according to any one of  claims 1  to  12 , characterized in that 
 said hooks of said hook-shaped elements ( 2 ) are bent into various directions.  
 
     
     
         14 . An anchoring system according to any one of  claims 1  to  13 , characterized in that 
 an annular element is secured inside said heart valve prosthesis ( 1 ) in the area of said outer ring.  
 
     
     
         15 . An anchoring system according to  claim 14 , characterized in that 
 said annular element is made of an elastomer material or a form storage metal.