Abstract: A device for regulating blood pressure between a patient's left atrium and right atrium comprises an hourglass-shaped stent comprising a neck region and first and second flared end regions, the neck region disposed between the first and second end regions and configured to engage the fossa ovalis of the patient's atrial septum; and a one-way tissue valve coupled to the first flared end region and configured to shunt blood from the left atrium to the right atrium when blood pressure in the left atrium exceeds blood pressure in the right atrium. The inventive device may include a biodegradable material that biodegrades to offset flow changes caused by tissue ingrowth. The inventive device may reduce left atrial pressure and left ventricular end diastolic pressure, and may increase cardiac output, increase ejection fraction, relieve pulmonary congestion, and lower pulmonary artery pressure, among other benefits.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve implantable by catheter without surgery includes a substantially “dry” membrane or tissue material. In at least one embodiment, the tissue is folded in a dry state to form a tissue leaflet assembly that is then attached to a frame to form an implantable prosthetic heart valve. Alternatively, one or more tissue leaflets are operatively associated with a frame to form an implantable prosthetic heart valve. The implantable prosthetic heart valve is subsequently pre-mounted on an integrated catheter delivery system. The catheter delivery system that includes the implantable prosthetic heart valve is then packaged and transported while the tissue remains dry. The implantable prosthetic heart valve, while remaining substantially dry, can then be implanted into the receiving patient.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve has an annular valve-perimeter-shape-defining structure having a radially outer surface. A clip structure is provided on the outer surface. This clip structure is used to attach flexible valve leaflets to the shape-defining structure. One or more retainer members may be used to help hold the leaflets in the clip structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus for methods for endovascularly replacing a patient's heart valve. The apparatus includes an expandable anchor with leaflet engagement elements on the proximal end of the anchor and a replacement valve. The leaflet engagement elements can be used to prevent distal migration and insure proper positioning of the apparatus.

Abstract: A thin, biocompatible, high-strength, composite material is disclosed that is suitable for use in various implanted configurations. The composite material maintains flexibility in high-cycle flexural applications, making it particularly applicable to high-flex implants such as heart pacing lead or heart valve leaflet. The composite material includes at least one porous expanded fluoropolymer layer and an elastomer substantially filling substantially all of the pores of the porous expanded fluoropolymer.

Abstract: An invasive cardiac valve comprises a tubular stent (1) and a valve (2). One end of the tubular stent (1) is of a frusto-conical structure, the other end is wide open, and the diameter of the open end is greater than the diameter of the frusto-conical end. The valve (2) is attached to the frusto-conical end of the tubular stent (1); and a delivery and retrieval hole (4) of the cardiac valve is provided at the top of the open end of the tubular stent (1). Because the diameter of the open end is greater than the diameter of the frusto-conical end, the cardiac valve can be effectively fixed in a position of aortic annulus to prevent the cardiac valve displacement caused by the impact of the blood flow. Because the valve (2) is attached to the frusto-conical end of the tubular stent (1), the valve (2) can totally avoid the left and right coronary ostia and does not affect the haemodynamics of the coronary artery.

Abstract: A heart valve assembly includes a prosthesis and a prosthetic valve to replace a preexisting natural or prosthetic heart valve within a biological annulus. The prosthesis includes an annular member, a flexible core at least partially defining a sewing cuff extending radially outwardly from the annular member, a rail ring disposed between the flexible core and the annular member, and a plurality of guide rails extending from the rail ring through respective openings in the flexible core. A fabric covering covers the prosthesis, and the guide rails extend through respective openings in the fabric covering. The prosthetic valve includes a frame including receptacles for receiving respective guide rails. After implanting the prosthesis within a biological annulus, the prosthetic valve is advanced along the guide rails until retention elements on the guide rails engage the receptacles to secure the prosthetic valve relative to the prosthesis.

Abstract: Prosthetic valves, methods of making medical devices, and methods of treatment are provided. The prosthetic valves of the invention have a valve portion moveable between first and second positions, and a spacing member that has a thickness and protects a portion of the valve portion from contact with a wall of a vessel in which the prosthetic valve is implanted, and/or another structural component of the prosthetic valve, such as a support frame.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to support frames for prosthetic implantable valves. The support frames may include a plurality of symmetrically arrayed interconnected U-shaped member structures. Preferred support frames are tubular structures enclosing a longitudinal axis and including a plurality of U-shaped member structures facing a distal or a proximal end of the support frame. Each U-shaped member structure may be connected to a single longitudinally adjacent U-shaped member facing in an opposite longitudinal direction, as well as two laterally adjacent U-shaped members.

