Patent attributes
A sewing ring (12) has a diameter commensurate with a diameter of a removed mitral valve. Skirts (44, 46) of mesh or net material extend downward from the sewing ring and line the walls of an associated vessel (58). Basal chordae simulating structures (34, 36) in the form of elongated strips of mesh or netting, rods, or the like extend from the skirt to an underside of each of two valve leaflets (14, 16). Marginal chordae simulating structures (30, 32) extend between each leaflet and the basal chordae simulating structure. The sewing ring (12) is stitched to an open end of a vessel and inner ends of the basal chordae simulating structure are stitched or stapled (50, 52) to associated papillary musculature (54, 56). In this manner, the papillary muscles assist in controlling the timing and control of the mitral valve.
