SET COMPRISING A CATHETER AND A VALVE SUPPORTING IMPLANT

1 . A set ( 200 ), comprising:

at least one expandable and/or decollapsible or unfoldable implant ( 3 ) and at least one implantation device ( 1 ) for detachably receiving the implant ( 3 ) or a device comprising at least the implant ( 3 ),

wherein the implant ( 3 ) comprises at least a valve ( 50 ), and

wherein the valve ( 50 ) is configured so as to fulfill a check valve function with one conducting direction (CD) and one blocking direction (BD), in which a blocking element may move for opening and/or closing the valve ( 50 ),

wherein the valve ( 50 ) is arranged on the implantation device ( 1 ) or on the device with at least one conducting side ( 50 b ) being located at a smaller distance from the distal end or from the distal tip of the implantation device ( 1 ) than one blocking side ( 50 a ).

2 . A set ( 200 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the implant ( 3 ) is configured as a valve supporting implant ( 3 ) or is composed of at least one valve ( 50 ).

3 . A set ( 200 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the implantation device ( 1 ) is arranged in the center of a cross-section of the implant ( 3 ) and/or of the valve ( 50 ).

4 . A set ( 200 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the implant ( 3 ) comprises at least one foldable or collapsible or crimpable and unfoldable or expandable structure on or around or over a portion or outer surface of the implantation device ( 1 ) or of part thereof.

5 . A set ( 200 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the implant ( 3 ) is a stent ( 13 ).

6 . A set ( 200 ) according to claim 5 , wherein the stent is a heart valve supporting stent or is configured as a heart valve prosthesis.

7 . A set ( 200 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the implantation device ( 1 ) comprises at least one means configured for controlling the expansion, the folding and/or the unfolding of the implant ( 3 ), or is prepared for receiving such a means.

8 . A set ( 200 ) according to claim 7 , wherein the means configured for controlling the expansion, the folding and/or the unfolding of the implant ( 3 ) comprises at least one tension thread.

9 . A set ( 200 ) according to claim 1 comprising further at least one crimping, pushing, pulling, twisting, cutting, separating, tensioning, pre-tensioning, grasping, snapping, actuating, aligning, bundling, clamping, connecting and/or releasing device.

10 . A method of detachably attaching an implant ( 3 ) or a device comprising the implant ( 3 ) with an implantation device ( 1 ) comprising at least the following steps:

providing an implantation device ( 1 ) and an implant ( 3 ) comprising at least a valve ( 50 ) configured to fulfill at least a check valve function;

detachably attach the implant ( 3 ) or the device comprising the implant ( 3 ) on or in or onto the implantation device ( 1 ) so that at least one conducting side ( 50 b ) of the valve ( 50 ) is located at a smaller distance from the distal end or from the distal tip of the implantation device ( 1 ) than one blocking side ( 50 a ).

11 . Method according to claim 10 , wherein the method comprises additionally at least one of the following steps:

crimping or folding the implant ( 3 );

altering a tension exerted on at least one tension thread;

covering the crimped implant ( 3 ) with a sleeve;

clamping at least one section of at least one tension thread.

12 . Method for releasing an implant ( 3 ) from an implantation device ( 1 ) and/or from a device comprising the implant ( 3 ), comprising the following steps:

expanding and/or unfolding or decollapsing, respectively, of the implant ( 3 ) from a first diameter to a second diameter;

disconnecting the device comprising the implant ( 3 ) and/or the implant ( 3 ) at a site that is different from a connection site at which the implant ( 3 ) or the device comprising the implant ( 3 ) has been connected or attached on the implantation device ( 1 ).

13 . Method according to claim 12 , wherein the method comprises additionally at least one of the following steps:

removing an outer sleeve, which is arranged over or about the folded or collapsed implant ( 3 );

releasing at least one tension thread and/or at least a clamped section of at least one tension thread from the implant ( 3 );

altering a tension exerted on at least one tension thread;

releasing, cutting or cutting through at least one tension thread.

14 . A set ( 200 ) according to claim 2 , wherein the implantation device ( 1 ) is arranged in the center of a cross-section of the implant ( 3 ) and/or of the valve ( 50 ).

15 . A set ( 200 ) according to claim 2 , wherein the implant ( 3 ) comprises at least one foldable or collapsible or crimpable and unfoldable or expandable structure on or around or over a portion or outer surface of the implantation device ( 1 ) or of part thereof.

16 . A set ( 200 ) according to claim 2 , wherein the implant ( 3 ) is a stent ( 13 ).

17 . A set ( 200 ) according to claim 16 , wherein the stent is a heart valve supporting stent or is configured as a heart valve prosthesis.

18 . A set ( 200 ) according to claim 2 , wherein the implantation device ( 1 ) comprises at least one means configured for controlling the expansion, the folding and/or the unfolding of the implant ( 3 ), or is prepared for receiving such a means.

19 . A set ( 200 ) according to claim 18 , wherein the means configured for controlling the expansion, the folding and/or the unfolding of the implant ( 3 ) comprises at least one tension thread.

20 . A set ( 200 ) according to claim 2 , comprising further at least one crimping, pushing, pulling, twisting, cutting, separating, tensioning, pre-tensioning, grasping, snapping, actuating, aligning, bundling, clamping, connecting and/or releasing device.