Vascular prosthesis

Abstract

The subject invention concerns vascular prosthetic devices and methods for ascending aorta and/or valve replacement in humans and animals. In one embodiment, a device of the invention includes a vessel-like structure having a first end adapted for surgical attachment to a left ventricle, a second end adapted for surgical attachment to an aorta, and, interposed between the first and second ends, a sinus portion configured in the shape of the sinuses of Valsalva in a human aortic valve.

1. A prosthesis comprising:
 a vessel-like structure having a first end adapted for surgical attachment to a left ventricle, a second end adapted for surgical attachment to an aorta, and, interposed between the first and second ends, a sinus portion configured in the shape of the sinuses of Valsalva in a human aortic valve, wherein said vessel-like structure is composed of a synthetic material, and wherein said sinus portion comprises an ostium and attached to said ostium is an ostium attachment ring. 
 
     
     
       2. The prosthesis according to  claim 1 , wherein an artificial vessel is connected to said ostium. 
     
     
       3. The prosthesis according to  claim 1 , wherein said sinus portion comprises three sinus cavities. 
     
     
       4. The prosthesis according to  claim 3 , wherein at least two of said sinus cavities each comprise an ostium. 
     
     
       5. The prosthesis according to  claim 4 , wherein said ostium is located at a position on said sinus for optimal fluid dynamics and blood flow. 
     
     
       6. The prosthesis according to  claim 5 , wherein said ostium is located about 10 to 20 mm from the base of said sinus. 
     
     
       7. The prosthesis according to  claim 5 , wherein said ostium is located about 12 to 18 mm from the base of said sinus. 
     
     
       8. The prosthesis according to  claim 5 , wherein said ostium is located about 14 to 16 mm from the base of said sinus. 
     
     
       9. The prosthesis according to  claim 5 , wherein said ostium is located about 15 mm from the base of said sinus. 
     
     
       10. The prosthesis according to  claim 4 , wherein an artificial vessel is connected to said ostium. 
     
     
       11. The prosthesis according to  claim 1 , wherein said vessel-like structure further comprises a valve for regulating fluid flow. 
     
     
       12. The prosthesis according to  claim 11 , wherein said valve comprises animal tissue. 
     
     
       13. The prosthesis according to  claim 11 , wherein said valve does not comprise animal tissue. 
     
     
       14. The prosthesis according to  claim 13 , wherein said valve is a caged ball valve, a tilting disc valve, a bileaflet valve, or a trileaflet valve. 
     
     
       15. The prosthesis according to  claim 1 , wherein said first end or said second end or both said first end and said second end of said vessel-like structure comprise a sewing ring. 
     
     
       16. The prosthesis according to  claim 15 , wherein said sewing ring comprises a biocompatible elastomeric material. 
     
     
       17. The prosthesis according to  claim 15 , wherein said sewing ring comprises a polymer material. 
     
     
       18. The prosthesis according to  claim 17 , wherein said polymer material is covered with a woven biocompatible material. 
     
     
       19. The prosthesis according to  claim 1 , wherein an artificial or a non-artificial vessel is connected to said ostium attachment ring. 
     
     
       20. The prosthesis according to  claim 1 , wherein said ostium is located at a position on said sinus for optimal fluid dynamics and blood flow. 
     
     
       21. The prosthesis according to  claim 20 , wherein said ostium is located about 10 to 20 mm from the base of said sinus. 
     
     
       22. The prosthesis according to  claim 20 , wherein said ostium is located about 12 to 18 mm from the base of said sinus. 
     
     
       23. The prosthesis according to  claim 20 , wherein said ostium is located about 14 to 16 mm from the base of said sinus. 
     
     
       24. The prosthesis according to  claim 20 , wherein said ostium is located about 15 mm from the base of said sinus. 
     
     
       25. The prosthesis according to  claim 1 , wherein said vessel-like structure or a portion thereof is composed of a material selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, titanium, chromium, a metal alloy, polycarbonate polymer, polysulfone, polyurethane, polytetrafluoroethylene, and a blend of polyurethane and polysiliconurethane. 
     
     
       26. The prosthesis according to  claim 1 , wherein said vessel-like structure or a portion thereof comprises a coating to render said structure more biocompatible. 
     
     
       27. The prosthesis according to  claim 1 , wherein said vessel-like structure or a portion thereof comprises a coating comprising one or more compositions selected from the group consisting of an antibiotic, anticoagulant, antithrombogenic, antiproliferative, antiplatelet, antiinflammatory, antioxidant, and a pharmaceutical agent. 
     
     
       28. The prosthesis according to  claim 1 , wherein said vessel-like structure or a portion thereof comprises a coating to render said structure more hemostatic. 
     
     
       29. A method for replacing an ascending aorta in a human or animal, the method comprising the step of:
 a) removing the ascending aorta present in the human or animal; and 
 b) implanting the prosthesis of  claim 1  into the human or animal.