Importance

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Abstract

The invention, in a first aspect, is an annuloplasty ring comprising a relatively rigid hydrogel insert and a sheath enclosing the hydrogel insert, the sheath being constructed of a biomedical material. The hydrogel insert, prior to implantation, has a water content sufficiently low to provide a desired degree of initial rigidity within the annuloplasty ring. Following surgical implantation of the annuloplasty ring, the water content of the hydrogel insert increases as it absorbs water from surrounding blood and other physiological fluids, thereby increasing the flexibility of the annuloplasty ring. In a second aspect, the invention is a method of manufacturing an annuloplasty ring. The method comprises providing a relatively rigid hydrogel insert and enclosing the hydrogel insert in a sheath constructed from a biomedical material.

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First Claim