Patent ID: 7556647
Filing Date: 2009-07-07
Classification: A61B,A61F,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A method for attaching a heart valve prosthesis to a tissue annulus using an attachment device comprising a base and a pair of legs extending from the legs, the attachment device being elastically movable from a relaxed state wherein the legs cross one another and a delivery state wherein the legs extend substantially parallel with one another, the method comprising: loading the attachment device into a tool with the attachment device in the relaxed state; securing the heart valve prosthesis to the tissue annulus using the attachment device while applying a force using the tool to place the attachment device in the delivery state; and releasing the attachment device from the tool such that the attachment device returns towards the relaxed state such that the legs cross one another, wherein the heart valve prosthesis comprises a first prosthesis and a second prosthesis, and wherein securing the heart valve prosthesis to the tissue annulus comprises: securing the first prosthesis to a tissue annulus by inserting a plurality of attachment devices through the first prosthesis; and thereafter placing the second prosthesis, and wherein each attachment device is delivered by: