Abstract: A mitral valve prosthesis includes an hourglass shaped inner frame and a bulbous outer frame. A valve body having a plurality of leaflets is positioned within an interior region of the inner frame. The leaflets are shaped to substantially conform to an interior surface of the inner frame when the leaflets are in an open position. As a result, the gap between the leaflets and the inner frame is decreased, thereby reducing the likelihood of thrombus formation. Ventricular anchors are preferably provided along a distal end of the inner frame. The anchors extend proximally for placement behind native mitral valve leaflets. A fabric skirt may extend along an inner or outer surface of the outer frame. In preferred embodiments, the fabric skirt extends distally beyond a distal end of the outer frame and is adapted for forming a seal along the mitral valve annulus.

Abstract: An implantable endoluminal prosthesis for replacing a damaged aortic valve is provided. In one embodiment, the prosthesis includes a balloon-expandable stent, a tubular conduit that extends into the ascending aorta, and a self-expanding stent. The tubular conduit extends across the balloon-expandable stent. The tubular conduit includes an artificial valve. The self-expanding stent extends across the tubular conduit into the ascending aorta. The balloon-expandable stent, the tubular conduit, and the self-expanding stent are coupled to provide unidirectional flow of fluid into the aorta and further into the coronary arteries. Also provided is a method for implanting the endoluminal prosthesis.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve includes a frame, a valvular structure coupled to the frame, and a sealing member coupled to the frame. The frame has inflow and outflow ends and a lumen extending therebetween. The frame includes struts that form cells, and the cells are arranged in three rows. The frame is radially expandable from a collapsed state to an expanded state. The valvular structure includes a plurality of leaflets configured to allow blood flow through the lumen of the frame from the inflow end to the outflow end and to block blood flow through the lumen of the frame from the outflow end to the inflow end. The sealing skirt extends from an intermediate location of the frame disposed between the inflow and outflow ends to the inflow end of the frame. The sealing skirt covers two rows of cells to block blood flow through the cells.

Abstract: A prosthetic vascular valve includes one or more continuous loops of frame material or one or more strands of material that do not form a continuous loop. The frame includes a plurality of longitudinal portions, wherein a membrane is attached to at least one of the longitudinal portions, and wherein the membrane is configured to open and close. During implantation, the frame engages the inner surface of the vein wall and is biased against the vein wall to remain stationary. In use, blood flows from an upstream end to a downstream end, wherein the membrane mitigates regurgitation of the blood as the blood is conveyed through the subject vein.

Abstract: A venous valve prosthesis includes a frame and a prosthetic valve coupled to the frame. With the venous valve prosthesis implanted in a vein, the prosthetic valve includes a closed configuration wherein an outer surface of the prosthetic valve is in contact with a wall of the vein around a circumference of the prosthetic valve to prevent blood from flowing past the prosthetic valve between the wall of the vein and the outer surface of the prosthetic valve. The prosthetic valve is configured to move to an open configuration such that at least a portion of an outer wall of the prosthetic valve partially collapses away from the wall of the vein in response to antegrade blood flow through the vein to enable blood flow between the outer surface of the prosthetic valve and the wall of the vein.

Abstract: A replacement heart valve device is disclosed. In some embodiments, the device includes a frame coupled to one or more leaflets that are moveable between open and closed configurations. In some embodiments, the frame comprises at least two frame sections that join at a pair of commissural posts. In some embodiments, the device may be geometrically accommodating to adapt to different vasculature shapes and sizes and/or to be able to change size while implanted within a growing patient.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve includes a collapsible and expandable annular frame. The frame includes a plurality of rows of hexagonal cells. Each of the hexagonal cells is defined by six struts, including: two opposing side struts extending parallel to each other, a first pair of angled struts extending from respective first ends of the side struts and converging to intersect with each other, and a second pair of angled struts extending from respective second ends of the side struts and converging to intersect with each other. The prosthetic heart valve can also include a valvular structure with a plurality of leaflets. The prosthetic heart valve can further include a sealing member.

Abstract: Venous endoluminal devices, in particular for the treatment of defects of the veins, are provided with a substantially tubular body which defines an inner lumen and support modules oriented longitudinally and joined, in a distal direction, by distal bridges and in a proximal direction, by proximal bridges. Each support module includes a distal section, extending in a distal direction beyond the distal bridges, wherein the distal section is at least partially projecting in a radial direction, internally in relation to the inner lumen of the body. Methods of treatment using such devices are also provided.

