Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve includes a collapsible and expandable stent having a proximal end, a distal end, an annulus section adjacent the proximal end and an aortic section adjacent the distal end, a plurality of commissure features disposed on the stent, and a collapsible and expandable valve assembly, the valve assembly including a plurality of leaflets connected to the plurality of commissure features. Each commissure feature includes a body having a proximal end a distal end, and a plurality of eyelets arranged in at least two rows and at least two columns for attaching the body to the plurality of leaflets.

Abstract: A method of making a prosthetic heart valve may include providing an annular stent having a plurality of annularly spaced commissure portions having tips, covering each of the tips with a first fabric cover, covering the first fabric covers and the remainder of the stent with a second fabric cover, covering the second fabric cover with a first tissue membrane, and covering the outside of the first tissue membrane with a second tissue membrane, the second tissue membrane forming leaflet portions that extend inwardly between the commissure portions.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in conjunction with implanting a collapsible and re-expandable prosthetic heart valve in a patient by means that are less invasive than traditional open-chest, open-heart surgery. The apparatus may include a one-way valve for preventing blood from escaping from the patient's circulatory system when that system is entered to implant the prosthetic heart valve. The apparatus may include various forms of cutters for gaining access to the patient's circulatory system. The apparatus may include various forms of devices for quickly closing the access to the patient's circulatory system after the prosthetic heart valve has been implanted.