Stephen L Erickson

US Patent:

6416547, Jul 9, 2002

Filed:

Sep 20, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/665872

Inventors:

Stephen M. Erickson - Irvine CA
Leslie Pathmanaban - Lake Forest CA
Michael J. Numamoto - Irvine CA
Than Nguyen - Fullerton CA

Assignee:

Edwards Lifesciences Corporation - Irvine CA

International Classification:

A61F 224

US Classification:

623 211, 206438

Abstract:

A carrier for heart valves allows the removal of a heart valve from the carrier without manual manipulation. In addition, the carrier minimizes or substantially eliminates leaking of preserving fluid during transportation and storage. The carrier includes ajar, a rinse cage, and a holder to which a heart valve is attachable. The rinse cage includes a first engagement structure, for example, a channel, and the holder includes a second engagement structure, for example, a groove, complementary to the first engagement structure for releasably engaging therewith. A heart valve attached to the holder is disposed or suspended within the rinse cage when the engagement structures are engaged. A heart valve attached to the holder is protected not only when within the jar but also when removed from the jar. The holder has a socket for engaging with a surgical handle used to remove the valve from the jar for rinsing and implantation. The carrier may include apparatus for limiting rotation of the holder relative to the rinse cage and rotation of the rinse cage relative to the jar, which apparatus allows a surgical handle to be securely and firmly attached to the holder with essentially one hand and without removing the valve from the jar.