Abstract: A prosthetic valve comprising a conical shaped ribbon structure comprising an extracellular matrix (ECM) composition. The ribbon structure comprises a plurality of elongated ribbon members that are positioned proximate each other in a joined relationship, wherein the ribbon members are positioned adjacent each other and form a plurality of fluid flow modulating regions that open when fluid flow through the valve exhibits a negative flow pressure and open when fluid flow through the valve exhibits a positive flow pressure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a radially expandable stent (1) comprising a plurality of flexibly interconnected meandering ring elements (2, 3) defining a stent (1) having a proximal and a distal end and a longitudinal axis, wherein said ring elements (2, 3) being arranged side by side along the longitudinal axis of the stent and adjoining ring elements (2, 3) being attached to each other through connection elements (4), wherein connection elements (4) are arranged between at least two adjoining ring elements (2, 3), said connection elements each having at least one expandable expansion element with predetermined breaking point (10), wherein the expansion being possible in the longitudinal and/or transverse direction and the predetermined breaking points (10) only disrupting after the expansion element has been overstretched beyond its maximum expansion point.

Abstract: An example medical device is disclosed. An example medical device includes an expandable stent. The stent includes a tubular scaffold formed of one or more interwoven filament. The tubular scaffold includes an inner surface and a flexible valve extending radially inward from the inner surface of the scaffold. Further, the valve is configured to shift between a closed configuration and an open configuration and the one or more filaments of the scaffold bias the valve to the closed configuration while in a nominally deployed state.

Abstract: In an aspect, a device includes a body structure including a core and a sleeve disposed around at least a portion of the core, the core defining a channel through the core extending from a first end of the core to a second end of the core, the sleeve including a flange adjacent the second end of the core; and a deployable portion coupled to the body structure adjacent the first end of the core, the deployable portion having a wired structure transitionable between a retained configuration and a deployed configuration, wherein a top portion of the wired structure extends beyond the first end of the core in a longitudinal direction when the wired structure is in the retained configuration, and wherein first end of the core extends beyond the top portion of the wired structure when the wired structure is in the deployed configuration.

Abstract: Prosthetic mitral valves and their methods of manufacture and use.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve having an inflow end and an outflow end includes a collapsible and expandable stent having a plurality of commissure features, a plurality of first struts and a plurality of second struts. The plurality of first struts define a substantially cylindrical portion and the plurality of second struts have first ends attached to the cylindrical portion and free ends projecting radially outward from the cylindrical portion and configured to couple to adjacent heart tissue to anchor the stent. A collapsible and expandable valve assembly disposed within the stent has a plurality of leaflets coupled to the commissure features.

Abstract: A collapsible and expandable stent body includes a generally tubular annulus section, one or more prosthetic valve elements mounted to the stent body, and a cuff attached to the stent body. The prosthetic valve is operative to allow flow in an antegrade direction but to substantially block flow in a retrograde direction. The prosthetic heart valve may include paravalvular leak mitigation features in the form of first and second sealing members. The sealing members are attached to the cuff and extend circumferentially around an abluminal surface of the stent body. The sealing members each have an open side facing in a first axial direction and a closed side facing in an opposite second axial direction. Flow of blood in the second axial direction will tend to force blood into the sealing members and cause the sealing members to billow outwardly relative to the stent body, helping to mitigate paravalvular leak.

Abstract: Prosthetic valves and methods of use of prosthetic valves may be provided. In one implementation, a method of releasing a prosthetic valve from a delivery capsule within a heart may be provided. The delivery capsule may include a distal capsule portion and a proximal capsule portion. The method may include moving the distal capsule portion in a first direction to release ventricular anchoring legs of the prosthetic valve from the delivery capsule and moving the released legs into contact with a native mitral valve. The method may include moving the proximal capsule portion in a second direction to release atrial anchoring arms of the prosthetic valve from the delivery capsule, after contacting the mitral valve with the released legs. The method may include moving the distal capsule portion in the first direction to release an annular valve body of the prosthetic valve from the delivery capsule.

