| abstract |
A prosthetic valve implantable by catheter without surgery includes a frame with an abluminal surface extending between a proximal end of the frame and a distal end of the frame, and a single layer of a biocompatible membrane material mounted to the abluminal surface of the frame. The single layer of biocompatible membrane is located such that an interior surface of the membrane sheet extends between the proximal end of the frame and the distal end of the frame, and resides radially exterior the abluminal surface of the frame. In at least one embodiment, the disposition of membrane sheet at all points of attachment is entirely exterior/abluminal to the frame, such that no part of the abluminal surface of the membrane sheet contacts the frame. |