Stent-Valves for Valve Replacement and Associated Methods and Systems for Surgery

Abstract

Stent-valves (e.g., single-stent-valves and double-stent-valves), associated methods and systems for their delivery via minimally-invasive surgery, and guide-wire compatible closure devices for sealing access orifices are provided.

1 . A replacement valve for use within a human body comprising:
 a valve component; and   a stent component comprising:
 a first section, 
 a second section for housing the valve component, and 
 a third section, wherein the first section comprises an annular groove. 
   
     
     
         2 . The replacement valve of  claim 1 , wherein the annular groove is configured to receive and secure circumferentially to an annulus of the valve in need of replacement. 
     
     
         3 . The replacement valve of  claim 1 , further comprising a second stent component comprising an annular projection, wherein the annular projection is configured for matable attachment to the annular groove when the stent component is positioned within the second stent component. 
     
     
         4 . The replacement valve of  claim 1 , wherein the valve component comprises a biological valve. 
     
     
         5 . The replacement valve of  claim 1 , wherein the valve component comprises a synthetic valve. 
     
     
         6 . The replacement valve of  claim 1 , wherein the stent component is self-expandable. 
     
     
         7 . The replacement valve of  claim 1 , wherein the second section of the stent component follows a contour of the valve component. 
     
     
         8 . The replacement valve of  claim 1 , wherein the second section comprises at least one locking element protruding outwardly from an outer surface of the second section. 
     
     
         9 . The replacement valve of  claim 8 , wherein the second section comprises a plurality of locking elements that protrude outwardly from the outer surface of the second section and wherein at least two of the plurality of locking elements are positioned at different positions along a central axis of the stent component.