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: The invention describes a stent of the aortic valve which is self-expandable and also repositionable and preferably made from nitinol. It consists of two parts: the upper part and the lower part. The lower part is a mesh (1) laid out so that it creates a kind of cylinder wall on the entire height of the element. Also other shape of the mesh is acceptable, for example partially conical, or partially resembling flattened side wall of the cylinder. However, the upper part of the stent consists of derived from the mesh (1) upwards and arranged at equal intervals three arms (2) the height of which is slightly larger than the height of the mesh (1), a bit less than the height of the mesh (1) or equal to its height. The stent arms (2) are shaped in such a way that they form together a kind of an oval chalice bowl, and their end, peripheral part is preferably straight and also inclined to the middle. Space between the arms (2) always ensures free access to patient's coronary arteries.

Abstract: A method of delivering a prosthetic heart valve to a native aortic heart valve region of a patient can include introducing a prosthetic heart valve on a transvascular delivery apparatus into an artery of the patient, advancing the delivery apparatus through an aorta of the patient to the native aortic heart valve region, and releasing the prosthetic heart valve from the delivery apparatus. The delivery apparatus can have a shaft with a valve connection portion that is releasably coupled to posts of the prosthetic heart valve. The delivery apparatus can have a delivery sheath positioned around the prosthetic heart valve and the valve connection portion. The releasing the prosthetic valve can include moving the delivery sheath proximally relative to the shaft and the prosthetic heart valve such that the delivery sheath uncovers the prosthetic heart valve and the prosthetic heart valve can self-expand.

Abstract: Bioprosthetic heart valves and methods for fabricating bioprosthetic heart valves are provided. Biological tissue is attached to biocompatible material. The biocompatible material is folded to form a tubular structure with the attached biological tissue located on the inner surface of the tubular structure, the biological tissue forming leaflets of the heart valve. A stent is secured around the outer surface of the tubular structure. A region of the biocompatible material is cut. The biocompatible material is folded at the cut region away from the tissue and around the downstream edge of the stent and is secured to the stent's outer surface. The biocompatible material is folded at the upstream end of the tubular structure around the upstream edge of the stent and attached to the stent's outer surface so that the stent's inner and outer surfaces are covered with no more than a single layer of the biocompatible material.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve, for example a tricuspid valve, may include a flexible membrane and a frame. The frame may be attached to the periphery of the tricuspid orifice. The diaphragm may be attached to the frame around a part of the perimeter of the orifice. Optionally the frame may be flexible. For example the frame may elastically flex between a substantially circular shape and/of an elliptical and/or crescent shape. Optionally there may not be a stiff cross piece crossing a central region of the orifice and connected on opposing sides of frame. In some embodiments, the diaphragm may take a dome shape during systole.

Abstract: Prosthetic heart valves, which are collapsible to a relatively small circumferential size for less invasive delivery into a patient and which then re-expand to operating size at an implant site in the patient, include a collapsible/expandable stent-like supporting structure and various components of flexible, sheet-like material that are attached to the supporting structure. For example, these sheet-like other components may include prosthetic valve leaflets, layers of buffering material, cuff material, etc. Improved structures and techniques are provided for securing such other components to the stent-like supporting structure of the valve.

Abstract: A valved conduit including a bioprosthetic aortic heart valve connected to a tubular conduit graft forming an ascending aorta. The conduit graft may attach to the heart valve in a manner that facilitates a redo operation in which the valve is replaced with another valve. A sewing ring may be pre-attached to the inflow end of the graft, and then the valve connected to a delivery holder advanced into the graft and secured to the sewing ring. Dry bioprosthetic valves coupled with conduit grafts sealed with a bioresorbable medium can be stored with the delivery holder.

Abstract: A device for treating regurgitation of a tricuspid valve (4) is disclosed. The device comprises a tricuspid valve plug (21) capable of compressing and expanding and a tricuspid valve plug fixing device used for anchoring the tricuspid valve-in-plug (21) to an orifice of the tricuspid valve (4). The tricuspid valve plug (21) is provided with an inflow end (42, 52) and an opposite outflow end (47, 57), and a prosthetic valve (50, 70) capable of being opened and closed is disposed in the tricuspid valve plug (21). When the tricuspid valve (4) is dosed, the prosthetic valve (50, 70) is automatically closed, and when the tricuspid valve (4) is opened, the prosthetic valve (50, 70) is automatically opened.

