Method for implanting a cardiovascular valve

Abstract

A method is provided for implanting a valve having at least one valve leaflet within the cardiovascular system of a subject. One step of the method includes preparing a substantially dehydrated bioprosthetic valve and then providing an expandable support member having oppositely disposed first and second ends and a main body portion extending between the ends. Next, the substantially dehydrated bioprosthetic valve is attached to the expandable support member so that the substantially dehydrated bioprosthetic valve is operably secured within the main body portion of the expandable support member. The expandable support member is then crimped into a compressed configuration and placed at a desired location within the cardiovascular system of the subject. Either before or after placement at the desired location, fluid or blood re-hydrates the substantially dehydrated bioprosthetic valve.

1 . A method for preparing a cardiac valve replacement comprising a tissue component securely attached to a root component to form a substantially dehydrated bioprosthetic valve, wherein at least the tissue component is chemically treated with a dimensional stabilizer, the method comprising the steps of:
 securing the substantially dehydrated bioprosthetic valve to an expandable support member having oppositely disposed first and second ends and a main body portion extending between the ends   so that the substantially dehydrated bioprosthetic valve is operably secured within the main body portion of the expandable support member; and   crimping the expandable support member and the attached substantially dehydrated bioprosthetic valve into a compressed configuration.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising the step of:
 storing the crimped expandable support member and the attached substantially dehydrated bioprosthetic valve in a container that is essentially free of liquid. 
 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising the step of sterilizing the substantially dehydrated bioprosthetic valve by exposure to one of ethylene oxide gas or ionizing radiation either before or after placement in the container. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said step of crimping the expandable support member further comprises the step of mechanically crimping the substantially dehydrated bioprosthetic valve by tactile means. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising the step of placing the substantially dehydrated bioprosthetic value in a delivery catheter. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein both the tissue component and the root component are chemically treated with a dimensional stabilizer. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6  wherein the tissue component and the root component are chemically treated after secure attachment to one another. 
     
     
         10 . A method for implanting a cardiac valve comprising:
 removing a substantially dehydrated bioprosthetic valve from a sterile container, wherein the container is essentially free of liquid and wherein the substantially dehydrated bioprosthetic valve is attached to an expandable support member that is crimped into a compressed configuration;   loading the substantially dehydrated bioprosthetic valve in the compressed configuration in a delivery catheter;   obtaining minimally invasive access to a patient's cardiovascular system; delivering the compressed substantially dehydrated bioprosthetic valve to a target cardiac valve annulus; and   expanding the compressed bioprosthetic valve to engage the target valve annulus.   
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the step of attaching the substantially dehydrated bioprosthetic valve to the expandable support member further includes attaching the substantially dehydrated bioprosthetic valve to a main body portion of the expandable support member that extends between first and second ends. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11  further comprising the step of expanding the compressed substantially dehydrated bioprosthetic valve by progressively removing the substantially dehydrated bioprosthetic valve from the delivery catheter to position the substantially dehydrated bioprosthetic valve in a valve annulus. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 11  wherein a first end of the expandable support member engages a superior aspect of the valve annulus and a second end displaces existing valve leaflets.