Abstract: A prosthetic tissue valve for aortic, pulmonary, mitral or tricuspid valve replacement is described herein. A sewing ring for use with the prosthetic tissue valve is also described. The valve can have a circumference that is a predetermined distance larger than the circumference of an annulus in a defective valve. The valve can be substantially planar in an unstressed position before attachment at the annulus and substantially non-planar upon attachment in a biased position at the annulus. Methods are provided for placing the valve as described herein in the biased position within the annulus of the defective valve.

Abstract: A prosthetic tissue valve for aortic, pulmonary, mitral or tricuspid valve replacement is described herein. A sewing ring for use with the prosthetic tissue valve is also described. The valve can have a circumference that is a predetermined distance larger than the circumference of an annulus in a defective valve. The valve can be substantially planar in an unstressed position before attachment at the annulus and substantially non-planar upon attachment in a biased position at the annulus. Methods are provided for placing the valve as described herein in the biased position within the annulus of the defective valve.

Abstract: An improved holder and storage system for a tissue-type prosthetic mitral heart valve that constricts the commissure posts of the valve and prevents suture looping. A rod axially movable relative to the holder tensions lengths of attachment sutures that extend between the commissure post tips to create a tent and flex the tips inward, thus helping to prevent looping of any of an array of pre-implanted sutures around the leading tips during delivery of the valve. The holder has a safety mechanism that prevents valve delivery before the rod is deployed. One embodiment automatically deploys the rod upon opening a storage jar. One embodiment permits a delivery handle to directly deploy the rod, while another uses a separate worm screw and coupling. A holder clip that attaches to a packaging sleeve may be formed of flexible members meshed together from which the heart valve and holder are easily pulled free to eliminate a step of decoupling the clip from the sleeve.

Abstract: A heart valve prosthesis that can be quickly and easily implanted during a surgical procedure is provided. The prosthetic valve has a base stent that is deployed at a treatment site, and a valve component configured to quickly connect to the base stent. The base stent may take the form of a self- or balloon-expandable stent that expands outward against the native valve with or without leaflet excision. The valve component has a non-expandable prosthetic valve and a self- or balloon-expandable coupling stent for attachment to the base stent, thereby fixing the position of the valve component relative to the base stent. The prosthetic valve may be a commercially available to valve with a sewing ring and the coupling stent attaches to the sewing ring. The system is particularly suited for rapid deployment of heart valves in a conventional open-heart surgical environment. A catheter-based system and method for deployment is provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a prosthetic valve for regulating flow through a body lumen and delivering a therapeutic agent into said lumen. In one embodiment, the prosthesis includes a frame having an exterior wall, a hollow interior space, a valve member, and at least one aperture through the exterior wall that permits a controlled amount of therapeutic agent loaded into the hollow interior into the surrounding body lumen following implantation. In another embodiment, the prosthesis includes a frame having a groove, a valve member, and therapeutic agent loaded in the groove.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to improved capabilities for stabilizing and regulating atrial pressure with a shunt in the atrial septum or a stent in the coronary sinus. The disclosure also includes sensing, monitoring, drug therapy and control capabilities to provide improved treatment of patients with heart disease and other cardiac related conditions.

Abstract: A prosthetic tissue valve for aortic, pulmonary, mitral or tricuspid valve replacement is described herein. A sewing ring for use with the prosthetic tissue valve is also described. The valve can have a circumference that is a predetermined distance larger than the circumference of an annulus in a defective valve. The valve can be substantially planar in an unstressed position before attachment at the annulus and substantially non-planar upon attachment in a biased position at the annulus. Methods are provided for placing the valve as described herein in the biased position within the annulus of the defective valve.

Abstract: Methods and systems for endovascular, endocardiac, or endoluminal approaches to a patient's heart to perform surgical procedures that may be performed or used without requiring extracorporeal cardiopulmonary bypass. Furthermore, these procedures can be performed through a relatively small number of small incisions. These procedures may illustratively include heart valve implantation, heart valve repair, resection of a diseased heart valve, replacement of a heart valve, repair of a ventricular aneurysm, repair of an arrhythmia, repair of an aortic dissection, etc. Such minimally invasive procedures are preferably performed transapically (i.e., through the heart muscle at its left or right ventricular apex).