Abstract: Prosthetic heart valves and anchors for use with such valves are provided that allow for an improved implantation procedure. In various embodiments, an anchoring device is formed as a coiled or twisted anchor that includes one or more turns that twist or curve around a central axis. One or more arms attached to the frame of the valve guide the anchoring device into position at the native valve as it exits the delivery catheter, and the expandable prosthetic valve is held within the coil of the anchoring device. The anchoring device and the valve can be delivered together, simplifying the valve replacement procedure.

Abstract: A prosthetic valve for implantation within a native mitral valve may be provided. The prosthetic valve may include an annular valve body. The prosthetic valve may also include a plurality of tissue anchors arranged about the valve body and configured to extend from connection points on the valve body. The prosthetic valve may also include at least one protective fabric covering extending over each of the connection points between each tissue anchor and the valve body.

Abstract: Valve devices, methods of making valve devices, and methods of treating various venous-related conditions, disorders and/or diseases are described. In one embodiment, a valve device includes an expandable support frame and a bioprosthetic valve attached to the support frame. The bioprosthetic valve comprises a leaflet and a contiguous wall portion harvested from a multi-leaflet xenogeneic valve. The contiguous wall portion includes the attachment region where the leaflets attaches to the vessel wall and, in some embodiments, includes the natural margins of attachment between the leaflet and vessel wall.

Abstract: Prosthetic valve systems for replacing a native valve exhibiting regurgitation include a support structure and a transcatheter heart valve (THV) that is separate from the support structure. The support structure can be configured to be positioned such that it extends annularly around the native valve leaflets. After the support structure is deployed around the native valve leaflets, the THV can be expanded within the support structure such that the native valve leaflets are engaged between the support structure and the THV.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a prosthetic heart valve at a native heart valve comprises an adjustable-lumen prosthetic valve support. In a delivery state, the prosthetic valve support is transluminally deliverable to the heart. The prosthetic valve support is transitionable, within the heart, into an implantation state for implantation at the native valve. In the implantation state, the prosthetic valve support has an inner edge that defines a lumen through the prosthetic valve support, the lumen having a first diameter. After the prosthetic valve support is implanted at the native valve, the prosthetic valve support is transitionable into an enlarged state in which the lumen has a second diameter that is greater than the first diameter. In the enlarged state, the prosthetic valve support is configured to support, at the native valve, the prosthetic heart valve within the lumen.

Abstract: Described embodiments are directed toward prosthetic valve leaflets of a particular shape that allows redundant coaptation height in the leaflets when a planar segment is present in each leaflet.

Abstract: A valve with a frame and valve leaflets that provide a sinus pocket. The valve provides for unidirectional flow of a liquid through the valve.

Abstract: An expandable valve (100) and valve frame device that may be implanted within the body, for example, at a position of the heart. The device may be surgically implanted and subsequently expanded at a later time. The device may include an expandable sewing member (160) surrounding the valve frame (130) at a region between upstream and downstream ends of the device, for attaching the device to surrounding tissue. The device may include a membrane (140) for blocking leakage out the side of the valve frame between opposite ends. However, the membrane may include a side opening (170) for guiding fluid flow toward an appropriate anatomical outflow tract. The device may include a hood-like covering attached to a tissue wall, for smoothly receiving and guiding fluid flow along a perpendicular bend. The device may further include a flared opening at a downstream end, providing adequate space for device attachment.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve for implant in a human. The valve includes a wireform with undulating inflow cusps and outflow commissure posts to which flexible leaflets attach and coapt in a flow area. Each leaflet may drape over the top of the wireform in the cusp area, but have tabs that each extend underneath the wireform at the commissure posts to be secured along with a tab of an adjacent leaflet. The prosthetic heart valve may also be a dual-wire wireform, with the leaflets sandwiched therebetween. One wireform may be larger than the other, with the leaflets extending over the smaller wireform. The smaller wireform may have commissures that bend radially outward from the larger wireform to provide structure to which the leaflet tabs attach.

