CPC A61F 2/2472 (2013.01) [G01L 1/24 (2013.01); G01N 3/04 (2013.01); A61F 2002/7635 (2013.01); G01B 11/02 (2013.01); G01B 11/14 (2013.01); H04N 7/18 (2013.01)] | 20 Claims |
1. A method for testing a prosthetic heart valve leaflet, the method comprising:
using an apparatus comprising:
a vertical post, having a longitudinal axis;
a horizontal bar having a bar-axis that lies on a vertical bar-plane, the bar being configured to support the leaflet along the bar-axis such that the leaflet drapes over the bar;
a linear actuator, movably coupling the bar to the post, actuation of the actuator moving the bar vertically in the bar-plane;
a light source, configured to emit a beam of light, and oriented to direct the beam through the bar-plane;
a gauge, configured to measure an elevation of the bar above the beam; and
a detector, configured and positioned to detect the beam, and to generate a detection-signal indicative of detection of the beam,
testing the prosthetic heart valve leaflet by:
placing the leaflet across the horizontal bar; and
activating the apparatus to:
move the bar vertically in the bar-plane, using the linear actuator,
emit the beam of light, using the light source,
measure the elevation of the bar above the beam, using the gauge, and
generate the detection-signal indicative of the detection of the beam, using the detector.
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