Abstract: A method of implanting a prosthetic mitral valve assembly is disclosed. The prosthetic mitral valve assembly includes a stent and valve combination. The prosthetic mitral valve assembly is provided with an anchoring portion adapted to be positioned in the left atrium. In one embodiment, the anchoring portion includes at least one anchoring arm sized for placement in a pulmonary vein. The stent is radially expandable so that it can expand into position against the walls of the left atrium and accommodate a wide range of anatomies. Contact between the stent and the native tissue in the left atrium reduces paravalvular leakage and prevents migration of the stent once in place.

Abstract: A method of delivering a replacement prosthetic valve to a previously implanted prosthetic valve including the steps of compressing a replacement prosthetic valve having an expandable stent within a sheath of a delivery system, wherein the delivery system comprises a proximal end, a distal end, and a centering structure positioned between the proximal and distal ends, advancing the delivery system and compressed replacement prosthetic valve into a vessel of a patient until the distal end of the delivery system is positioned adjacent to a second side of a previously implanted prosthetic valve, deploying the centering structure to radially reposition the distal end of the delivery system, further advancing the delivery system toward the previously implanted prosthetic valve, and deploying the replacement prosthetic valve.

Abstract: A venous valve-with a structural member and valve leaflets that provide a sinus.

Abstract: A device and method for improving flow through a native blood vessel valve, such as the aortic valve, are provided. The present invention allows a miniature valve to be implanted into affected leaflets percutaneously, obviating the need for coronary bypass surgery. The method includes the cutting of small holes, on the order of 4 mm, in the leaflets of a targeted valve, thereby allowing blood to flow through the newly formed holes. The holes are used as attachment sites for the miniature valves of the present invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical valve implant (10a-d), in particular a heart valve implant (12a-d), for implantation in an animal body and/or human body, comprising a support frame (14a-d) which has at least one wall (16a-d). It is provided that one region (18a-d) of the at least one wall (16a-d) of the support frame (14a-d) is curable.

Abstract: An endoluminal support structure includes strut members interconnected by swivel joints to form a series of linked scissor mechanisms. The structure can be remotely actuated to compress or expand its shape by adjusting the scissor joints within a range of motion. In particular, the support structure can be repositioned within the body lumen or retrieved from the lumen. The support structure can be employed to introduce and support a prosthetic valve within a body lumen.

Abstract: A heart valve prosthesis is provided having a self-expanding multi-level frame that supports a valve body comprising a skirt and plurality of coapting leaflets. The frame transitions between a contracted delivery configuration that enables percutaneous transluminal delivery, and an expanded deployed configuration having an asymmetric hourglass shape. The valve body skirt and leaflets are constructed so that the center of coaptation may be selected to reduce horizontal forces applied to the commissures of the valve, and to efficiently distribute and transmit forces along the leaflets and to the frame. Alternatively, the valve body may be used as a surgically implantable replacement valve prosthesis.

Abstract: A cardiac valve prosthesis includes a frame and a set of prosthetic valve leaflets supported by the frame. The frame defines a principal axis of the cardiac valve prosthesis and includes first and second annular elements expandable from a radially contracted state to a radially expanded state, a plurality of valve supports supporting the leaflets, and a plurality of connecting members. The valve supports are angularly spaced from one another about the principal axis of the cardiac valve prosthesis, and the connecting members extend between and connect the first and second annular elements. When the annular elements are in the radially expanded state each of the connecting members arches radially outward with respect to the annular elements and is configured to project into one of the Valsalva sinuses when implanted. The connecting members are angularly spaced from the valve supports about the principal axis.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a prosthetic check valve is disclosed with leaflets cut from filtration screen material with uniform pore size having openings with a dimension inclusively between fifteen and sixty microns. The screen material is made from biocompatible material, such as polyester or polypropylene. One or more outer edges of the leaflet are fused or sealed to prevent fraying of the material and to form a more non-thrombogenic surface. The prosthetic check valve includes a supporting structure to which the leaflets may couple. Prosthetic check valves assembled with the leaflets can be collapsed to a diameter of less than or equal to twenty-nine french (29 f), sterilized, and stored in a collapsed state. The collapsed valve can be implanted without prior rinsing to remove sterilant.