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: 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 prosthetic heart valve includes an annular frame that is adapted for (1) delivery into a patient's native heart valve annulus in a circumferentially collapsed condition, and (2) circumferential re-expansion when in the annulus, the frame, in an expanded condition. The frame having a longitudinal axis, an inflow end and an outflow end, a first portion of the frame adjacent the inflow end inclining radially outwardly in a direction toward the inflow end, and a second portion of the frame between the first portion and the outflow end bulging radially outwardly, the second portion of the frame being positioned between a first axial distance from the inflow end and a second axial distance from the inflow end. The frame also includes a plurality of commissure members. The heart valve further includes a flexible leaflet structure disposed in the frame.

Abstract: A medical valve implant comprising: an implant structure configured as a medical valve; and a base body that includes a collar extending in a circumferential direction around the implant structure, wherein the collar includes a first cell structure composed of a plurality of cells forming an inner cross section of the base body that is matched to an outer cross section of the implant structure, characterized in that the collar includes a second cell structure fastened to an inner contour of a cell of the first cell structure at two fastening points and configured to move radially outward relative to the first cell structure so that an outer contour of the base body is formed by the first cell structure and the second cell structure.

Abstract: An intraluminal vascular prosthesis assembly, having a hollow cylindrical body with a first end and a second end is provided. The assembly includes, at its first end, a first vascular prosthesis portion, and at its second end, a second vascular prosthesis portion which has only a prosthesis material. The vascular prosthesis assembly has a stent portion which is provided between the first vascular prosthesis portion and the second vascular prosthesis portion, the stent portion being free of prosthesis material to allow fluid flow therethrough and received within the aortic arch and spanning the brachiocephalic artery, left common carotid artery, and left subclavian artery when placed within the aortic arch of a patient.

Abstract: A prosthetic mitral valve with a compressible and expandable base structure that, when expanded, is circumferentially oval, elliptical, or D-shaped, with a major axis and a minor axis ratio of from about 3:4 to about 4:5. Embodiments of the base structure comprise a primary member and a secondary member surrounding the primary member and coupled thereto. Three flexible leaflets are attached to commissure sections of the primary member in a tri-foil configuration. Embodiments of the prosthetic mitral valve include an atrial ring disposed at the inflow end of the stent.

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: Described herein is a mitral valve and systems and methods for implanting the same. The mitral valve device is designed to easily orient to and conform to the mitral orifice natural morphology. This mitral valve system may be implanted using a system of 2 guide wires that facilitate orientation of the flat portion of the stent properly with the flat portion of the mitral valve that is adjacent to the aortic valve. Additionally, the disclosed valve may have multiple mounds distributed across the outer surface of the valve/stent complex so as to prevent or reduce paravalvular leak after implantation.

Abstract: A transcatheter valve prosthesis including a tubular stent includes an interior skirt or skirt portion is coupled to and covers an inner circumferential surface of the stent, and an exterior skirt or skirt portion is coupled to and covers an outer circumferential surface of the stent. A prosthetic valve component is disposed within and secured to the interior skirt or skirt portion. The interior and exterior skirts or skirt portions may overlap to form a double layer of skirt material on the stent, or may be portions of a skirt that do not overlap such that only a single layer of skirt material covers the stent. When the stent is in at least the compressed configuration, at least one endmost crown may be positioned radially inwards with respect to the remaining endmost crowns formed at the inflow end of the stent in order to accommodate the exterior skirt.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a prosthetic heart valve. The prosthetic heart valve includes an outer frame, an inner frame positioned at least partially within the outer frame, and an occluder member positioned at least partially within the inner frame. The prosthetic heart valve also includes an atrial flange extending from an atrial end of the outer frame, and a ventricular flange extending from a ventricular end of the outer frame, wherein at least a portion of the atrial flange extends radially outward beyond the ventricular flange.

