Sulzer Carbomedics Inc.

Jerry Lee Hodge

John Kenneth Ryder

A method whereby one or more occluders are inserted in the housing of a prosthetic heart valve by compressing the housing of the prosthetic heart valve at four discrete locations, thereby causing the housing to deform sufficiently for insertion of occluders between diametrically opposed pivot supports on the inner surface of the housing. The appropriate locations for application of the compressive forces are identified. Compression force is then applied using either pin blocks or v-shaped blocks. One or more occluders are inserted in the pivot supports. The compressive forces are released, allowing the housing to return to its unstressed generally annular shape and securing the occluders in the housing.

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Austin, TX, United States of America

Jerry Lee Hodge