Venous Valve, System, and Method

Abstract

A venous valve with a frame and a cover on the frame for unidirectional flow of a liquid through the valve.

1 .- 41 . (canceled) 
     
     
         42 . A valve comprising:
 a frame comprising:
 a first ring, the first ring comprising end turns, ring turns, and a plurality of struts, each strut extending between an end turn and a ring turn of the first ring, wherein the end turns of the first ring define a first end of the frame; 
 a second ring, the second ring comprising end turns, ring turns, and a plurality of struts, each strut extending between an end turn and a ring turn of the second ring, wherein the end turns of the second ring define a second end of the frame; 
 longitudinal frame members extending between ring turns of the first ring and ring turns of the second ring; 
 at least two leaflets engaged to the frame at the second ring, the leaflets defining a reversibly sealing opening disposed between the ring turns of the first ring and the ring turns of the second ring. 
   
     
     
         43 . The valve of  claim 42 , wherein the leaflets engage at least one longitudinal frame member. 
     
     
         44 . The valve of  claim 42 , wherein the frame defines an inner surface and an outer surface, and wherein at least a portion of the leaflets extend over the outer surface of the frame. 
     
     
         45 . The valve of  claim 42 , wherein the frame's length is greater than the length of the leaflets. 
     
     
         46 . The valve of  claim 42 , wherein the frame further comprises a first leaflet connection region and a second leaflet connection region, and wherein radial expansion of the frame increases a distance between the first leaflet connection region and the second leaflet connection region. 
     
     
         47 . The valve of  claim 42 , wherein the opening, when fully open, has a circumference that is smaller than an inner circumference of the first ring. 
     
     
         48 . The valve of  claim 42 , wherein the first ring has a radial flare that provides an increase in a peripheral frame dimension. 
     
     
         49 . The valve of  claim 42 , wherein each of the first and second rings defines a central axis that passes through the frame. 
     
     
         50 . The valve of  claim 42 , wherein the at least 2 leaflets comprises at least 3 leaflets. 
     
     
         51 . The valve of  claim 42 , wherein the leaflet opening is for unidirectional flow of a fluid through the valve. 
     
     
         52 . A valve comprising:
 a frame comprising:
 a first ring, the first ring comprising end turns, ring turns, and a plurality of struts, each strut extending between an end turn and a ring turn of the first ring, wherein the end turns of the first ring define a first end of the frame; 
 a second ring, the second ring comprising end turns, ring turns, and a plurality of struts, each strut extending between an end turn and a ring turn of the second ring, wherein the end turns of the second ring define a second end of the frame; 
 longitudinal frame members extending between ring turns of the first ring and ring turns of the second ring; 
 leaflets engaged to the frame at the second ring, the leaflets defining a reversibly sealing opening disposed between the ring turns of the first ring and the ring turns of the second ring. 
   
     
     
         53 . The valve of  claim 52 , wherein the longitudinal frame members are curved. 
     
     
         54 . The valve of  claim 52 , wherein the leaflets engage at least one longitudinal frame member. 
     
     
         55 . The valve of  claim 52 , wherein the frame has an inner surface and an outer surface, and wherein at least a portion of the leaflets extend over the outer surface of the frame. 
     
     
         56 . The valve of  claim 52 , wherein the frame further comprises a first leaflet connection region and a second leaflet connection region, and wherein radial expansion of the frame increases a distance between the first leaflet connection region and the second leaflet connection region. 
     
     
         57 . A valve comprising:
 a unitary frame comprising:
 a first ring, the first ring comprising end turns, ring turns, and a plurality of struts, each strut extending between an end turn and a ring turn of the first ring, wherein the end turns of the first ring define a first end of the frame; 
 a second ring, the second ring comprising end turns, ring turns, and a plurality of struts, each strut extending between an end turn and a ring turn of the second ring, wherein the end turns of the second ring define a second end of the frame; 
 a cover engaged to the frame at the second ring, the cover providing leaflets defining a reversibly sealing opening disposed between the ring turns of the first ring and the ring turns of the second ring. 
   
     
     
         58 . The valve of  claim 57 , wherein the leaflets engage the frame at a location between the first and second rings. 
     
     
         59 . The valve of  claim 57 , wherein the opening, when fully open, has a circumference that is smaller than an inner circumference of the first ring. 
     
     
         60 . The valve of  claim 57 , wherein the first ring has a radial flare that provides an increase in a peripheral frame dimension. 
     
     
         61 . The valve of  claim 57 , wherein the frame further comprises a first leaflet connection region and a second leaflet connection region, and wherein the leaflets engage the at least first and second leaflet connection regions.