Abstract: A collapsible and expandable stent (320) extends in an axial direction from a proximal end to a distal end. The stent may include a plurality of first cells (324), each first cell having an open space defined by a first plurality of struts (322). The stent may further include a second cell (330) nested in the open space of one of the first cells, the second cell being defined by a second plurality of struts (330a-d). The stent may additionally include first and second connecting struts (332, 334) connecting the second cell to the one first cell. The second cell may be configured to pivot about the first and second connecting struts with respect to the one first cell. The pivoting may create a clearance space between the second cell and an outer perimeter of the stent in which portions of a native valve structure may be clamped.

Abstract: A prosthetic mitral valve with a compressible and expandable stent that, when expanded, is circumferentially oval, elliptical, or D-shaped, with a major axis and a minor axis ratio of from about 3:4 to about 4:5. Embodiments of the stent comprise three commissure regions disposed towards an outflow end and three curved cusp regions between adjacent commissure regions. Three flexible leaflets are attached to the commissure regions in a tri-foil configuration. Embodiments of the prosthetic mitral valve include an atrial ring disposed at the inflow end of the stent.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns embodiments of implantable prosthetic devices, and in particular, implantable prosthetic valves, and methods for making such devices. In one aspect, a prosthetic device includes encapsulating layers that extend over a fabric layer and secure the fabric layer to another component of the device. In particular embodiments, the prosthetic device comprises a prosthetic heart valve, and can be configured to be implanted in any of the native heart valves. In addition, the prosthetic heart valve can be, for example, a transcatheter heart valve, a surgical heart valve, or a minimally-invasive heart valve.

Abstract: Described embodiments are directed toward prosthetic heart valve leaflets of particular shapes that control bending character. In accordance with an embodiment, a prosthetic heart valve comprises a leaflet frame having a generally tubular shape with attached film. The leaflet frame defines a plurality of leaflet windows. The film defines at least one leaflet extending from each of the leaflet windows. Each leaflet attachment zone on the leaflet frame has substantially the shape of an isosceles trapezoid having two leaflet sides, a leaflet base and a leaflet free edge opposite the leaflet base. The two leaflet sides diverge from the leaflet base, wherein the leaflet base is substantially flat.

Abstract: An intraluminal vascular prosthesis assembly, having a hollow cylindrical body with a first end and a second end is provided. The assembly includes, at its first end, a first vascular prosthesis portion, and at its second end, a second vascular prosthesis portion which has only a prosthesis material. The vascular prosthesis assembly has a stent portion which is provided between the first vascular prosthesis portion and the second vascular prosthesis portion, the stent portion being free of prosthesis material to allow fluid flow therethrough and received within the aortic arch and spanning the brachiocephalic artery, left common carotid artery, and left subclavian artery when placed within the aortic arch of a patient.

Abstract: A method comprises implanting an aortic ring externally on the outer surface and around the aortic root to form a closed-perimeter flexible structure only around the subvalvular region externally of the aortic root, generally adjacent the nadir portion of the valve annulus and below the attachment points of the coronary arteries; and constraining the aortic root with the closed-perimeter structure to an anatomically representative geometry that improves coaptation of the leaflet free margins in the diastolic phase of the cardiac cycle.

Abstract: A quick-connect heart valve prosthesis that can be quickly and easily implanted is provided. The heart valve includes a substantially non-expandable, non-compressible prosthetic valve and a plastically-expandable coupling stent, thereby enabling attachment to the annulus without sutures. A small number of guide sutures may be provided for aortic valve orientation. The prosthetic valve may be a commercially available valve with a sewing ring with the coupling stent attached thereto. The coupling stent may expand from a conical deployment shape to a conical expanded shape, and may include web-like struts connected between axially-extending posts. A system and method for deployment includes a hollow two-piece handle through which a balloon catheter passes. A valve holder is stored with the heart valve and the handle easily attaches thereto to improve valve preparation steps.