Abstract: A heart valve assembly includes a prosthesis for receiving a prosthetic valve to replace a preexisting natural or prosthetic heart valve within a biological annulus adjacent a sinus cavity. The prosthesis includes an annular member implantable within the biological annulus for contacting tissue surrounding the biological annulus to provide an opening through the biological annulus, a collar extending upwardly from the annular member, and a sewing cuff extending radially outwardly from the annular member and/or collar. Optionally, the annular member and/or collar may be resiliently compressible, expandable, and/or otherwise biased. A valve member, e.g., a mechanical or bioprosthetic valve may be coupled to the collar, e.g., using a drawstring, sutures, or other connectors, to secure the valve member to the gasket member.

Abstract: A valve for use in a body lumen, where the valve includes a valve leaflet with delayed leaflet deployment relative an in vivo implant time. The valve includes a valve frame, a valve leaflet coupled to the valve frame. The valve leaflet includes a commissure that can reversibly seal for unidirectional flow of a liquid through the valve, and a biodegradable adhesive between the valve leaflet and the valve frame to hold at least the commissure of the valve leaflet in a static relationship relative the valve frame for a predetermined time once implanted in vivo.

Abstract: A valve retainer is connected to an elongate delivery member. The valve retainer is configured to releasably secure a prosthesis (e.g., a heart valve prosthesis) to the delivery member during delivery to a target site in a body (e.g., a native valve annulus). The valve retainer includes a rotational identifier that identifies the rotational orientation of the valve retainer when the valve retainer is positioned proximate to the target site. A heart valve prosthesis can include a commissural post that has a predetermined rotational position relative to the rotational identifier, such that the heart valve prosthesis can be rotationally aligned with the native commissures of the native valve by rotating the delivery member and the valve retainer until the commissural post is aligned with a native valve commissure and the rotational identifier is visible.

Abstract: In one aspect the invention provides a bioreactor system for the production of tissue prostheses. The system includes a bioreactor, a culture medium reservoir coupled to the bioreactor by a first conduit and a second conduit, a pump operable to pump fluid into and draw fluid out of a pumping chamber defined in the bioreactor to generate a pulsatile flow of culture medium through the reservoir and bioreactor via said first and second conduits, one or more flow meters operable to generate flow rate signals representative of the rate of culture medium flow through one or both of said first and second conduits, and a controller arranged to receive said flow rate signals from said one or more flow meters and to control the pump means in response to said received flow rate signals to provide a desired rate of culture medium flow.

Abstract: Apparatus for endovascularly replacing a patient's heart valve, including: a replacement valve adapted to be delivered endovascularly to a vicinity of the heart valve; an expandable anchor adapted to be delivered endovascularly to the vicinity of the heart valve; and a lock mechanism configured to maintain a minimum amount of anchor expansion. The invention also includes a method for endovascularly replacing a patient's heart valve. In some embodiments the method includes the steps of: endovascularly delivering a replacement valve and an expandable anchor to a vicinity of the heart valve; expanding the anchor to a deployed configuration; and locking the anchor in the deployed configuration.

Abstract: Embodiments of a radially collapsible and expandable prosthetic heart valve are disclosed. A valve frame can have a tapered profile when mounted on a delivery shaft, with an inflow end portion having a smaller diameter than an outflow end portion. The valve can comprise generally V-shaped leaflets, reducing material within the inflow end of the frame. An outer skirt can be secured to the outside of the inflow end portion of the frame, the outer skirt having longitudinal slack when the valve is expanded and lying flat against the frame when the valve is collapsed. A diagonally woven inner skirt can elongate axially with the frame. Side tabs of adjacent leaflets can extend through and be secured to window frame portions of the frame to form commissures. The window frame portions can be depressed radially inward relative to surrounding frame portions when the valve is crimped onto a delivery shaft.