Abstract: The stent graft (10) comprises a cylinder comprising a graft material in the form of a film and a stent that supports the cylinder. Further, the stent graft (10) is inserted within a region from the ascending aorta to the sinus of valsalva, and the stent graft comprises cylindrical body section (11) arranged in the ascending aorta and the sinus of valsalva section (12) arranged in the sinus of valsalva and having an inner diameter larger than that of the body section (11).

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a valve assembly for a motor vehicle, such as a pressure relief valve, and a method of using the same. The valve assembly includes a flap moveable to between an open position and a closed position. The valve assembly further includes a pair of shape memory-alloy (SMA) wires configured to move the flap between the open and closed positions. Specifically, the valve includes a first shape-memory alloy wire configured to rebound to a first rebound shape to urge the flap to the open position, and a second shape-memory alloy wire configured to rebound to a second rebound shape to urge the flap to the closed position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a prosthetic valve (1) for regulating fluid flow between an upstream side (4) and a downstream side (5) and being operable between an open status and a closed status. The prosthetic valve comprises: —an orifice (2) arranged in a surrounding member (3) and extending between the upstream side (4) and the downstream side (5) wherein in the open status of the prosthetic valve (1) the fluid flow through the orifice is maximally enabled and wherein in the closed status of the prosthetic valve the fluid flow through the orifice in a restriction direction (21) from the downstream side (5) to the upstream side (4) is restricted; and—a leaflet (6) arranged in the orifice and being operable between an open status corresponding to the open status of the prosthetic valve and a closed status corresponding to the closed status of the prosthetic valve.

Abstract: A method of treating a mitral valve without open-heart surgery is disclosed. An expandable prosthesis comprises an anchoring portion and an occluding member coupled to the anchoring portion. The prosthesis is loaded into a distal end of a delivery catheter and advanced through a femoral vein and through a pre-made puncture in an atrial septum. The occluding member is then positioned in the mitral valve and the anchoring portion is positioned in the left atrium for maintaining the occluding member between the leaflets of the mitral valve. After deployment, the occluding member prevents blood from flowing from the left ventricle to the left atrium during systole.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve can include an expandable support stent, a valve assembly, and a connecting membrane. The support stent can have first and second end portions and can be configured to be radially expandable from a first configuration to a second configuration. The valve assembly can have an inlet portion, an outlet portion, and a plurality of leaflets, and the valve assembly can be supported in the support stent. The connecting membrane can be disposed radially between the support stent and the valve assembly, wherein the support stent and the valve assembly can be connected to the connecting membrane.

Abstract: A stented valve including a stent structure including a generally tubular body portion having a first end, a second end, an interior area, a longitudinal axis, and a plurality of vertical wires extending generally parallel to the longitudinal axis around a periphery of the body portion, wherein the plurality of vertical wires includes multiple commissure wires and at least one structural wire positioned between adjacent commissure wires, and a plurality of V-shaped wire structures having a first end, a second end, and a peak between the first and second ends, wherein a first end of each V-shaped structure extends from a first vertical wire and a second end of each V-shaped structure extends from a second vertical wire that is adjacent to the first vertical wire, wherein each V-shaped structure is oriented so that its peak is facing in the same direction relative to the first and second ends of the body portion, and a valve structure including a plurality of leaflets attached to the stent structure within the

Abstract: A prosthetic valve coaptation assist device (100) includes an anchor (101) and a single valve assist leaflet (102). The anchor may be a supporting ring frame, brace or arc structure and will usually be radially self-expandable so that it can expand against surrounding tissue. The valve assist leaflet may be made of pericardium or other biological or artificial material and is shaped like the native target valve leaflet. The valve assist leaflet is typically sized larger than the target leaflet so that after implantation a significant overlap of the device body occurs.

Abstract: A compressible and expandable stent assembly for implantation in a body lumen such as a mitral valve, the stent assembly including at least one stent barrel that is shaped and sized so that it allows for normal operation of adjacent heart structures. One or more stent barrels can be included in the stent assembly, where one or more of the stent barrels can include a cylinder with tapered edge.