Abstract: A cardiac valve fixing device of the present invention comprises: a first structure, which continuously comes into contact with the lower surface of at least one cardiac valve; a second structure, which is connected to the first structure and continuously comes into contact with the upper surface of the cardiac valve; and a fixing barb, which is equipped in at least one of the first structure and the second structure and protrusively formed to the direction of the cardiac valve so as to be inserted into the cardiac valve. Accordingly, the cardiac valve fixing device of the present invention stably fixes the cardiac valve.

Abstract: A replacement valve has an expandable frame configured to engage a native valve and a valve body mounted to the expandable frame. The valve body can have a plurality of valve leaflets configured to open to allow flow in a first direction and engage one another so as to close and prevent flow in a second direction, the second direction being opposite the first direction.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve includes an annularly collapsible and re-expandable supporting structure extending between an inflow end and an outflow end and including a plurality of struts, a plurality of leaflets disposed inside the supporting structure and operative to allow flow in a first direction from the inflow end to the outflow end and to substantially block flow in an opposite direction from the outflow end to the inflow end, a sheet circumferentially disposed on an inner surface of the supporting structure and coupled to the supporting structure, a reinforcing core coupled to at least one of the plurality of leaflets, and a plurality of stitches coupling the reinforcing core to the sheet and one of the plurality of leaflets.

Abstract: An implantable prosthetic valve, according to one embodiment, comprises a frame, a leaflet structure, and a skirt member. The frame can have a plurality of axial struts interconnected by a plurality of circumferential struts. The leaflet structure comprises a plurality of leaflets (e.g., three leaflets arrange to form a tricuspid valve). The leaflet structure has a scalloped lower edge portion secured to the frame. The skirt member can be disposed between the leaflet structure and the frame.

Abstract: The present teachings provide a device and methods of making and use thereof. Specifically, one aspect of the present teachings provides a device for restricting blood flow entering the lung after each right bean systole. Certain embodiments of the present teachings provide a device that prevents a complete closure of the pulmonary valve leaflets so that a certain amount of blood is allowed to flow from the pulmonary artery to the right ventricle at the end of a right ventricle systole. Other embodiments of the present teachings provide a device that restricts the amount of blood outflowing from the right ventricle to the pulmonary artery. In addition, the present teachings also provide a delivery system for implanting such a device approximately to or at the pulmonary valve.

Abstract: A prosthetic valve including a replacement valve having a tubular valve body wall, an expandable stent having a framework with first and second ends, and suturing holding the framework to the valve body at the first and second ends. The suturing at the first end is colored differently from the suturing at the second end.

Abstract: A transcatheter valve having an expandable frame and a collapsible multi-portion skirt within the frame are provided with seams between the portions of the skirt that are located to cooperate with features of the frame and thereby reduce the exposure of the seams.

Abstract: A loading tool for withdrawing, crimping, and loading a stent-mounted valve into a delivery catheter, and for pushing the stent-mounted valve from the delivery catheter into a native heart valve orifice. The loading tool comprises at least one connector adapted for being removably connected to the stent of the stent-mounted valve. A crimping tool having a generally converging shape is adapted for use with the loading tool. Following connection of the loading tool to the stent-mounted valve, the loading tool operates to allow the stent-mounted valve to be drawn through the crimping tool, and loaded, in a crimped state, into a delivery catheter. Also disclosed is a kit of the various components for effecting the delivery of the stent-mounted valve and a method for withdrawing, crimping, and loading a stent-mounted valve from a storage container into a delivery catheter for the performance of a transcatheter valve implantation procedure.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for use with a prosthetic valve for implantation at a native valve of a subject, the native valve including at least one native leaflet, the apparatus including (1) a prosthetic valve support, including (a) an upstream support portion, being configured to be placed against an upstream side of the native valve, and having an inner perimeter that defines an opening that is configured to receive the prosthetic valve, and (b) at least one clip (i) comprising at least two clip arms and a clip-controller interface, the clip-controller interface being coupled to at least one of the clip arms, and (ii) being configured to be coupled to a native leaflet of the native valve; and (2) at least one clip controller, reversibly couplable to the clip-controller interface, and configured to facilitate opening and closing of the clip. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A medical device for treating a heart valve insufficiency, with an endoprosthesis which can be introduced into a patient's body and expanded to secure a heart valve prosthesis in the patient's aorta. In an embodiment, the endoprosthesis has at plurality of positioning arches configured to be positioned with respect to a patient's aorta and a plurality of retaining arches to support a heart valve prosthesis. The endoprosthesis includes a first collapsed mode during the process of introducing it into the patient's body and a second expanded mode when it is implanted.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention includes a sewing cuff for aortic heart valves that better approximates native anatomy by better mating with the crown-like anatomical annulus. Limiting distortion of the crown-like annulus provides better blood flow and overall valve function and provides a physician greater ease of implantation since native anatomy is not flattened. Thus, the surgeon may attach sutures to the fibrous tissue of the crown-like anatomical annulus without distorting the shape of the native anatomy. An embodiment includes a scalloped sewing cuff assembly (with semilunar arches) that tracks the crown-like annulus. Another embodiment provides a sewing cuff positioned over the majority of the valve's length, thus allowing the surgeon greater flexibility as to where he or she can attach sutures to the surgical annulus. Conventional valves, which are primarily “low-profile” devices, do not offer such ability. Other embodiments are described herein.

