Importance

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Abstract

An annuloplasty ring of a tubular construction having two drawstrings, the ends of which extend from openings in the tube. The ring tube is stitched through the mid-section, defining two channels, the inner of which carries the drawstrings, and outer of which is used as a sewing flange for suturing the ring in place. A colored line along the top and bottom of the ring marks the stitching line, and, therefore, the dividing line between the channels. Each of the drawstrings is anchored at two anchor points, the anchor points alternating around the circumference of the ring to create a fixed non-adjustable zone between the center anchor points, two transitional adjustable zones, between the outside anchor point pairs, each being controlled by one or the other of the drawstrings, and two adjustable zones between the outermost anchor points and the openings in the tube from which the drawstrings extend, each being controlled by both drawstrings, such that the drawstrings may be uniformly or selectively, symmetrically or asymmetrically tightened to adjust the annulus to a desired shape.

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First Claim