Abstract: An anatomically approximate prosthetic heart valve includes dissimilar flexible leaflets, dissimilar commissures and/or a non-circular flow orifice. The heart valve may be implanted in the mitral position and have one larger leaflet oriented along the anterior aspect so as to mimic the natural anterior leaflet. Two other smaller leaflets extend around the posterior aspect of the valve. A basic structure providing peripheral support for the leaflets includes two taller commissures on both sides of the larger leaflet, with a third, smaller commissure between the other two leaflets. The larger leaflet may be thicker and/or stronger than the other two leaflets. The base structure defines a flow orifice intended to simulate the shape of the mitral annulus during the systolic phase.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides an implantable valve prosthesis. The valve prosthesis includes a frame defining a lumen extending between a proximal frame end and a distal frame end along a longitudinal axis, and a first valve leaflet positioned within the lumen and having a distal edge attached to the frame and a proximal edge free of the frame. The first valve leaflet comprises a first and a second slit extend distally from the proximal edge and defining a free portion of the first valve leaflet between the first and second slits. The first valve leaflet is movable between a first position that allows fluid flow in a first, antegrade, direction and a second position that restricts flow in a second, retrograde direction.

Abstract: This implant comprises an endoprosthesis having an axis which can be spontaneously deployed in a radial manner between a compressed configuration and a dilated configuration. The implant comprises at least one radial runner which comprises a separation surface which extends radially with respect to an outer surface of the endoprosthesis and a member which can be deployed away from the axis. The runner is arranged so as to delimit a confinement housing which extends between the separation surface and the outer surface and a radial spacer which is defined by the separation surface and the deployable member. When the implant is retained in a state of radial compression, the maximum radial width of the housing is less than the maximum radial width of the spacer which is not equal to zero.

Abstract: A heart valve prosthesis (100) comprises a housing component (110) and a valve component (130). The housing component (110) comprises a housing body (111) having a housing passage (112) extending therethrough. The housing body (111) is configured to be located in, or adjacent to and communicating with, a native valve orifice (16) of a heart (10) and to engage structure of the heart (10) to fix the housing body (111) in relation to the valve orifice (161). The housing component (111) is collapsible for delivery via catheter (2). The valve component (130) comprises a valve body (131) having a valve passage (132) extending therethrough. The valve body (131) is configured to be fixed within the housing passage (112) with the valve passage (132) extending along the housing passage (112).

Abstract: A heart valve prosthesis configured for placement at a mitral valve in the heart is disclosed that includes a stent-like support structure for supporting a prosthetic mitral valve. The support structure is configured to have a low ventricular profile with only a short length thereof protruding into the left ventricle when deployed in vivo. The support structure includes an upstream section that is outwardly expandable to sit against the atrial wall so as to at least partially anchor the prosthesis therein and a downstream section to which the prosthetic mitral valve is coupled that extends between the left atria and ventricle through the native mitral valve. The low-ventricular profile of the prosthesis is achieved by shaping the support structure such that the downstream section extends within and overlaps with the upstream section at given regions around the circumference of the support structure in an expanded configuration.

Abstract: A device and method for controlling commissural tip deflection of a prosthetic valve, thereby both preventing failure due to repeated movement and/or uneven loading of the commissural points and also improving coaptation of the valve leaflets, including connecting reinforcing material between the commissural points so a spring-like span is created across the points. The spanning material may be in the form of a ring that is lashed, sewn or otherwise connected to the commissural points. The reinforcing material may form curved segments between the commissural points that extend outwardly to form sinuses behind the leaflets of the prosthetic valve. The reinforcing material may also extend in an upstream direction to avoid interfering with blood flowing out of the prosthetic valve.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for endovascularly replacing a patient's heart valve. The apparatus includes a replacement valve and an anchor having an expandable braid. In some embodiments, the expandable braid is fabricated from a single strand of wire. In some embodiments, the expandable braid comprises at least one turn feature. The anchor and the valve preferably are configured for endovascular delivery and deployment.

Abstract: A prosthetic valve assembly for use in replacing a deficient native valve comprises a replacement valve supported on an expandable valve support. If desired, one or more anchors may be used. The valve support, which entirely supports the valve annulus, valve leaflets, and valve commissure points, is configured to be collapsible for transluminal delivery and expandable to contact the anatomical annulus of the native valve when the assembly is properly positioned. Portions of the valve support may expand to a preset diameter to maintain coaptivity of the replacement valve and to prevent occlusion of the coronary ostia. A radial restraint, comprising a wire, thread or cuff, may be used to ensure expansion does not exceed the preset diameter.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve includes a stent having an expanded condition and a collapsed condition. The stent includes a plurality of distal cells, a plurality of proximal cells, a plurality of support struts coupling the proximal cells to the distal cells, and at least one support post connected to a plurality of proximal cells. The proximal cells are longitudinally spaced apart from the distal cells. Various strut configurations and connections of the struts to the proximal cells and of the proximal cells to the support post improve stent flexibility and reduce stress in the valve leaflets.

