Prosthetic vein valve and method

Abstract

A prosthetic valve adapted to be inserted into a blood vessel and held in a desired position therein. The valve includes an annular support ring having a longitudinal axis and defining a substantially circular central opening for passage of blood. The support ring has an outer wall that may be formed with a central annular depression. A leaflet is mounted on the support ring for pivotal movement between a closed position wherein the leaflet substantially blocks the central opening and an open position wherein blood is permitted through the opening. The valve is adapted to be inserted into the blood vessel such that the support ring longitudinal axis is substantially coincident with an axis of elongation of said blood vessel and held in such position in suitable fashion, such as by suturing or by way of a tightened cord holding a proximate portion of the blood vessel against the support outer wall if it is formed with an annular depression. The valve may additionally include a radial passage extending through the support ring and a stem extending radially outwardly from the radial passage. The stem has a central bore communicating with the radial passage and is adapted to extend through the wall of the blood vessel when the valve is mounted therein and provide an entry for introduction of anti-clotting agents and other materials proximate the valve. The valve may further include a plurality of external stabilizer elements adapted to extend through the wall of the blood vessel and provide locations for attaching various valve stabilizing assemblies. The support ring can also be made to be deformable or expandable to facilitate insertion and securement thereof in the vein.