Abstract: A heart valve assembly includes an annular prosthesis and a plurality of guide shields removably attached around a circumference of the annular prosthesis. A plurality of elongate guide rails extend from the annular prosthesis, which are releasably retained by the guide shields. During use, the annular prosthesis is directed into a biological annulus, e.g., with the guide rails retained by the guide shields, and secured to tissue surrounding the biological annulus using fasteners. The guide rails are released from the guide shields, and a valve prosthesis is advanced over the leaders and through a passage defined by the guide shields towards the annular prosthesis. The guide rails may include retentions elements that secure the valve prosthesis to the annular prosthesis. The guide shields are removed from the annular prosthesis, the guide rails are separated from the annular prosthesis, and are removed from the biological annulus.

Abstract: Prosthetic heart valves, which are collapsible to a relatively small circumferential size for less invasive delivery into a patient and which then re-expand to operating size at an implant site in the patient, include a collapsible/expandable stent-like supporting structure and various components of flexible, sheet-like material that are attached to the supporting structure. For example, these sheet-like other components may include prosthetic valve leaflets, layers of buffering material, cuff material, etc. Improved structures and techniques are provided for securing such other components to the stent-like supporting structure of the valve.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve having a stent, a plurality of leaflets positioned within the stent, and a suspension assembly coupled to the leaflets and the stent. The suspension assembly includes a central support structure that is spaced from the plurality of leaflets in the direction of blood flow. A plurality of elongate suspension members are secured to the central support structure, and at least one elongate suspension member is secured to each leaflet of the valve, thereby providing mechanical reinforcement for the leaflets.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve includes a valve assembly mounted to an expandable stent. The prosthetic heart valve includes a cuff coupled to the stent. The cuff includes a pocket formed between an outer side and an inner side of the cuff. The pocket includes a plurality of biocompatible and irreversibly expandable microspheres. After implantation of the prosthetic heart valve into a patient, any gaps existing between the cuff and the native heart valve are exposed to bodily fluid, such as blood. The blood enters the pocket of the cuff through pores in the outer side of the cuff. The blood interacts with the microspheres, causing irreversible expansion of the microspheres. The microspheres expand to fill any gaps between the prosthetic heart valve and the native heart tissue, sealing the gaps and preventing leakage through the gaps.

Abstract: A dual valve prosthesis having first and second prosthetic valve components with a linkage that connects the first and second prosthetic valve components together is disclosed. Each of the first and second prosthetic valve components includes a stent structure with a prosthetic valve secured therein. In a disclosed method, the first and second prosthetic valve components include prosthetic mitral and aortic valves, respectively, and the dual heart valve prosthesis is configured to replace both the native mitral and aortic valves of the heart in a single transcatheter heart valve implantation procedure. The linkage between the first and second prosthetic valve components is configured to secure the anterior mitral valve leaflet against a wall of the left ventricle when the dual valve prosthesis is implanted within the heart.