Abstract: A prosthetic valve implantable by catheter without surgery includes a frame with an abluminal surface extending between a proximal end of the frame and a distal end of the frame, and a single layer of a biocompatible membrane material mounted to the abluminal surface of the frame. The single layer of biocompatible membrane is located such that an interior surface of the membrane sheet extends between the proximal end of the frame and the distal end of the frame, and resides radially exterior the abluminal surface of the frame. In at least one embodiment, the disposition of membrane sheet at all points of attachment is entirely exterior/abluminal to the frame, such that no part of the abluminal surface of the membrane sheet contacts the frame.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve includes a stent having a collapsed condition and an expanded condition. The stent includes a plurality of cells, each cell being formed by a plurality of struts, and a plurality of commissure features. The heart valve further includes a valve assembly secured to the stent and including a cuff and a plurality of leaflets, each leaflet being attached to adjacent commissure features and to the stent struts and/or the cuff.

Abstract: A valve for use in a body lumen, where the valve includes a valve leaflet with delayed leaflet deployment relative an in vivo implant time. The valve includes a valve frame, a valve leaflet coupled to the valve frame. The valve leaflet includes a commissure that can reversibly seal for unidirectional flow of a liquid through the valve, and a biodegradable adhesive between the valve leaflet and the valve frame to hold at least the commissure of the valve leaflet in a static relationship relative the valve frame for a predetermined time once implanted in vivo.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided that includes a valve prosthesis for attachment to a native valve complex of a subject. The prosthesis is configured to assume a compressed delivery state and an uncompressed implantation state. The prosthesis includes a support frame, which is shaped so as to define an upstream inlet having upstream-most portions that are tapered in an upstream direction toward a central longitudinal axis of the prosthesis when the prosthesis assumes the compressed delivery state. The prosthesis further includes a flexible prosthetic heart valve component, coupled to the support frame. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A venous valve with a tubular frame that includes an outer surface and an inner surface opposite the outer surface and defining a lumen, and a cover over at least the outer surface of the tubular frame, where the cover includes surfaces defining a reversibly sealable opening for unidirectional flow of a liquid through the lumen. A system with the venous valve and a catheter including a proximal end and a distal end, the venous valve located between the proximal end and distal end of the catheter. A method including forming the venous valve and reversibly joining the venous valve and a catheter. A method including positioning at least part of the catheter including the venous valve at a predetermined location and deploying the venous valve from the catheter at the predetermined location.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an implantable prosthetic valve includes a body that defines an inlet end and an inlet orifice, the body being constructed of a flexible biocompatible material, an outlet that extends from the body and that defines an outlet end and an outlet orifice, the outlet being constructed of a flexible biocompatible material, and an inner passage that extends through the body and the outlet from the inlet orifice to the outlet orifice to enable fluid to flow through the valve, wherein the outlet orifice is open when the valve is in its natural unloaded state and is closed when fluid pressure is applied to the outlet from a position downstream of the outlet.

Abstract: A medical valve implant (10a, 10b) for implantation in an animal body and/or human body, comprising a base body (12a, 12b) that includes a collar (16a, 16b) extending in circumferential direction (14a, 14b), wherein the collar (16a, 16b) includes at least one first cell structure (18a, 18b) which is provided to form, in the intended end state, an intended inner cross section (24a, 24b) of base body (12a, 12b) that is matched to an intended outer cross section (20a, 20b) of an implant structure (22a, 22b).

Abstract: A cardiac-valve prosthesis is adapted for percutaneous implantation. The prosthesis includes an armature adapted for deployment in a radially expanded implantation position, the armature including a support portion and an anchor portion, which are substantially axially coextensive with respect to one another. A set of leaflets is coupled to the support portion. The leaflets can be deployed with the armature in the implantation position. The leaflets define, in the implantation position, a flow duct that is selectably obstructable. The anchor portion can be deployed to enable anchorage of the cardiac-valve prosthesis at an implantation site.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for endovascularly replacing a patient's heart valve. The apparatus includes a replacement valve and an anchor having an expandable braid. In some embodiments, the expandable braid is fabricated from a single strand of wire. In some embodiments, the expandable braid comprises at least one turn feature. The anchor and the valve preferably are configured for endovascular delivery and deployment.