Abstract: Stented prosthetic heart valves including a stent frame having a plurality of stent frame support structures collectively defining an interior surface, an exterior surface and a plurality of cells. The stented prosthetic heart valve further including a valve structure including valve leaflets disposed within and secured to the stent frame and defining a margin of attachment. The stented prosthetic heart valve including one or both of an outer paravalvular leakage prevention wrap and an inner skirt for supporting the valve leaflets. In various embodiments, the outer wrap is positioned entirely on one side of the margin of attachment. In embodiments including an inner skirt, the outer wrap and the inner skirt are on opposite sides of the margin of attachment such that the inner skirt and the outer wrap do not overlap. In other embodiments, the outer wrap includes a plurality of zones having varying thickness.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a monocusp prosthetic valve comprising a flap made of biocompatible material, and a stent made of biocompatible or bio-absorbable material, said stent having meshes defining holes with profile represented by any closed curve or polygonal shape, wherein in said prosthetic valve the flap is sewn on said stent by means of pairs of suture points that are longitudinally extended along opposite surfaces of said flap.

Abstract: Described is a prosthetic valve, comprising: an expandable stent including an inner lumen and having a first and a second end; and a spring attached to the first end of the expandable stent; wherein the expandable stent and the spring can expand radially to a desired diametric configuration in order to anchor the prosthetic valve at an implantation position in a body lumen. Related systems and methods.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for a medical implant may include a buckle member, a post member axially translatable with respect to the buckle member, the post member including a receiving portion proximate a proximal end of the post member, a distal end, a laterally-arched central body portion extending between the receiving portion and the distal end, and a cantilevered leg extending proximally from the distal end, and an actuator element including a proximal shaft portion and a distal engagement portion, the distal engagement portion being configured to releasably engage the receiving portion of the post member. The proximal shaft portion may be pivotable with respect to the distal engagement portion.

Abstract: Described embodiments are directed toward centrally-opening leaflet prosthetic valve devices having a leaflet frame and a mechanically coupled leaflet. The described leaflet frames have projections that are configured to couple with apertures located within the leaflet attachment region of a leaflet. Some embodiments are further directed toward pulmonary valved conduits incorporating such leaflet and leaflet frame constructs. Methods of making and using such prosthetic valve devices are also described amongst others.

Abstract: An implantable prosthetic valve has an upper frame section and a lower frame section. The upper frame section has a plurality of struts and a first leaflet receiving surface at a lower portion of the upper frame section. The lower frame section has a second leaflet receiving surface at an upper portion of the lower frame section. An edge of a flexible leaflet is disposed between the first and second leaflet receiving surfaces to attach the leaflet to the upper and lower frame sections.

Abstract: Artificial heart valve structures and methods of their fabrication are disclosed. The heart valve structures may be fabricated from a biocompatible polymer and include one or more heart valve leaflet structures incorporated within a conduit. The valve structures may incorporate one or more conduit sinuses, as well as a gap between the lower margin of the valve leaflets and the interior of the conduit. In addition, the valve structures may include one or more valve sinuses created in a space between the valve leaflets and the conduit inner surface. Computational fluid dynamics and mechanical modeling may be used to design the valve leaflets with optimal characteristics. A heart valve structure may also incorporate a biodegradable component to which cells may adhere The incorporated cells may arise from patient cells migrating to the biodegradable component, or the component may be pre-seeded with cells prior to implantation in a patient.

Abstract: A transcatheter valve prosthesis including a tubular stent, a prosthetic valve component disposed within and secured to the stent, and a centering mechanism coupled to and encircling an outer surface of the tubular stent. The centering mechanism includes a self-expanding centering ring having an expanded diameter in the expanded configuration that is greater than an expanded diameter of the tubular stent in the expanded configuration and a plurality of self-expanding spokes radially extending between the tubular stent and the centering ring. The centering mechanism may include a base ring and/or a skirt. Alternatively, the centering mechanism includes a plurality of self-expanding loops. When each loop is in a delivery configuration the loop has a straightened profile that proximally extends from a proximal end of the tubular stent. When each loop is in an expanded configuration the loop has a U-shaped profile radially spaced apart from the tubular stent.

Abstract: Valves constructed from low porosity leaflets are disclosed. The valves disclosed herein may be integrated into a variety of structures, such as valved conduits and transcatheter stents, and may be constructed of one or more layers. Embodiments herein are also directed to methods of using the same and methods of making the same.

Abstract: Prosthetic mitral valves described herein can be deployed using a transcatheter mitral valve delivery system and technique to interface and anchor in cooperation with the anatomical structures of a native mitral valve. This document describes prosthetic heart valve designs that interface with native mitral valve structures to create a fluid seal, thereby minimizing mitral regurgitation and paravalvular leaks. This document also describes prosthetic heart valve designs and techniques to manage blood flow through the left ventricular outflow tract. In addition, this document describes prosthetic heart valve designs and techniques that reduce the risk of interference between the prosthetic valves and chordae tendineae.

Abstract: A heart valve assembly comprises a first prosthesis configured to expand from an unexpanded state to an expanded state at which the first annular prosthesis contacts native tissue of a body lumen. The heart valve assembly also comprises a second prosthesis comprising a valve, and a connection adapter that secures the second prosthesis to the first prosthesis, the connection adapter having a multi-lobed circumference.

Abstract: Described herein is a prosthetic valve device having an optimized valve component for durability and functionality of the collapsible leaflets. Specially designed commissures contribute to the optimization along with identified parameters. In other embodiments, the invention is a frame formed from a unique cutting pattern.

Abstract: A stented valve having at least one leaflet made of pericardium or other material having a relatively thin profile at the annulus. The leaflets are attached via chords to a stent frame, where the chords are positioned to mimic the native valve anatomy and functionality. In particular, the valves of one exemplary embodiment of the invention are sized to replace a mitral valve and therefore the chords are arranged to prevent prolapse of the leaflets into the atrium. The stented valve has a relatively short height at its annulus due to the positioning of the chords. In addition, the stented valve is capable of being crimped to a small enough size that it can be delivered to the implantation site via transcatheter delivery systems and methods.

Abstract: Prosthetic valves are provided with a leaflet assembly having at least one leaflet (3) attached to a supporting element (2), which leaflet has a free margin that can move between a first position wherein the free margin is flexed away from a closure surface (700) to allow body fluid to flow through the valve, and a second position wherein the free margin abuts the closure surface to close the valve, and wherein the leaflet, without pulsatile load on the valve, can form a coaptation height H of more than 0.1 mm along the length of the free margin. Such prosthetic valve provides good performance during prolonged time, and can be made using various materials for the leaflets. The invention also relates to a leaflet assembly for use in a prosthetic valve, and to methods of making the prosthetic valve, including making the leaflet assembly.

Abstract: Systems for mitral valve repair are disclosed where one or more mitral valve interventional devices may be advanced intravascularly into the heart of a patient and deployed upon or along the mitral valve to stabilize the valve leaflets. The interventional device may also facilitate the placement or anchoring of a prosthetic mitral valve implant. The interventional device may generally comprise a distal set of arms pivotably and/or rotating coupled to a proximal set of arms which are also pivotably and/or rotating coupled. The distal set of arms may be advanced past the catheter opening to a subannular position (e.g., below the mitral valve) and reconfigured from a low-profile delivery configuration to a deployed securement configuration. The proximal arm members may then be deployed such that the distal and proximal arm members may grip the leaflets between the two sets of arms to stabilize the leaflets.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve system and a delivery system therefor, the prosthetic heart valve system comprising a heart valve element with expandable generally tubular stent support forming a wire frame, wherein the tubular stent support comprises a plurality of adjacent rows of interconnected, substantially diamond-shaped cell structures extending, along and in parallel to the longitudinal direction, between the proximal end and distal end, and wherein the stent support, in a medial portion, comprises a circumferential row of a plurality of wire anchor structures which wire anchor structures are spaced from one another and attached to the wire frame and which, in respect to the longitudinal axis of the stent support, at least partially protrude outward at an angle ?. The prosthetic heart valve system may also comprise a stent(graft)-element.

Abstract: A collapsible-expandable tubular stent (29) constructed of shape-memory material which is implantable into a human heart, which comprises proximal and distal rings (71, 73) and at least two spaced apart posts (69) that extend axially between said rings (71, 73), said distal ring (73) comprising a plurality of distal arms (77) which are connected to the distal ring (73) at only one end and which have a free opposite end; said proximal ring (71) comprising a plurality of, which are connected at only one end to the proximal ring (71) and which have a free opposite end, which proximal arms (75) are constructed to swing radially outward at their free ends.

Abstract: An implantable prosthetic valve has an upper frame section and a lower frame section. The upper frame section has a plurality of struts and a first leaflet receiving surface at a lower portion of the upper frame section. The lower frame section has a second leaflet receiving surface at an upper portion of the lower frame section. An edge of a flexible leaflet is disposed between the first and second leaflet receiving surfaces to attach the leaflet to the upper and lower frame sections.

Abstract: A method of crimping an implantable prosthetic valve can include placing protective material over at least a portion of the implantable prosthetic valve. The protective material can be configured to occupy space between open cells of a frame of the implantable prosthetic valve to prevent damage to a leaflet structure of the implantable prosthetic valve. The method can also include crimping the implantable prosthetic valve with the protective material on the implantable prosthetic valve, and removing the protective material from between the frame and the leaflet structure of the implantable prosthetic valve.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve includes a prosthetic valve annulus and at least one prosthetic valve leaflet member including at least one coaptation surface configured for cooperating with at least one corresponding coaptation surface of the prosthetic heart valve. At least one valve leaflet member is displaceable by blood flow between a closed position and an open position to produce, correspondingly, a contact and a separation of cooperating coaptation surfaces. In the open position the separation of the cooperating coaptation surfaces enables the blood flow through the orifice in a first direction, and in the closed position the contact of the cooperating coaptation surfaces prevents the blood flow through the orifice in a second direction, opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: A device for percutaneously delivering a stented prosthetic heart valve. The device includes an inner shaft assembly, a delivery sheath assembly, an outer stability tube, and a handle. The sheath assembly is slidably disposed over the inner shaft, and includes a capsule and a shaft. The capsule compressively contains the prosthesis over the inner shaft. The stability tube is slidably disposed over the delivery sheath, and includes a distal region configured to be radially expandable from a first shape having a first diameter to a second shape having a larger, second diameter. In a first delivery state, the distal region assumes the first shape, providing a low profile appropriate for traversing a patient's vasculature. In a second delivery state, the distal region has the expanded diameter second shape, sized to receive the capsule, such as when retracting the capsule to implant the prosthesis.

Abstract: Methods and devices for reducing paravalvular leakage associated with a replacement mitral valve. The methods can include monitoring for paravalvular leakage between a replacement mitral valve and tissue proximate the mitral valve annulus; if a sufficient amount of paravalvular leakage is observed, deploying a tissue reshaping device at least partially within a coronary sinus; remodeling coronary sinus tissue with the tissue reshaping device to remodel at least one of mitral valve annulus tissue, at least one mitral valve leaflet, and left atrium tissue in an attempt to reduce the paravalvular leakage; and monitoring for a reduction in paravalvular leakage after the remodeling step.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to stents, valved-stents, and associated methods and systems for their delivery via minimally-invasive surgery.

Abstract: Described embodiments are directed toward prosthetic valves and systems and methods of making prosthetic valves. In accordance with an embodiment, a prosthetic valve comprises and leaflet frame, and outer frame and a film. The leaflet frame has a generally tubular shape defining a plurality of leaflet windows. The outer frame has a generally tubular shape. The leaflet frame is coaxially disposed at least partially within the outer frame. The leaflet frame and outer frame is coupled at least in part by a contiguous portion of the film. At least a portion of the contiguous portion of the film is contained between and coupling the leaflet frame and outer frame operable to prevent relative movement and contact therebetween. The film defines a leaflet extending from each of the leaflet windows.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve includes a collapsible and expandable stent including a plurality of struts forming cells, the stent having a proximal end, a distal end, an annulus section adjacent the proximal end, an aortic section adjacent the distal end, and a transition section disposed between the annulus section and the aortic section, the aortic section having a larger diameter than the annulus section. The heart valve further includes a valve assembly disposed entirely in the annulus section of the stent for controlling the flow of blood through the stent, the valve assembly including a plurality of leaflets, and a cuff, the cuff being disposed on a surface of the stent and extending fully over at least two rows of cells of the stent.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for endovascularly replacing a patient's heart valve. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes an expandable anchor supporting a replacement valve, the anchor and replacement valve being adapted for percutaneous delivery and deployment to replace the patient's heart valve, the anchor having a braid having atraumatic grasping elements adapted to grasp tissue in a vicinity of the patient's heart valve.