Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described including a docking element (20) configured to be implanted within a subject's left atrium such that no portion of the docking element (20) extends through the subject's mitral valve. The docking element (20) includes a ring (40), a frame (24) extending upwardly from the ring (40), and a radial protrusion (50) configured to extend radially outwardly from the frame, to be disposed in a vicinity of the subject's native mitral annulus, and to generate tissue ingrowth to the radial protrusion from walls of the left atrium at least in the vicinity of the subject's native mitral annulus. A bridging material (56), which is disposed between radial protrusion (50) and the ring (40), forms a seal between the radial protrusion (50) and the ring (40). Other applications are also described.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for treating a subject with a diseased mitral valve. A mitral annulus repair device is implanted within the subject's left atrium. The device includes a ring configured to be implanted within 15 mm of a native mitral annulus of the subject, and a frame extending upwardly from the ring, the frame being configured to anchor the mitral annulus repair device within the left atrium, prior to the tissue ingrowth to the mitral annulus repair device occurring, by the frame expanding against inner walls and a roof of the left atrium. The ring is adjustable in size and is configured to reduce a diameter of the subject's native mitral annulus by a diameter of the ring being reduced, subsequent to tissue ingrowth to the mitral annulus repair device having occurred. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for treating a subject with a diseased mitral valve. A docking element is implanted within the subject's left atrium such that no portion of the docking element extends through the subject's mitral valve. The docking element includes a ring having a smaller size than that of the subject's mitral annulus, and which configured to be implanted within 15 mm of the mitral annulus. A frame extends upwardly from the ring, a portion of the frame being configured to be disposed in a vicinity of the mitral annulus and to generate tissue ingrowth from the subject's atrial walls in the vicinity of the mitral annulus. A material disposed between the portion of the frame and the ring is configured to form a seal between atrial walls in the vicinity of the mitral annulus and the ring. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for treating a subject with a diseased atrioventricular valve. A docking element is implanted within the subject's atrium such that no portion of the docking element extends through the subject's atrioventricular valve. The docking becomes anchored to tissue of the atrium at least partially via ingrowth of the tissue of the atrium. The docking element includes a ring, which is implanted at the annulus of the atrioventricular valve, and a frame having a height of at least 15 mm, which extends upwardly from the ring. A prosthetic atrioventricular valve apparatus is placed at least partially inside the docking element subsequent to the ingrowth of the tissue of the atrium having occurred, and becomes anchored to the docking element, at least partially by radially expanding against the ring. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for treating a subject with a diseased mitral valve. A docking element (100) is implanted within the subject's left atrium such that no portion of the docking element extends through the subject's mitral valve. The docking becomes anchored to tissue of the left atrium at least partially via ingrowth of the tissue of the left atrium. The docking element (100) includes a ring (102), which is implanted at the subject's mitral valve annulus, and a frame (104), having a height of at least 15 mm, which extends upwardly from the ring. A prosthetic mitral valve apparatus (20) is placed at least partially inside the docking element subsequent to the ingrowth of the tissue of the left atrium having occurred, and becomes anchored to the docking element, at least partially by radially expanding against the ring. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for treating a subject with a diseased valve (24), and for use with a delivery device (34). A prosthetic valve apparatus (20) includes a valve support frame (30) and prosthetic valve leaflets (32). Prosthetic valve apparatus (20) is delivered to an aperture (22) through a first leaflet (25) of the diseased valve, while maintained in a generally cylindrical shape inside the delivery device. Subsequent to the delivery device being retracted, the support frame of the prosthetic valve apparatus becomes anchored to the first leaflet of the valve, by end portions (36A, 36V) at each end of the valve support frame at least partially inverting to trap tissue of the first leaflet between the inverted portions, and a central portion (38) of the valve support frame radially expanding. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for treating a subject with a diseased mitral valve. A docking element is implanted within the subject's left atrium such that no portion of the docking element extends through the subject's mitral valve. The docking element includes a ring having a smaller size than that of the subject's mitral annulus, and which configured to be implanted within 15 mm of the mitral annulus. A frame extends upwardly from the ring, a portion of the frame being configured to be disposed in a vicinity of the mitral annulus and to generate tissue ingrowth from the subject's atrial walls in the vicinity of the mitral annulus. A material disposed between the portion of the frame and the ring is configured to form a seal between atrial walls in the vicinity of the mitral annulus and the ring. Other applications are also described.