US6572642B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method for treating a prosthesis having an apertured structure and associated devices
Assignee: Sorin Biomedica Cardio SpA
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Filing: 2002-04-30
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Granted: 2003-06-03
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Expires: 2022-04-30
Abstract
Abstract A prosthesis having an apertured structure is located in a chamber ( 11 ) which is taken to sub-atmospheric pressure. Once sub-atmospheric pressure has been reached, a liquid, optionally containing pharmacological agents, is introduced into the chamber. Drawn by the sub-atmospheric pressure, the liquid saturates the apertured structure of the prosthesis. In this way, the invention eliminates the risk of air being trapped in the apertured structure that could give rise to the formation of blood clots after implantation of the prosthesis. The liquid can contain drugs that penetrate the prosthesis, performing their therapeutic action locally and over time after implantation.
Inventors
- 👤 Stefano Rinaldi
- 👤 Arnaldo Giannetti
- 👤 Enrico Pasquino
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 12:14
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61L; A61L27/00; A61F; A61F2/00; A61F2/0077; A61F2/0095; A61L33/00; A61L33/0005; A61F2/02; A61F2/04; A61F2/06; A61F2/24; A61F2/2409; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T156/00; Y10T156/17; Y10T156/1702; Y10T156/1744
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
71 words
A cardiac valve prosthesis having an apertured structure produced by a method comprising: placing a cardiac valve prosthesis having an apertured structure into a holding chamber; producing sub-atmospheric pressure in the holding chamber; introducing physiological saline into the holding chamber; allowing the physiological saline to saturate the cardiac valve prosthesis; and removing the cardiac valve prosthesis from the holding chamber; to form a physiological saline-containing cardiac valve prosthesis suitable for implantation.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
71 words
A cardiac valve prosthesis having an apertured structure produced by a method comprising: placing a cardiac valve prosthesis having an apertured structure into a holding chamber; producing sub-atmospheric pressure in the holding chamber; introducing physiological saline into the holding chamber; allowing the physiological saline to saturate the cardiac valve prosthesis; and removing the cardiac valve prosthesis from the holding chamber; to form a physiological saline-containing cardiac valve prosthesis suitable for implantation.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
37 words
A cardiac valve prosthesis according to claim 1 , wherein the sub-atmospheric pressure is selected so that after the introduction of the physiological saline into the holding chamber, the cardiac valve prosthesis is substantially free of air.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
56 words
A cardiac valve prosthesis according to claim 1 , wherein the step of producing sub-atmospheric pressure comprises connecting the holding chamber to a vacuum line; and the step of introducing physiological saline into the holding chamber comprises connecting the holding chamber to a liquid supply line, the liquid supply line being provided with a cut-off element.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
A cardiac valve prosthesis according to claim 1 , wherein the sub-atmospheric pressure of the holding chamber is approximately −850 mbar.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
A cardiac valve prosthesis according to claim 3 , wherein the holding chamber is connected to the vacuum line for less than about 60 seconds.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
A cardiac valve prosthesis according to claim 1 , wherein the physiological saline flows into the chamber for less than about 60 seconds.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2006-06-02 | 2006-12-02 | 2007-06-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2010-06-02 | 2010-12-02 | 2011-06-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2014-06-02 | 2014-12-02 | 2015-06-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |