Patent ID: 8246678
Filing Date: 2012-08-21
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for replacing a heart valve, comprising: an expandable, braided anchor and a replacement heart valve secured to the expandable, braided anchor, and a deployment system; wherein the expandable, braided anchor has a delivery configuration within a delivery device, a partially-deployed self-expanded configuration, and a fully deployed configuration, wherein the expandable, braided anchor comprises a distal lock element disposed on a distal region of the expandable, braided anchor and a proximal lock element disposed on a proximal region of the expandable, braided anchor, wherein the deployment system is reversibly coupled to the expandable, braided anchor; and wherein the distal lock element and the proximal lock element are adapted to engage one another in the fully deployed configuration to lock the expandable, braided anchor in the fully deployed configuration, the distal lock element and the proximal lock element disengaged from one another when the expandable, braided anchor is in the delivery configuration.