Patent ID: 8070799
Filing Date: 2011-12-06
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
1. A minimally-invasive method of implanting an expandable cardiac valve prosthesis including an annular inflow portion, an annular outflow portion, and an anchoring formation connecting the inflow portion to the outflow portion, at an implantation site having an annulus, the method comprising: positioning the cardiac valve prosthesis in a deployment instrument including first and second independently operable deployment elements, such that the annular inflow portion is located within the first element and the annular outflow portion is located within the second element and the anchoring formation protrudes radially outward beyond each of an inflow portion and an outflow portion, wherein the deployment instrument is configured to prevent axial movement of annular outflow portion when radially constrained; advancing the deployment instrument to the implantation site; manipulating the deployment instrument to align the anchoring formation with a corresponding sinus associated with the implantation site; actuating the first deployment element in a distal direction to allow the inflow portion of the prosthesis to expand and engage the annulus; and actuating the second element in a proximal direction to allow the outflow portion of the prosthesis to expand and engage the implantation site at a location downstream of the sinus.